System of State, Constitution
Liechtenstein is a constitutional, hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis. The power of State is embodied in the Reigning Prince and the People and is exercised by them in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution (article 2 of the Constitution of 1921).

Head of State
Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Court of Rietberg. Upon the death of his father, Prince Franz Josef II, Hereditary Prince Hans-Adam took over the regency on 13 November 1989.

On August 15th 2004 H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II entrusts his son H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois as his representative with the exercise of all sovereign rights pertaining to him, in accordance with the Liechtenstein Constitution.

Parliament
The Liechtenstein Parliament (Landtag) is composed of 25 representatives. It exercises its rights in the sessions of the Parliamentary Plenary. The Liechtenstein Parliament is small in an international comparison.

Government
According to the Constitution, the Government is a collegial body composed of the Prime Minister and four other Ministers. The Prime Minister and the other Ministers are appointed by the Reigning Prince on recommendation of the Liechtenstein Parliament.

Courts
Jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters is exercised in the first instance by the Court of Justice, in the second instance by the Court of Appeal, and in the third and last instance by the Supreme Court. The Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court are courts of public law. The courts sit in Vaduz.

Capital
Vaduz

Population
approx. 35'000 inhabitants (as of the end of 2007), of which 34% are foreigners,
mainly Swiss, Austrians; Italians and Germans

Language
Standard German is the official language; the colloquial language is an Alemannic dialect

National Day
15 August

Currency
Swiss franc
Euros are generally accepted

Area
160.0 square kilometers (Fourth-smallest state in Europe, after Vatican, Monaco and San Marino)

Geographical Data
Highest mountain:
Grauspitz, elevation 2599 meters

Lowest point:
Ruggeller Riet, elevation 430 meters

Greatest extension:
Length 24.8 km, width 12.5 km

Location
between 47° 16' 08''/47° 02' 58'' northern latitude
and 9° 28' 16'' /9° 38' 34 '' eastern longitude  

Neighboring States
Switzerland and Austria

National borders
Total of 77.9 km, of which 41.2 km are with Switzerland (canton of St. Gallen, canton of Graubünden) and 36.7 km with Austria (province of Vorarlberg)

Welcome to the Principality of
Liechtenstein

Laser show at the National Day
celebrations, 2003

Vaduz, with a car-free center, is
the capital of Liechtenstein

The Princely Family in the
courtyard of Vaduz Castle

The Government of
Liechtenstein: a collective
authority with a Prime Minister
and four additional Ministers
(picture: Government team
2009-2013)

Malbun is Liechtenstein’s
summer and winter sports
location at 1,600 meters elevation

With rich flora and fauna, the
valley area of Liechtenstein is
an inviting place to hike

Liechtenstein has a successful
and diverse economy