There is a country in the heart of Europe that has no currency of its own, no airport and no army, yet it is still considered one of the world’s wealthiest and most peaceful countries.
According to the British newspaper The Mirror, Liechtenstein holds a unique position in the world because of its distinctive state structure, strong economy and high standard of living.
Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is among the smallest countries in the world by area. It covers approximately 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and has a population of around 40,000 people.
The capital of the country is Vaduz, while Schaan is its most populous town.
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, where the royal family continues to play an important role in the country’s affairs.
Liechtenstein has no international or domestic airport of its own.
Tourists generally arrive at Zurich International Airport in Switzerland, which is approximately 115 kilometres from Liechtenstein. From there, the country can be reached within a few hours by train, bus or car.
According to The Mirror, the journey from Zurich to Vaduz offers beautiful views of snow-covered mountains, the Rhine River and vineyards.
Interestingly, Liechtenstein does not issue its own currency either.
The Swiss franc is used in the country because Liechtenstein and Switzerland have maintained a customs and monetary union for decades, under which the two countries cooperate closely in economic and trade matters.
Why Is Liechtenstein So Wealthy?
According to figures from the World Bank and other international economic institutions, Liechtenstein is among the world’s most prosperous countries in terms of per-capita income.
A large part of its economy is based on banking, financial services, investment, advanced manufacturing, engineering and exports. The number of companies registered in the country is reportedly higher than its local population, largely due to its favourable business environment and tax system.
Another unique feature of Liechtenstein is that it does not maintain a permanent army.
The country abolished its military in 1868 and has since continued to cooperate with Switzerland on defence matters.
The crime rate is also extremely low, making Liechtenstein one of the safest countries in Europe.
Because of its small size, tourists can explore most of the country’s major attractions within a few hours.
Vaduz Castle, the Alpine mountains, vineyards, hiking trails, cycling routes and scenic landscapes attract thousands of tourists every year. Skiing is also particularly popular during the winter season.
Although Liechtenstein has no currency of its own, no airport and no permanent army, its strong economy, small population and close economic cooperation with Switzerland have helped make it one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
Naeem Akhtar plays a key role in shaping editorial content and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and clarity. His dedication ensures that PNP’s coverage remains timely, reliable, and impactful for its readers worldwide.
