Fürstentum Liechtenstein

Political Status: Independent principality constituted in 1719; current constitution promulgated October 5, 1921; established diplomatic association with Switzerland in 1919 and customs and currency association in 1923.

Area: 61.8 sq. mi. (160.475 sq. km.).

Population: 34,600 (2004 National Registration); 36,000 (2006E). Both figures include more than 10,000 resident aliens.

Major Urban Centers (2005E): VADUZ (5,010), Schaan (5,700).

Official Language: German (Alemannic).

Monetary Unit: Swiss Franc (market rate November 2, 2007: 1.15 francs = $1US).

Sovereign: Prince HANS-ADAM von und zu Liechtenstein II; assumed the executive authority of the sovereign on August 26, 1984; acceded to the throne at the death of his father, Prince FRANZ JOSEF II, on November 13, 1989. (On August 15, 2004, Prince Hans-Adam turned over most day-to-day governmental responsibility to Crown Prince Alois.)

Heir Apparent: ...