Lichtenstein
Created | Updated Nov 25, 2008
Lichtenstein is one of only two countries, next to Uzebekistan, to be double land locked, i.e. it has no coast line because it is completely surounded by two countries. In this case Switzerland and Austria.
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.
It's geographic co-ordinates are 47 16 N, 9 32 E and has a total area of 160 km², all of which is land. It has a total of 76 km of border.
It's weather is continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers. It is mostly mountainous with the Rhine valley in western third. It's natural resources are hydroelectric potential and arable land.
It's capital is Vaduz, and the whole country is nine tenths the size of Washington DC. It is possible to rent out the whole of Lichtenstein for business conferances!
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.
It's geographic co-ordinates are 47 16 N, 9 32 E and has a total area of 160 km², all of which is land. It has a total of 76 km of border.
It's weather is continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers. It is mostly mountainous with the Rhine valley in western third. It's natural resources are hydroelectric potential and arable land.
It's capital is Vaduz, and the whole country is nine tenths the size of Washington DC. It is possible to rent out the whole of Lichtenstein for business conferances!
