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Liechtenstein

OFFICIAL NAME: Principality of Liechtenstein

DATE OF FORMATION: 1719

POPULATION: 33,436

DENSITY: 539 people per square mile

LANGUAGES: German, Alemannish dialect, Italian

RELIGIONS: Roman Catholic 81%, Other 12%, Protestant 7%

ETHNIC MIX: Liechtensteiner 62%, Foreign residents 38%

GOVERNMENT: Multiparty elections

CURRENCY: Swiss franc

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Perched in the Alps, Liechtenstein is rare among small states in having both a thriving banking sector and a well-diversified manufacturing economy. It is closely allied to Switzerland, which handles its foreign relations and defense. Life in Liechtenstein is stable and conservative.The traditional secrecy surrounding the country's financial industry, and low taxes, mean that many overseas trusts, banks, and investment companies are located there.