General
Small nation
The Principality of Liechtenstein is an open economy. With an area of 160.5 km2, it is the world's sixth-smallest state. Because of its limited domestic market, the Principality of Liechtenstein has close economic ties with Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
Capital
The capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein is Vaduz, with a population of 5207 (late 2010). Vaduz was never granted city privileges, so it is merely the capital, not the capital city. Vaduz is the seat of the government and of the Roman Catholic Archbishopric.
Municipalities
The Principality of Liechtenstein is composed of eleven municipalities.
Geographical location and topology
The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of the European Alps region. It borders on Austria and Switzerland. The Principality of Liechtenstein is Europe's fourth-smallest state. In the West and South, the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden are Liechtenstein's direct neighbors. Vorarlberg, a federal state of Austria, shares its border in the East and North. The largest distances are 24.8 km from North to South and 12.5 km from East to West. The highest point is the Grauspitz with 2599 meters asl, the lowest is the Ruggell moor at 430 meters asl.
Population
On June 30, 2012, the Principality of Liechtenstein had an overall population of 36,636. Foreigners make up one-third of the population, most of them from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.