Overview
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a tiny, landlocked country tucked away between Switzerland and Austria and with mountain slopes rising above the Rhine valley. Much of its wealth is based on its status as a low tax haven. Around 75,000 companies have their nominal "letter box" offices in Liechtenstein, where business tax rates are very favourable.
Map
Facts
| Full name | Principality of Liechtenstein |
|---|---|
| Population: | 35,000 (UN, 2008) |
| Capital: | Vaduz |
| Area: | 160 sq km (61.8 sq miles) |
| Major language: | German |
| Major religion: | Christianity |
| Life expectancy: | 75 years (men), 82 years (women) |
| Monetary unit: | 1 Swiss franc = 100 centimes |
| Main exports: | Machinery, dental products, foodstuffs, stamps |
| GNI per capita | n/a |
| Internet domain: | .li |
| International dialling code: | +423 |
BBC iPlayer
TV
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Panorama - Tax Me if You CanTax Me if You Can, 17 Mar 09The credit crunch is hitting taxpayers, but it seems the super-rich can still squirrel their money away in tax havens. John Sweeney follows the missing millions.
Watch "Panorama - Tax Me if You Can" now
Blogs
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Upshares Downshares10 Nov 08 | Eddie Mair - PM
He was in the office just now, relating the tale of how he was listening on Friday to hear me announce that he was in Liechtenstein visiting his money. ...
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Blatter to seek player cap backing16 May 08 | Mihir Bose - BBC sports editor - Mihir Bose
The European Union is prepared to accept sport has specificity; it is not just like any other economic activity. ...
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Democrats abroad21 Feb 08 | Justin Webb - The Reporters: Justin Webb
Obama also won 100% of the vote in the British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Macedonia and Madagascar, while Clinton won 100% of the vote in Liechtenstein." ... ...
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Targeting the tax havens04 Mar 08 | Mark Mardell - The Reporters: Mark Mardell
The Germans would like something to be done about tiny states that act as tax havens. Britain would be keen on putting pressure on the small countries to at least abide by OECD rules on openness. ...
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Anthems: the Liechtenstein compromise24 Aug 07 | Mark Devenport - The Reporters: Mark Devenport
It might be a sporting mismatch, but it's a perfect anthemic compromise. Oh and there's no truth to the rumour that the team's known as the "Duchy Originals" Liechtenstein's Rugby Club ... ...
Around the web
News From Other Sources
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Smith cautious about unpredictable opposition as...11 Jul 09 | The Scotsman
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The world's richest royals11 Jul 09 | Canada.com
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Best value travel insurance10 Jul 09 | Guardian Unlimited
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Liechtenstein agrees to share tax information...10 Jul 09 | Financial Times
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UBS on Trial: The End of Secret Banking?10 Jul 09 | BusinessWeek
Knowledge
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Science & Nature - Climate ChangeScience & Nature
People from all over the world downloaded the BBC climate change experiment. This table shows how many computers in each country were running the experiment.
Sport
Sport Articles
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Falkirk name May as new manager23 Jun 09The Bairns will meet Vaduz from Liechtenstein in the Europa League second qualifying round, with the first leg at the Falkirk Stadium on 16 July and the return game on 23 July.
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British clubs learn Europa fate22 Jun 09They are back to training early and so from a logistical view it's ideal although it's still going to be a tough game. It's an old cliche I know, but we will take one round at a time."
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SPL clubs on tour14 Jun 09McGhee's side will prepare for the SPL kick-off by travelling to take on Hull City on 9 August for Dean Windass' testimonial, the striker having played for both clubs.
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Referee decisions get Toshack ire01 Apr 09Toshack claimed Germany's first goal by Michael Ballack came from a throw-in that should have gone to Wales. It's tough going against a top, top side," Toshack added.
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International football as it happened01 Apr 09It is perhaps worth mentioning that he was one of many England players hugged by a rather emotional Andriy Shevchenko at the end. 2200: Bolivia 5-1 Argentina.
Sport Clips
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Burgmeier starting to settle - Penney21 Oct 08Darlington manager Dave Penney tells BBC Tees he has been delighted with the impact made by Liechtenstein midfielder Franz Burgmeier and believes he is beginning to acclimatise to League Two football. ...
Listento "Burgmeier starting to settle - Penney" now -
No penalty fear - Bellamy14 Oct 08Striker Craig Bellamy says he has no fear stepping up if Wales win a penalty in their vital match against Germany, despite missing one against Liechtenstein at the weekend.
Watch "No penalty fear - Bellamy" now -
Pitch 'tough to play on' - Gunter13 Oct 08Defender Chris Gunter says the condition of the Millennium Stadium pitch hindered Wales' style of play against Liechtenstein.
Watch "Pitch 'tough to play on' - Gunter" now -
Bellamy reflects on Liechtenstein11 Oct 08Wales captain Craig Bellamy on the 2-0 win over Liechtenstein, his penalty miss, and the joy of being back in the starting line-up after injury.
Listento "Bellamy reflects on Liechtenstein" now -
Toshack not distracted by Germany10 Oct 08Wales boss John Toshack insists his primary focus is on Saturday's game at home to Liechtenstein, and only when that match is over will he turn his attention to his team's clash with Germany.
Watch "Toshack not distracted by Germany" now
Weather
Weather for Vaduz
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions |  sunny |  heavy showers | heavy showers |
| Max Temperature | Max:26°C/79°F | Max:28°C/82°F | Max:24°C/75°F |
| Min Temperature | Min:17°C/63°F | Min:20°C/68°F | Min:17°C/63°F |
News
News Clips
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Talks aim to crack down on tax havens23 Jun 09French and German governments are hosting a meeting of ministers in Berlin on Tuesday to review whether countries on their "grey list" have kept their promise to be more transparent and share ...
Watch "Talks aim to crack down on tax havens" now -
Taxing times for tax havens04 Feb 09John Sweeney visits the tiny principality and tax haven of Liechtenstein to look at the impact of US plans to crack down on tax avoidance...
Listento "Taxing times for tax havens" now
News Articles
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German minister angers Luxembourg07 May 09 | Europe
In March he offended Swiss politicians by comparing the campaign against tax havens to a Wild West cavalry charge. Burkina Faso, in West Africa, is not listed among the world's tax havens.
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New grab for hidden offshore cash23 Apr 09 | BusinessSince then the government has stepped up its efforts to stop international tax dodging. Following the G20 summit the world has become a much smaller place for tax evaders.
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OECD names and shames tax havens03 Apr 09 | BusinessAfter listening to its arguments the OECD said it was happy the country had agreed to its tax transparency rules. The list is part of efforts agreed at the G20 summit to clamp down on havens.
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Tax spotlight worries Cayman Islands31 Mar 09 | AmericasBritish Prime Minister Gordon Brown has led moves to clamp down on tax havens. That's either the biggest building in the world or the biggest tax scam in the world," he said.
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Fears over expiring health cards26 Mar 09 | HealthThe card provides access to healthcare in all 25 European Union countries, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, on the same terms as the country's own citizens.
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