Driving Directions Liechtenstein
LIECHTENSTEIN is a small independent state sandwiched between Switzerland in the north, west, and south and Austria in the east. Liechtenstein is a hereditary, constitutional monarchy whose population shares many links with their near neighbours in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. German is the official language within the principality, but a dialect called Alemannish is also in everyday use.
Driving Directions
The upper reaches of the River Rhine flow along the western boundary of the principality, while to the east and south lie the foothills of the Austrian Alps, reaching heights over 2,438 meters or 8,000 feet. On the border with Switzerland, the highest peak is Grauspitz (2,599 meters or 8,527 feet).
Apart from the Rhine and its tributary streams, the second most important river is the Samina, which flows in a south-southeasterly direction from the mountains. The capital and principal town are Vaduz, situated in the west and center of the principality overlooking the River Rhine.
Liechtenstein’s small farmland, mainly located within the Rhine valley, and cereals, potatoes, vegetables, and grapes (for wine) are the main crops grown. Goats, sheep, and cattle are reared in small numbers and grazed traditionally in Alpine meadows in the summer. The mainstays of the highly prosperous economy are international banking and financial services, postage stamps, and tourism.
Many global businesses have set up companies in Liechtenstein because of extremely favorable tax regulations. Manufacturing has developed rapidly in the principality since the end of the Second World War, and goods include precision tools and instruments, foods, pharmaceuticals, metal goods, pottery, and furniture.
Google maps™ Liechtenstein
The western third of Liechtenstein lies on flat land in the Rhine River floodplain, which forms its western boundary. The eastern region consists of Alpine highlands. Liechtenstein is landlocked and has no major inland lakes.
Did you know about Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein is one of only two countries that are doubly landlocked (surrounded by other landlocked countries). The other is Uzbekistan.
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