Liechtenstein General Information Area: 160 sq km (61.8 sq miles). Population: 32,528 (2001). Population Density: 203.3 per sq km. Capital: Vaduz. Population: 5106 (1999). GEOGRAPHY: Liechtenstein shares borders with Austria and Switzerland and lies between the upper reaches of the Rhine Valley and the Austrian Alps. The principality is noted for its fine vineyards. Government: Imperial Principality with a hereditary constitutional monarchy. Principality established in 1719. Head of State: Prince Hans Adam II since 1989. Head of Government: Prime Minister Otmar Hasler since 2001. Language: German; a dialect of Alemannish is widely spoken. English is also spoken. Religion: Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are used. Communications:   Telephone Full IDD service. Country code: 423. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone GSM 900/1800 network. Handsets can be hired at the Telecom shop in Vaduz. Main network operators include Mobilkom (website: www.mobilkom.li), Tele2 (website: www.tele2.li), Telecom FL AG (website: www.telecom-fl.com) and Europlatform (website: www.europlatform.com). Fax Most hotels have facilities. Internet Internet access is available in phone booths operated by Swisscom. Charges are payable by phonecard or credit card. Public access is also available at the Telecom shop in Vaduz. ISPs include LIE-NET (website: www.lie-net.li). Telegram Telecommunications are available from post offices and hotels. Service is reliable and efficient. Post Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1345-1830, Sat 0800-1100, (Mon-Fri 0745-1800, Sat 0800-1100 in Vaduz). Post to European destinations takes three to four days. Press There are two daily newspapers, Liechtensteiner Vaterland and Liechtensteiner Volksblatt, and one weekly paper, Liechtensteiner Wochenzeitung. All are published in German. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.49 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa The passport and visa requirements for persons visiting Liechtenstein are the same as for Switzerland. For further details, see the Switzerland section. Money Currency: Swiss Franc (sfr) = 100 centimes. For further information on currency, currency exchange, credit cards, travellers cheques, exchange rates and currency restrictions, see the Switzerland section. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630. Duty Free The customs regulations for persons visiting Liechtenstein are the same as for Switzerland. For further details, see the Switzerland section. Public Holidays Nov 1 2002 All Saints’ Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 2 St Berchtold’s Day. Jan 6 Epiphany. Feb 2 Candlemas. Mar 4 Shrove Tuesday. Mar 19 Feast of St Joseph. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 29 Ascension. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Jun 19 Corpus Christi. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Nativity of Our Lady. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 2 St Berchtold’s Day. Jan 6 Epiphany. Feb 2 Candlemas. Feb 24 Shrove Tuesday. Mar 19 Feast of St Joseph. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 10 Corpus Christi. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Nativity of Our Lady. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A Other risks: Rabies is present in some animals although risk is rare. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Post-exposure treatment should be readily available. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: There is only one hospital in Liechtenstein, but the standard of medical facilities is very good. A reciprocal health agreement exists with the UK and other EEA member countries. To obtain emergency medical treatment, form E111 and a passport are required and a standard fee may be charged. Medical bills and form E111 should be sent to the National Office of the Economy for refunds. Dental treatment is not part of the state insurance scheme so must be paid for in full. All other international travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure. Travel - International AIR: The nearest international airport (and the most convenient for travel from the UK) is Zurich. For details of airlines serving the airport, see Switzerland section. Approximate flight times: From Zurich to London is 1 hour 30 minutes. International airports: Zurich (ZHR) (Kloten) (website: www.zurich-airport.com) is approximately 130km (81 miles) from Vaduz. Travel to Liechtenstein from Zurich can be continued by rail, bus or road. An autoroute connects the city with Liechtenstein (first exit: Balzers; further exits: Vaduz, Schaan, Bendern and Ruggell). Cars can be hired through agencies at the airport for this journey, and in Liechtenstein. Departure Tax: None. RAIL: The best rail access is via the Swiss border stations at Buchs (SG) or Sargans (easier and closer when coming from Zurich) or the Austrian station at Feldkirch. All are well served by express trains and connected with Vaduz by bus. From Buchs it takes only 15 minutes by bus or ten minutes by taxi. ROAD: An autoroute (N13) runs along Liechtenstein’s Rhine frontier to Lake Constance, Austria and Germany in the north, and southwards past Chur towards St Moritz. To the west, there are autoroutes to Zurich, Berne and Basel. Traffic drives on the right. Eurotunnel operates trains 24 hours per day through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in Kent (with direct access from the M20) and Calais in France, from where you can drive to Liechtenstein. For further information, see Travel - International in the France section or contact Eurotunnel Reservations (tel: (08705) 353 535; e-mail: callcentre@eurotunnel.com; website: www.eurotunnel.co.uk). Bus: Local buses operate between all 11 villages, and to the Liechtenstein alpine area. Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Vaduz to major cities in Europe. Road Rail Zurich 1.30 1.30 Geneva 4.00 5.00 Munich 3.00 4.30 Frankfurt/M 6.30 5.30 Milan 4.30 5.30 Paris 10.00 9.00 Accommodation HOTELS/GUEST-HOUSES: Until recently, with few notable exceptions, the best hotels (although none of deluxe standard) were in or near Vaduz, but new establishments have now been built along the Rhine Valley and in the mountains. There are 44 hotels and guest-houses in Liechtenstein, with approximately 1300 beds in total. Eight hotels have an indoor swimming pool. In the alpine region, there are around 40 chalets and other self-catering establishments. Around 165 establishments belong to Gastronomie Liechtenstein (website: www.hotels.li). INNS: A Liechtenstein speciality is the mountain inn. All are at least 1200m (4000ft) up, but easily accessible by car. They are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and clean air. Some of these inns have recently been enlarged and modernised. ALPINE HUTS: There are alpine huts at Gafadura, 1428m (4284ft) high, which accommodate 50, and at Bettlerjoch Pfälzer-Hütte, 2111m (6333ft) high, which accommodate 88. CAMPING: Campsites exist at Mittagspitze, FL-9495 Triesen (tel: 392 2311 or 392 3677; fax: 392 3680) and Bendern, FL-9487 Bendern. HOLIDAY APPARTMENTS/CHALETS: Contact the local tourist offices in Malbun, Triesenberg or Vaduz for information. YOUTH HOSTELS: Liechtenstein’s only youth hostel, Youth Hostel Schaan-Vaduz, is between Schaan and Vaduz, 500m (1640ft) away from the main road. It has sleeping accommodation for 110 in a variety of room sizes. Introduction The Principality of Liechtenstein covers both lowlands – including part of the fertile Rhine Valley and the steep western slope of the Three Sisters massif – and mountains. The latter are in the eastern part of the country and are accessible through three high valleys, the best known being that of Malbun, Liechtenstein’s premier ski resort (see below). In summer, hikers and ramblers may wish to explore Liechtenstein’s vineyards, forests and nature reserves. The principality’s mountains attract climbers of all abilities. For the less energetic, there are several tourist sites of interest. For further information about attractions within the country, contact Liechtenstein Tourismus (see Contact Addresses section). VADUZ: In the capital, Vaduz, the Postage Stamp Museum (Postal Museum), the National Library, the Ski Museum, and the National Museum (currently closed for renovation) are worth visiting. The new Liechtenstein Art Museum, open in November 2000 and housed in a specially designed building, contains the treasures of the Prince’s collection, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck, as well as modern art from the former Liechtenstein State Art Collection. Wine tasting groups of ten or more persons are welcome in the Prince’s Wine Cellars in Vaduz, subject to reservation (tel: 232 1018; fax: 233 1145; e-mail: office@hofkellerei.li; website: www.hofkellerei.li). A ‘City Train’ will take visitors around the sights on a 30-minute tour. ELSEWHERE: There are local museums in Triesenberg (the Walser Museum) and Schellenberg. Schaan is noted for its theatre, its Roman excavations, the St Maria zum Trost Chapel and DoMus – Museum and Gallery of the Community of Schaan. Also of interest are the Gutenberg Castle and St Peter’s Chapel at Balzers; the St Mamerten and Maria Chapels and the old part of the village in Triesen; the Chapel of St Joseph in Planken; the Roman excavations at Eschen-Nendeln; the parish churches in Mauren, Bendern and Ruggell; and the ruins of the upper and lower Burg Schellenberg. Resorts: The winter sports area is concentrated around Malbun at 1600m (5250ft) and Steg at 1300m (4250ft). At Malbun, there are two chair lifts, four ski lifts and a natural ice rink. Steg has become famous for its popular cross-country skiing loop with three distances – 4km (2.5 miles), 12km (7 miles), 12.5km (7.8 miles) – which is also equipped for use at night. Steg also has a ski lift and sledge-run. Sport & Activities Winter Sports: Like neighbouring Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein has excellent wintersports facilities (though on a comparatively small scale). The main ski resorts include Steg and Malbun (see also Resorts & Excursions section). Malbun is popular on the international skiing circuit for its varied facilities, and is a particularly good resort for beginners. Steg is renowned for excellent cross-country skiing. Other: In the summer, all the resorts are good starting points for walking tours. Gaflei at 1500m (4920ft) is the starting point for the Fürstensteig, a path along the high ridge dividing the Rhine and Samina valleys. Cycling is possible in the valleys and lower-lying areas, and there are 96km (56 miles) of cycling trails on both sides of the River Rhine. Mountain bikers may also use the hiking trails. Bicycles can be hired at cycling shops. Paragliding is gaining in popularity. Excursions can be arranged with specialist operators; contact the tourist board for further information. Bowling is a popular sport, catered for in several hotels. Social Profile Food & Drink: The cuisine is Swiss with Austrian overtones and there are a good number of restaurants. Liechtenstein specialities include Käseknöpfle, small dumplings with cheese. Some extremely good wines are produced in Liechtenstein, particularly Vaduzer (red wine). All internationally known beverages are obtainable. There are strict laws against drinking and driving. Nightlife: There are cinemas at Vaduz and Balzers. Dancing can be enjoyed at the Maschlina-Bar and the Escape in Triesen; Tiffany in Eschen; Derby in Schaanwald; and Pacha and Schlosshof at Balzers. Shopping: Prices and the range of goods are the same as Switzerland. Specialist buys include handmade ceramics, pottery and Liechtenstein postage stamps. Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1830, Sat 0800-1600. From April to October, souvenir stores in Vaduz are open Sunday and holidays. Special Events: For a full list of events, contact Liechtenstein Tourism or Switzerland Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). The following are a few of the events taking place in 2003: Mar 29 England vs Liechtenstein (Euro 2004 qualification football match), Rheinpark Stadium, Vaduz. May 16-17 56th Verbandsmusikfest (band music festival), Mauren. Jun 14-15 Verbandsfeuerwehrfest (band music festival for the fire brigade), Triesen. Jul 6-12 Liechtensteinische Gitarrentage (Liechtenstein Guitar Days), Eschen. Jul 7-16 Internationale Meisterkurse (International Master Classes), Vaduz. Social Conventions: Similar to northwest Europe. Regulations concerning smoking are becoming increasingly strict. Tipping: A service charge will be included in most bills. Business Profile Economy: The population of Liechtenstein is amongst the world’s most prosperous. Dairy and arable farming account for the bulk of agriculture. The manufacturing industry processes and recycles metals, producing machine tools and precision instruments. Financial services are the main component of the economy: over 75,000 foreign corporations have taken advantage of the principality’s banking secrecy laws to establish nominee companies which pay low taxes on both income and profits. Fees from these companies provide about one third of government revenues. Since the mid-1990s, Liechtenstein has come under sustained pressure to deal with money laundering and other financial malpractice. In April 2002, Liechtenstein was strongly condemned by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (the 24-strong club of industrialised nations) as one of seven countries worldwide which had refused to cooperate properly. This may yet have serious implications for the principality. With a very small domestic market, Liechtenstein has a large balance of payments surplus. The country has vital economic links with Switzerland, based upon a customs union, and uses the Swiss franc as currency. Liechtenstein joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991 and the European Economic Area (EEA), the body established by amalgamating the EU and EFTA, in May 1995. Other than Switzerland, most of Liechtenstein’s trade is conducted with members of the EU. Business: Personal visits and the following of all business formalities are very important. Times to avoid business visits include the Easter holiday, the second half of July and August, and the week after Christmas. Office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Liechtensteinische Industrie- und Handelskammer (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), Josef Rheinberger-Strasse 11, FL-9490 Vaduz (tel: 237 5511; fax: 237 5512; e-mail: info@lihk.li; website: www.lihk.li). Conferences/Conventions: Although there is no conference association in Liechtenstein, a number of hotels have conference facilities and can organise conventions: Löwen in Vaduz, Schaanerhof in Schaan, Meierhof in Triesen, Kulm in Triesenberg, Gorfion and Malbuner-Hof in Malbun/Triesenberg. Climate Liechtenstein has a temperate, alpine climate, with warm, wet summers and mild winters. Required clothing: Mediumweights with some lightweight clothing is advised for summer. Warmer heavyweights are worn in winter. Waterproofs are needed throughout the year. History and Government History: The last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire, the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein is a prosperous independent hereditary monarchy. Liechtenstein’s ruler of 51 years, until his death in November 1989, was His Highness Franz Joseph II. His son and heir, Prince Hans Adam (now His Highness Hans Adam II) was granted all the Regency’s executive powers in 1984. The country is united with Switzerland in a Customs Union and represented by Switzerland abroad. The population shares German-Swiss traditions, values, social courtesies and behaviour, but remains proud of its independent status. From 1928 until 1970, the Progressive Citizens’ Party (FPB) was the dominant political party in the country before the Fatherland Party (VU) took power in the 1970 election. The VU won the next four Landtag elections, including the 1986 poll at which women (who had been debarred from voting until 1984) were able to participate for the first time. However, the FPB were returned to power at the most recent poll in February 2001 under the leadership of Otmar Hasler. As a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Liechtenstein has joined the European Economic Area (EEA), creating a free trade area from the combined membership of the European Union and EFTA. A referendum on the issue in December 1992 produced a 56 per cent vote in favour of the EEA; another referendum in April 1995 ratified the terms and Liechtenstein joined the EEA the following month. Economic relations with Europe and constitutional reform are the main political issues in the country at the present time. The European issue has in part been driven by Hans Adam: in late 1993, he revised the Hausgesetz (the ‘house code’ of the ruling family), including in it the right for the population constitutionally to depose him or even abolish the monarchy altogether if they so wished. Nonetheless, hints that he would step down at the turn of the century in favour of his son, Prince Alois, have not so far been fulfilled. In 2001, he clashed again with the Landtag over proposed constitutional changes (which would increase his powers and which are widely unpopular) and over investigations into money laundering. This has become a major issue in Liechtenstein since the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the grouping of the world’s richest 24 countries, initiated a major assault on multi-national fraud. In April 2002, Liechtenstein was ‘named and shamed’ as one of seven countries worldwide which have refused to introduce adequate measures to deal with the problem. Government: The single-chamber assembly, the Landtag, has 25 members directly elected every four years by proportional representation. The sovereign, a hereditary monarch, is head of state. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.