Principality of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps, between Austria in the east and north and Switzerland in the west and south. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein of the House of Liechtenstein, currently led by Hans-Adam II. It is Europe’s fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of c.40,000. It is the world’s smallest country to border two countries, and is one of the few countries with no debt.

Liechtenstein is divided into 11 municipalities. Its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. It is not a member state of the European Union, but it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland, with its usage of the Swiss franc. Politically, a constitutional referendum in 2003 granted the monarch greater powers, after he threatened to leave the country should the referendum fail. These powers include being able to dismiss the government, nominate judges and veto legislation.

Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven, but the principality has since made significant efforts to shed this reputation. An Alpine country, Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination.

The Rhine at Vaduz – ©A Savin FAL Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps and is bordered to the east by the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, to the south by the canton of Grisons (Switzerland) and to the west by the canton of St. Gallen (Switzerland). The Rhine forms the entire western border of Liechtenstein. Measured south to north the country is about 24 km (15 miles) long. An inland canal connects to the Rhine.

Canal at Vaduz – ©Alexander Savin via Wikimedia Commons

Liechtenstein’s highest point, Grauspitz, is 8,527 feet. Despite its Alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate comparatively mild. In winter, the mountain slopes are well suited to winter sports. Its climate is continental, with cloudy and cold winters, with frequent rain and snowfall. Summers are cool to slightly warm, cloudy, and humid. The principality has orchards with leafy meadows and a long tradition of viticulture. Liechtenstein’s small land area hardly plays a role in climatic differences, but the vertical division into different altitudes is of great importance, so that significant climatic differences arise.

Steg Reservoir – ©Clemens v Vogelsang CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In winter the temperature rarely drops below −15 °C, while in summer the average temperatures range between 20 and 28 °C. Annual precipitation measurements amount to an average of about 35 to 47 inches. However, in the direct alpine region, precipitation is often up to 75 in. The average duration of sunshine is about 1600 hours per year.

Birding Liechtenstein

The Rhine is the longest and largest body of water in Liechtenstein. With a length of approximately 27 kilometres (17 miles) and is of great importance for Liechtenstein’s water supply. Furthermore, the Rhine is an important recreational area for the population. At 10 kilometres (6 mile), the Samina is the second-longest river in the Principality. This whitewater river begins at Triesenberg and flows into the Ill in Austria (near Feldkirch). The only naturally-formed lake is the Gampriner Seelein, which was only formed in 1927 by a flooding of the Rhine with enormous erosion. In addition, there are other artificially-created lakes, which are mainly used to generate electricity. One of them is the Steg Reservoir, the principality’s largest lake. About half of Liechtenstein’s territory is mountainous; in total, there are 32 mountains with an altitude of at least 6,600 feet. Moreover, 43% of the country is forest. Naturally, its main avian attractions are montane and sylvan species. Among montane species, mammals are represented by alpine ibex, chamois, and marmot and bird species include Golden Eagle, Wallcreeper, Ring Ouzel, Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor, etc. Its woodlands hold typical European sylvan species including Boreal Owl, up to nine woodpecker species, Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Collared Flycatcher and Crossbill.

The conservation and promotion of forest biodiversity rest on the three pillars of near-natural silviculture, forest reserves and special forest areas, as well as on small habitats worthy of protection. The use of pesticides and fertilizer is prohibited in the forest.

Ruggeller Riet – ©Plutowiki, CC0, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

The largest nature protection area in Liechtenstein is the Ruggeller Riet, which holds international importance as a breeding ground for numerous bird species. However, it also designates nature protection areas and forest protection areas. These areas cover a significant portion of the country’s territory and serve as vital habitats for diverse species.