Liechtenstein profile

Demography and Health

Liechtenstein is a microstate with a very small population, totaling about 40,197 residents in 2024 and ranking among the smallest population groups globally (population around 40 thousand; rank 207). This tiny scale supports high living standards and close governance but also means demographic dynamics matter a lot for public services. The country exhibits a high life expectancy of 84.8 years at birth (2023), ranking 4th in longevity, which signals strong health outcomes, effective healthcare, and favorable living conditions. The crude birth rate stands at 9.1 births per 1,000 people (2023), placing it in the lower-to-mid range globally (rank 168), while the crude death rate is 6.8 deaths per 1,000 people (2023) (rank 113). The combination suggests an aging population pattern typical of advanced economies, where natural population growth is modest. Net migration in 2024 is positive, with about 206 people entering, helping offset natural aging and stabilize population size. Taken together, the demography reflects a wealthy, high-income society with aging tendencies but maintained vitality through immigration and high standards of health and well-being.

Economy

Liechtenstein shows an exceptionally high GDP per capita of 207,974 current US$ in 2023, ranking 2nd globally by this measure, which points to a very high standard of living and substantial per-person wealth. Such wealth generally reflects productive, high-value sectors, advanced services, and efficient institutions that support private enterprise and consumption. The combination of a small domestic market, strong governance, and favorable business conditions helps translate limited resources into high living standards. The long life expectancy and extensive internet adoption (discussed in Infrastructure and Technology) further underpin a modern, high-productivity economy. While population size is small, this wealth intensity suggests a diversified economy with sophisticated financial services, manufacturing, and service sectors that generate high value-added output per capita.

Trade and Investment

The data depict a climate historically conducive to stable investment and international commerce, driven by high governance quality and political stability. Liechtenstein’s governance indicators show strong performance: political stability and absence of violence/terrorism at 1.61 (rank 2), robust rule of law at 1.71 (rank 9), solid regulatory quality at 1.62 (rank 13), government effectiveness at 1.63 (rank 9), and control of corruption at 1.71 (rank 11). This constellation suggests a predictable, well-regulated environment that reduces policy risk for investors and enhances contract enforceability and market efficiency. The very high internet penetration (97.3% of the population in 2023) implies a digitally enabled economy, favorable for cross-border services, fintech, and digital trade. A high GDP per capita environment, anchored by the country’s small but sophisticated economy, often relies on cross-border trade relationships and high-value export sectors, where efficiency, innovation, and financial services play central roles. Positive net migration and a population that is highly connected further support a skilled labor pool and consumer base essential for attracting and retaining investment. While explicit trade volumes are not provided here, the indicators collectively signal a pro-trade, investment-friendly setting with strong rule of law and governance that tend to attract foreign capital and encourage high-value production and services.

Governance and Institutions

Liechtenstein demonstrates exemplary governance characteristics in several indicators. Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism is high (1.61; rank 2), and both Rule of Law (1.71; rank 9) and Government Effectiveness (1.63; rank 9) are solid, indicating a predictable policy environment and efficient public administration. Control of Corruption stands at 1.71 (rank 11), suggesting a relatively low level of corruption and strong checks and balances. Regulatory Quality is also strong at 1.62 (rank 13). These scores collectively reflect a well-functioning state with reliable institutions, strong rule of law, and policies that protect property rights and contract certainty—elements that underpin investor confidence, business planning, and social trust. The governance profile aligns with the country’s economic performance, supporting stable long-run development and high living standards.

Infrastructure and Technology

The infrastructure and technology profile of Liechtenstein is characterized by very high connectivity and digital readiness. Internet usage is exceptionally high: 97.3% of the population was online in 2023, ranking 10th globally, which indicates widespread digital literacy, e-services accessibility, and potential for digital economy expansion. This level of connectivity supports efficient financial services, e-government, and consumer markets, reinforcing the country’s high GDP per capita and high service-level sophistication. In terms of energy infrastructure, 56.9% of total final energy consumption came from renewable sources in 2022 (rank 16), reflecting a substantial shift toward cleaner energy. For a small economy, this reliance on renewables enhances energy security, reduces exposure to fossil-fuel price volatility, and contributes to sustainability goals. Taken together, Liechtenstein’s technology adoption, internet penetration, and renewable energy share point to a highly developed, tech-enabled economy with strong resilience and an emphasis on sustainable energy use.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental sustainability appears strong in Liechtenstein, anchored by a substantial renewable energy share and the broader context of high living standards and governance capacity. With renewables accounting for 56.9% of total final energy consumption in 2022 (rank 16), the country demonstrates a meaningful commitment to reducing carbon intensity and reliance on fossil fuels. The combination of high income, long life expectancy, and robust institutions suggests that environmental policies are likely integrated with social and economic planning, supporting sustainable development while maintaining high quality of life. The limited geographic size and population, coupled with advanced infrastructure and governance, further facilitate efficient energy planning, resource management, and policy implementation. While other environmental metrics (such as emissions or biodiversity) are not provided here, the available data point to a green orientation consistent with Liechtenstein’s reputation as a wealthy, well-governed, and technology-enabled economy that seeks to balance growth with environmental stewardship.