Liechtenstein is a country in Western Europe bordering Austria and separated from Switzerland by the Rhine River. It is one of the smallest independent sovereign states of Europe, along with San Marino in Italy and Andorra in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. The entire country is only about 16 miles long and 4 miles wide and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA).Liechtenstein is divided into two traditionally distinct regions, the Upper and the Lower Country. The Western portion, the Lower Country, is the flat plain of the Rhine. Most of Liechtenstein, however, is the mountainous Upper Country, where the Alpine ranges run East - West.

The country maintains close relations with Switzerland, sharing customs, currency and postal systems. This practice has enabled Liechtenstein to share in Switzerland's prosperity and, along with Liechtenstein's own industrial development, gives its citizens one of the world's highest per capita incomes.The population is 90% Roman Catholic and almost the entire population lives in the communities near the Rhine, with 20% of the total in Vaduz, the capital and largest city.

Because of the employment opportunities in Liechtenstein, about one third of the population is composed of resident foreigners.Having a homogenous population, most of the residents speak Allemanish, a local dialect of German. English is also understood throughout the country.

The principality of Liechtenstein is a stable, constitutional, hereditary monarchy, with a modern economy and unicameral parliament. In 1969 the principality celebrated its 250th anniversary.

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