Liechtenstein is a landlocked, microstate in Western Europe. The entire western border between Liechtenstein and Switzerland is formed by the Rhine. In the south it is also bordered by Switzerland and to the east by Austria. The area is about 61.7 square miles and is the only country entirely in the Alps. Measured north to south, the country is about 15 miles long. Its highest point, the Grauspitz, is 8,527 feet. Its capital is Vaduz; the biggest town is Schaan.

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, headed by the reigning prince, Hans-Adam II of the Princely House of Liechtenstein. The reigning prince has considerable political authority, but there is a parliamentary system. The prince may veto laws, and he can write a referendum, proposals for new legislation and to dissolve parliament, but that may again be subject to a referendum.

Liechtenstein has been strongly influenced by external cultural influences, because it is such a small country. The largest museum is the Liechtenstein Art Museum, an international museum of modern and contemporary art with an important international art collection. The building by the Swiss architects Morger, Degelo and Kerez is a landmark in Vaduz, forms a “black box” of tinted concrete and black basalt stone.. The collection of the museum is also the national art collection of Liechtenstein. The Liechtenstein National Museum, is also an important museum, there is a permanent exhibition about the natural and cultural history of Liechtenstein and special exhibitions. There is also a museum about skiing and one about post stamps.

In the larger cities in Liechtenstein are a few restaurants. There is also a McDonald’s restaurant which is very popular and is widely publicized by road signs throughout the country. There are many small bakeries that warm, where fresh bread and pastry are made. In supermarkets and tourist shops all over the country, a small quantity of wine is available, which is produced in Liechtenstein. Along the main road into Vaduz, the Prince has his own vineyard. Most of the beer is brewed in Switzerland, but there is beer made with malt from Liechtenstein. In Liechtenstein is a brewery that produces beers. And in Triesen is a one-man distillery, which makes fruit liqueurs and gins. On Saturday they give tours.

Many souvenir shops and restaurants can be found in major shopping street in the capital Vaduz. In the city is also the great cathedral and Schloss Vaduz, an imposing castle from which you can look over the city of Vaduz. The Red House, is also a symbol of the city, the medieval patrician houses consists of a staircase structure and from its tower has a timeless view.

There are beautiful trails in Liechtenstein and cycling and mountain biking areas. In Sareis you can take a chairlift, Sareis the four-seated chairlift takes you to the Sareiserjoch at 6560 feet altitude, there is a mountain restaurant and an ideal starting point for many hikes.

There is also possibility for skiing and snowboarding, an advantage of such a small country is, that your royal family just may see when you go skiing in winter.

Liechtenstein has a customs union with Switzerland and there is no visa required: It is represented by Switzerland in embassies around the world. If you can go to Switzerland, you can go to Liechtenstein. Stamp hunters can receive an authentic Liechtenstein stamp in their passport at the tourist office in Vaduz