Which nine countries border Germany? | Reference.com Which nine countries border Germany? A: Quick Answer Germany is surrounded by Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Germany is situated in central Europe, and shares its borders with the second-highest number of European countries, second only to Russia. The countries surrounding Germany lie alongside its borders to the north, south, east and west. Full Answer The northern border of Germany is shared with the Scandinavian country of Denmark, while Poland and the Czech Republic lie to the east. The southern border of Germany is shaped by Austria and Switzerland, while France lies in the southwest. Along the western border of Germany are Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Although it shares a border with many other countries, Germany is distinct in geographical and topographical features from its neighbors. Germany contains tall mountains, plains and forests. It is home to the Alps, which are one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. Within the Alps is Zugspitze, which has a summit that reaches 9,718 feet, and it is the highest point of elevation in Germany.

In addition to sharing borders with neighboring land areas, Germany has miles of coastlines, which are formed by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Its interior contains large tracts of forests while low-lying plains lie in the northern region. Europe Europe Andorra Andorra, a tiny landlocked principality in southwestern Europe, is situated in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains, bordered on the north and east by France and on the south and west by Spain. It comprises a region of 7 narrow valleys and the adjacent peaks reaching heights of more than 2,700 meters (about 8,860 feet) above sea level. Armenia Armenia is located in the southwest Caucasus Region, neighboring on Georgia and Azerbaijan to the north, Iran and Turkey to the south, and a separate province of Azerbaijan in the southeast. The total area of the country is 29,800 square kilometers (11,505 square miles), making it about the size of Maryland. Austria Austria is a landlocked country situated in southern Central Europe.

Slightly smaller than Maine, it occupies a territory of approximately 84,000 square kilometers (32,000 square miles), which includes much of the mountainous territory of the eastern Alps and the Danube region. Belarus Belarus is a landlocked state in Eastern Europe bordering Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia to the west; Ukraine to the south; and Russia to the east and north. It has a total border of 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles), with almost one-third of its border (960 kilometers, or 600 miles) touching Russia. Bulgaria The Republic of Bulgaria shares its borders with 5 other countries in southeastern Europe and has a coastline on the Black Sea. Romania lies to the north, Turkey to the southeast, Greece to the south, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the southwest, and Serbia (with Montenegro part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) to the west. Croatia The Republic of Croatia is located in southeastern Europe, with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea to the south, and borders with Slovenia and Hungary to the north, and Yugoslavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east.

It has an area of 56,538 square kilometers (21,829 square miles), approximately the size of West Virginia. Germany Located in western Central Europe, Germany has an area of 357,021 square kilometers (137,810 square miles), which makes it slightly smaller than the state of Montana. The country is bordered by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea to the north; Poland and the Czech Republic to the east; Austria and Switzerland to the south; and France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. Greece Greece is located on the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula and is flanked by 3 large bodies of water: the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is bordered to the north by Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.), and Bulgaria. Iceland A small volcanic island located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean in the Arctic, Iceland is the westernmost European country.

Found between Greenland and Europe, just northwest of the United Kingdom, Iceland has an area of 103,000 square kilometers (39,768 square miles) of which 100,250 square kilometers (38,707 square miles) is land and 2,750 square kilometers (1,062 square miles) is water. Ireland The Republic of Ireland constitutes 26 out of the 32 counties that make up the island of Ireland, with 6 northern counties under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. Situated in Western Europe, it is bordered on the east by the Irish Sea from the United Kingdom and bordered on the west by the North Atlantic Ocean. Latvia Located in the Baltic region of Eastern Europe, Latvia is bordered by Estonia (339 kilometers; 211 miles), Russia (217 kilometers; 135 miles), Belarus (141 kilometers; 88 miles), Lithuania (453 kilometers; 281 miles), and the Baltic Sea (531 kilometers; 330 miles).

Slightly larger than the state of West Virginia, Latvia has a total area of 64,589 square kilometers (40,136 square miles). Liechtenstein The independent principality of Liechtenstein is located in central Europe and bordered on the east by Austria and on the south, west, and north by Switzerland. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of only 160 square kilometers (62 square miles). Lithuania An East European country bordering on the Baltic Sea, Lithuania has an area of 65,200 square kilometers (25,174 square miles) and a total coastline of 99 kilometers (62 miles). Lithuania is a mid-size country by European standards and is about the size of West Virginia. Luxembourg Luxembourg is a landlocked nation in Western Europe, at the intersection of Belgium, France, and Germany. It is one of the smallest nations in the world with an area of 2,586 square kilometers (998 square miles), which makes it slightly smaller than Rhode Island.

