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Compare Liechtenstein (2006) - Belgium (2006)

Compare Liechtenstein (2006) z Belgium (2006)

 Liechtenstein (2006)Belgium (2006)
 LiechtensteinBelgium
Administrative divisions 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch: provincies, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions; Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Brussels* (Bruxelles), Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen


note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities
Age structure 0-14 years: 17.4% (male 2,922/female 2,988)


15-64 years: 70.2% (male 11,842/female 12,022)


65 years and over: 12.4% (male 1,773/female 2,440) (2006 est.)
0-14 years: 16.7% (male 883,254/female 846,099)


15-64 years: 65.9% (male 3,450,879/female 3,389,565)


65 years and over: 17.4% (male 746,569/female 1,062,701) (2006 est.)
Agriculture - products wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Airports - 43 (2006)
Airports - with paved runways - total: 25


over 3,047 m: 6


2,438 to 3,047 m: 7


1,524 to 2,437 m: 3


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 7 (2006)
Airports - with unpaved runways - total: 18


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 16 (2006)
Area total: 160 sq km


land: 160 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 30,528 sq km


land: 30,278 sq km


water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC about the size of Maryland
Background The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US. Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Birth rate 10.21 births/1,000 population (2006 est.) 10.38 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Budget revenues: $424.2 million


expenditures: $414.1 million; including capital expenditures of $NA (1998 est.)
revenues: $180.4 billion


expenditures: $180.5 billion; including capital expenditures of $1.56 billion (2005 est.)
Capital name: Vaduz


geographic coordinates: 47 09 N, 9 31 E


time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)


daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
name: Brussels


geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E


time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)


daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Climate continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Coastline 0 km (doubly landlocked) 66.5 km
Constitution 5 October 1921 7 February 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to create a federal state
Country name conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein


conventional short form: Liechtenstein


local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein


local short form: Liechtenstein
conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium


conventional short form: Belgium


local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie


local short form: Belgique/Belgie
Death rate 7.18 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.) 10.27 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Debt - external $0 (2001) $980.1 billion (30 June 2005 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but the US Ambassador to Switzerland is also accredited to Liechtenstein chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C. KOROLOGOS


embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels


mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710


telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111


FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE


chancery: 888 17th Street NW, Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20006


telephone: [1] (202) 331-0590


FAX: [1] (202) 331-3221
chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE


chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900


FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079


consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York


consulate(s): Atlanta
Disputes - international in February 2005, the ICJ refused to rule on the restitution of Liechtenstein's land and property assets in the Czech Republic confiscated in 1945 as German property none
Economic aid - donor - ODA, $1.072 billion (2002)
Economic aid - recipient $0 -
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. This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is nearly 100% of GDP. On the positive side, the government has succeeded in balancing its budget, and income distribution is relatively equal. Belgium began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown, with moderate recovery in 2004-05.
Electricity - consumption - 79.66 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - exports - 8.3 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - imports - 14.7 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - production - 78.77 billion kWh (2003)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m


highest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m
lowest point: North Sea 0 m


highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Environment - current issues NA the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges
Environment - international agreements party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Ethnic groups Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14% Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Exchange rates Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.2452 (2005), 1.2435 (2004), 1.3467 (2003), 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876 (2001) euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Executive branch chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August 2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state


head of government: Head of Government Ottmar HASLER (since 5 April 2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April 2001)


cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch
chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch


head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999)


cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch


elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament


note: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP.A-Spirit
Exports $2.47 billion (1996) 450,000 bbl/day (2001)
Exports - commodities small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs
Exports - partners EU 62.6% (Germany 24.3%, Austria 9.5%, France 8.9%, Italy 6.6%, UK 4.6%), US 18.9%, Switzerland 15.7% (2004) Germany 19.4%, France 17.3%, Netherlands 11.7%, UK 8.2%, US 6.4%, Italy 5.3% (2005)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 6% NA%


industry: 39%


services: 55% NA% (1999)
agriculture: 1%


industry: 24%


services: 74.9% (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 11% (1999 est.) 1.5% (2005 est.)
Geographic coordinates 47 16 N, 9 32 E 50 50 N, 4 00 E
Geography - note along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO
Heliports - 1 (2006)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: 3.2%


highest 10%: 23% (1996)
Illicit drugs has strengthened money-laundering controls, but money laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated offshore financial services sector growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco
Imports $917.3 million (1996) 1.042 million bbl/day (2001)
Imports - commodities agricultural products, raw materials, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products
Imports - partners EU, Switzerland (2004) Netherlands 17.8%, Germany 17.2%, France 11.4%, UK 6.8%, Ireland 6.5%, US 5.4% (2005)
Independence 23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire) 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declares independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King Leopold I ascends to the throne)
Industrial production growth rate NA% -0.2% (2005 est.)
Industries electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism, optical instruments engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Infant mortality rate total: 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 6.24 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)
total: 4.62 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 4.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 1% (2001) 2.8% (2005 est.)
International organization participation CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPO, WTO ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, ONUB, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Irrigated land NA 400 sq km (2003)
Judicial branch Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice Council)
Labor force 29,500 of whom 13,900 commute from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (31 December 2001) 4.77 million (2005 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture: 2%


