The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a tiny, doubly landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east. Mountainous, it is a winter sports resort, though it is perhaps best-known as a tax haven.
Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by the river. In its east, Liechtenstein rises to higher altitudes, its highest point, the Grauspitz, reaches 2,599 m (8,527 ft.). Despite its alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate of Liechtenstein rather mild. In winter, the mountain slopes are well suited to winter sports.
Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; i.e., a landlocked country surrounded by other landlocked countries. The other is Uzbekistan. It is the only country with a majority of German-speaking people that does not share a border with Germany (though there are substantial German-speaking minorities in Argentina, Brazil and Namibia).
There is about 250 km of paved roadway within Liechtenstein, and 9.5 km of railway. The country's rails are administered by the Austrian Federal Railways as part of the route between Feldkirch, Austria, and Buchs SG, Switzerland. Four stations in Liechtenstein, including Schaan-Vaduz, Forst Hilti, Nendeln, and Schaanwald, are served by an irregular stopping-train service running between Feldkirch and Buchs. While EuroCity and other long distance international trains also make use of the route, these do not call at Liechtenstein stations. Liechtenstein Bus is a subsidiary of the Swiss Postbus system, and connects to the Swiss bus network at Buchs SG and at Sargans.
Due to Liechtenstein's small size, the country has been strongly affected by external cultural influences, most notably those originating in the southern German-speaking areas of Europe, including Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, and the Tyrol. The Historical Society of the Principality of Liechtenstein plays a role in preserving the culture and history of the country.
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