Vaduz - The Capital of Liechtenstein

Population
5,696
Language
German
Continent
Europe
Since
1719
Eco Ranking
-

Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.

About Vaduz

Vaduz serves as the capital and seat of government of Liechtenstein, a constitutional monarchy situated in the Rhine valley between Switzerland and Austria. The Principality of Liechtenstein was established in its current form in 1719, when Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI united the lordships of Schellenberg and Vaduz into a single principality for the Liechtenstein family. Vaduz became the capital as the seat of the ruling House of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein holds several notable constitutional and geopolitical distinctions. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, surrounded entirely by Switzerland and Austria, both of which are themselves landlocked, the other being Uzbekistan. The reigning Prince holds significant executive authority under Liechtenstein's constitution, including the power to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and appoint judges. Prince Hans-Adam II extended these powers significantly through a 2003 constitutional revision approved by referendum. Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as its currency, is part of the Schengen Area, and forms a customs and monetary union with Switzerland despite not being an EU member. With a population of under 40,000, it is one of the world's smallest states, yet has one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world, driven by a financial services sector and specialised manufacturing. Vaduz itself has a population of under 6,000.

About Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy in which the Prince retains substantial executive power, distinguishing it from most European constitutional monarchies where royal authority is ceremonial. The country has no military and relies on Switzerland for defence. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area. Its financial sector and low-tax regime have historically attracted significant international business activity, drawing scrutiny over banking secrecy.

View Vaduz on the map

View Vaduz - The Capital of Liechtenstein on the map

Flight time from Vaduz to other capitals

CityDistance (km)Flight Time
Paris6000h 42m
Rome6000h 42m
London9001h 4m
Abu Dhabi47005h 32m
Washington, D.C.67007h 53m
Cape Town910010h 42m
Tokyo960011h 18m
Singapore1020012h 0m
Buenos Aires1130013h 18m
Canberra1640019h 18m

Capitals with similar population to Vaduz

CityPopulation
St. George's7,500
Palikir6,647
Valletta6,444
Funafuti6,320
Vaduz5,696
San Marino4,061
Yaren1,100

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Liechtenstein called a doubly landlocked country?

    Liechtenstein is surrounded entirely by Switzerland and Austria, both of which are themselves landlocked countries. This means Liechtenstein must cross at least two national borders to reach any ocean or sea, making it 'doubly landlocked.' The only other doubly landlocked country is Uzbekistan, which is surrounded by five other landlocked states.

  • When did Vaduz become the capital of Liechtenstein?

    Vaduz became the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein when the principality was created in 1719 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, who merged the lordships of Vaduz and Schellenberg. The Liechtenstein family took possession of their new principality in 1719, and Vaduz has served as the seat of government since then.

  • What powers does the Prince of Liechtenstein hold?

    The Prince of Liechtenstein holds substantial constitutional power, including the right to veto any legislation passed by parliament, dissolve parliament, appoint judges, and call referendums. These powers were formalised and extended by a constitutional revision in 2003, approved by referendum. Prince Hans-Adam II and his son Prince Alois, who acts as regent, exercise these powers actively, unlike most European constitutional monarchs.

  • Is Liechtenstein a member of the European Union?

    No. Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU, but it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which gives it access to the EU's single market while allowing it to set its own policies in other areas. It is also part of the Schengen Area, allowing passport-free movement. Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc and has a customs union with Switzerland.

  • Is Vaduz the largest city in Liechtenstein?

    No. Despite being the capital, Vaduz is not the largest municipality in Liechtenstein, Schaan has a slightly larger population. Vaduz has approximately 5,700 residents. Liechtenstein's total population is under 40,000. The country's small size means that Vaduz's capital functions coexist with what is essentially a small town.

Sights and landmarks

The Vaduz Castle, situated on a rocky outcrop 120 metres above the city, is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and is not open to the public. The original fortress dates from the 12th century. The Cathedral of Saint Florin from 1874 in neo-Gothic style is the main church of the Archdiocese of Vaduz. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, opened in 2000, houses the private collection of the princely family, one of the largest private collections in the world. The Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum documents the history of the principality. The Postage Stamp Museum displays Liechtenstein's world-famous stamps, an important source of income in the 20th century.

Climate and best time to visit

Vaduz sits in the Rhine Valley at 457 metres elevation and has an oceanic climate (Cfb) with continental influences. July temperatures average between 13 and 24 degrees Celsius, January between -3 and 4 degrees. Annual precipitation is around 910 millimetres. The föhn, a warm downslope wind, can considerably warm winters with temperatures up to 20 degrees in January. The surrounding mountains see snowfall from November to April. The best travel period is May to September for hiking, and December to March for winter sports at the Malbun ski area.

Regional significance

Vaduz is one of the smallest capitals in Europe with around 5,700 inhabitants, and has no airport or railway station. Liechtenstein, together with Uzbekistan, is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (surrounded only by landlocked neighbours). Liechtenstein has had a customs union with Switzerland since 1924 and uses the Swiss franc as its currency. With around 40,000 inhabitants it is the fourth-smallest state in Europe by population, after Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino.

Economy

Liechtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, estimated at more than 180,000 dollars. The economy runs on financial services, precision manufacturing and dental prosthetics. Hilti, headquartered in Schaan near Vaduz, is a world leader in power tools with more than 30,000 employees worldwide. Ivoclar Vivadent is a global manufacturer of dental materials. The country has more jobs than inhabitants; around 55 percent of the workforce commutes daily from Switzerland and Austria. The financial sector manages tens of billions in assets.
Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein
Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein

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