NA

International organization participation:

CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO,
ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE chancery: 888 17th Street NW, Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: (202) 331-0590 FAX: (202) 331-3221

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein; the US Ambassador to Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band

Economy
Liechtenstein

Economy - overview:

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with its large European neighbors. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.786 billion (2001 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$36.33 billion (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

11% (1999 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$25,000 (1999 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6% industry: 39% services: 55% (2001)

Labor force:

29,500 of whom 13,900 commute from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (31 December 2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2% industry: 47% services: 51% (31 December 2001)

Unemployment rate:

1.3% (September 2002)

Population below poverty line: