The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz. About half of the land is devoted to crops and pasture. Farm products include beef and milk cattle, corn, cereals, grapes, and potatoes. Since World War II the country's industry has developed rapidly. Small factories in Liechtenstein produce textiles, ceramics, precision instruments, boilers, building equipment, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Tax rates are low, so thousands of foreign companies have established headquarters here.
The moderate fees paid by these companies provide much of the country's revenue. The tourist trade and the sale of postage stamps are other sources of income. Most of the natives are German-speaking Roman Catholics descended from the Alemanni tribe. Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy that is hereditary in the male line. The country is ruled by a prince.