industry: 47%


services: 51% (31 December 2001)
agriculture: 1.3%


industry: 24.5%


services: 74.2% (2003 est.)
Land boundaries total: 76 km


border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km
total: 1,385 km


border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Land use arable land: 25%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 75% (2005)
arable land: 27.42%


permanent crops: 0.69%


other: 71.89%


note: includes Luxembourg (2005)
Languages German (official), Alemannic dialect Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Legal system local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote under proportional representation to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 11 and 13 March 2005 (next to be held by NA 2009)


election results: percent of vote by party - FBP 48.7%, VU 38.2%, FL 13%; seats by party - FBP 12, VU 10, FL 3
bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)


elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 18 May 2003 (next to be held no later than May 2007)


election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - SP.A-Spirit 15.5%, VLD 15.4%, CD & V 12.7%, PS 12.8%, MR 12.1%, VB 9.4%, CDH 5.6%; seats by party - SP.A-Spirit 7, VLD 7, CD & V 6, PS 6, MR 5, VB 5, CDH 2, other 2 (note - there are also 31 indirectly elected senators); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, SP.A-Spirit 14.9%, CD & V 13.3%, PS 13.0%, VB 11.6%, MR 11.4%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 3.1%; seats by party - VLD 25, SP.A-Spirit 23, CD & V 21, PS 25, VB 18, MR 24, CDH 8, Ecolo 4, other 2


note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly
Life expectancy at birth total population: 79.68 years


male: 76.1 years


female: 83.28 years (2006 est.)
total population: 78.77 years


male: 75.59 years


female: 82.09 years (2006 est.)
Literacy definition: age 10 and over can read and write


total population: 100%


male: 100%


female: 100%
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 99%


male: 99%


female: 99% (2003 est.)
Location Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Map references Europe Europe
Maritime claims none (landlocked) territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit


continental shelf: median line with neighbors
Merchant marine - total: 66 ships (1000 GRT or over) 3,952,159 GRT/6,521,645 DWT


by type: bulk carrier 19, cargo 4, chemical tanker 2, container 10, liquefied gas 15, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 4


foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 4, Greece 4, UK 2)


registered in other countries: 113 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Bahamas 13, Bermuda 4, Cyprus 1, French Southern and Antarctic Lands 6, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 2, Greece 12, Hong Kong 3, Luxembourg 9, Malta 10, Mozambique 2, Netherlands 2, Netherlands Antilles 4, Panama 11, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Singapore 12, Sweden 2) (2006)
Military - note defense is the responsibility of Switzerland -
Military branches - Belgian Armed Forces: Land, Naval, and Air Operations Commands (2005)
Military expenditures - dollar figure - $3.999 billion (2003)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - 1.3% (2003)
National holiday Assumption Day, 15 August 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I
Nationality noun: Liechtensteiner(s)


adjective: Liechtenstein
noun: Belgian(s)


adjective: Belgian
Natural hazards NA flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Natural resources hydroelectric potential, arable land construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
Net migration rate 4.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.) 1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
Pipelines gas 20 km (2006) gas 1,561 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2006)
Political parties and leaders Patriotic Union (was Fatherland Union) or VU [Adolf HEEB]; Progressive Citizens' Party or FBP [Otmar HASLER]; The Free List or FL Flemish parties: Christian Democrats and Flemish or CD & V [Jo VANDEURZEN]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Bart SOMERS]; GROEN! (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens) [Vera DUA]; New Flemish Alliance or NVA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A [Johan Vande LANOTTE]; Spirit [Geert LAMBERT] (new party now associated with SP.A); Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Frank VANHECKE]


Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX, Isabelle DURANT, Claude BROUIR]; Humanist and Democratic Center of CDH [Joelle MILQUET]; National Front or FN [Daniel FERET]; Reform Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; other minor parties
Political pressure groups and leaders NA Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants
Population 33,987 (July 2006 est.) 10,379,067 (July 2006 est.)
Population below poverty line NA% 4% (1989 est.)
Population growth rate 0.78% (2006 est.) 0.13% (2006 est.)
Radio broadcast stations AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998) FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)
Railways 9 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)


note: belongs to the Austrian Railway System connecting Austria and Switzerland (2006)
total: 3,521 km


standard gauge: 3,521 km 1.435-m gauge (2,927 km electrified) (2005)
Religions Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002) Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female


total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female


total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Telephone system general assessment: automatic telephone system


domestic: NA


international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio relay
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities


domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network


international: country code - 32; submarine cables - 5; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2005)
Telephones - main lines in use 19,900 (2002) 4.801 million (2004)
Telephones - mobile cellular 11,400 (2002) 9.46 million (2005)
Television broadcast stations NA (linked to Swiss networks) (1997) 25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)
Terrain mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Total fertility rate 1.51 children born/woman (2006 est.) 1.64 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Unemployment rate 1.3% (September 2002) 8.4% (2005 est.)
Waterways 28 km (2005) 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2003)
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