Macedonia Located in southeastern Europe, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (generally referred to as Macedonia) is a completely landlocked country, covering an area of 25,333 square kilometers (9,781 square miles). It is bounded on the north by Serbia and Montenegro (collectively the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)—mostly by the province of Kosovo—on the east by Bulgaria, on the south by Greece, and on the west by Albania. Malta Malta consists of a series of small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, 97 kilometers (60 miles) south of the Italian territory of Sicily and 288 kilometers (179 miles) north of Africa. It is at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Moldova Located in southeastern Europe and bordered on the west by Romania and on all other sides by Ukraine, landlocked Moldova has an area of 33,843 square kilometers (13,067 square miles), making it slightly larger than Maryland. Moldova's border totals 1,389 kilometers (864 miles).

Monaco Monaco, a small independent hereditary principality in Western Europe, is located on the Mediterranean Sea along the southern coast of France, which is also known as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur. Monaco is 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of the French city of Nice, near the border with Italy. Norway Norway is situated in the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is bordered on the north by the Barents Sea (an arm of the Arctic Ocean), on the northeast by Finland and Russia, on the east by Sweden, on the south by Skagerrak Strait and the North Sea, and on the west by the Norwegian Sea. Poland Located in Central Europe, Poland is bordered on the west by Germany, in the north by the Baltic Sea, in the north-east by Russia and Lithuania, in the east by Belarus and Ukraine, and in the south by Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Poland covers a total area of 312,685 square kilometers (120,728 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of New Mexico.

Portugal Located in southwestern Europe in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal borders Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The total area of the country—including the overseas territories of Azores (2,247 square kilometers/868 square miles) and the Madeira Islands (794 square kilometers/307 square miles), both autonomous regions of Portugal—is 92,345 square kilometers (35,655 square miles). Romania Located in southeastern Europe on the Black Sea, Romania covers an area of 238,500 square kilometers (92,085 square miles), making it slightly smaller than Oregon. It borders Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine, and has a coastline of 225 kilometers (140 miles). San Marino San Marino is an enclave lying wholly within northern Italy. It surrounds the 3-peaked Mount Titano (739 meters/2,425 feet) in the central Apennine Mountains, east of the city of Florence, Italy, and southwest of the city of Rimini, Italy, near the Adriatic Sea.

Slovakia The Slovak Republic is a land-locked nation in the eastern portion of Central Europe, with access to the Black Sea via the Danube River. Its neighbors are the Czech Republic to the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the west. Slovenia Located in southeastern Europe, bounded on the north by Austria, on the northeast by Hungary, on the southeast and south by Croatia, and on the west by Italy and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia has an area of 20,253 square kilometers (7,820 square miles), slightly smaller comparatively than New Jersey, and a coastline of 46.6 kilometers (29 miles). The capital city, Ljubljana, is situated on the Sava River in the central part of the country; the second major city is Maribor on the Drava River in the northeast.

Sweden Located in northern Europe, in the eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula, Sweden is bordered on the west and northwest by Norway, on the northeast by Finland, on the east by the Baltic Sea and its arm, the Gulf of Bothnia, On the southwest, Sweden is separated from Denmark by the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Ôresund straits that connect the Baltic and the North Seas. The fourth largest country in Europe, Sweden has an area of 449,964 square kilometers (173,731 square miles), slightly larger than California. Switzerland Located in west central Europe, bordered on the north by France and Germany, on the east by Austria and Liechtenstein, on the south by Italy, and on the west and south-west by France, this landlocked alpine country has an area of 41,290 square kilometers (15,942 square mi), making it slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey.

The capital, Bern, is situated on the Aare River in the north-western part of the country; the largest city is Zürich in the north; other major cities include Geneva and Lausanne in the south-west, Basel in the north, and Lugano in the south. What countries share a border with Italy? | Reference.com What countries share a border with Italy? A: Quick Answer Italy borders the countries of Austria, France, Slovenia and Switzerland. The nation is situated in Southern Europe, comprising a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy also includes the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Full Answer Italy covers a total area of about 116,000 square miles, making it the 72nd largest country in the world. It has a coastline of about 4,700 miles, including Sardinia and Sicily. The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome. The nation has a population of approximately 61.7 million people, as of 2014, making it the 24th most populated country in the world. Italy's terrain is characterized as primarily rugged and mountainous, and the climate is mostly Mediterranean.

Geography of Switzerland Geography of Switzerland Switzerland is a small, landlocked country in the heart of Europe. It has a strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable passes ("Passstrasse", short term "Pass"). Table of contents: Hint: If you are not familiar with our metric unit system, see explanations about metric versus U.S. unit systems 1. Dimensions: Area: 41285 km² (approx.

10'201'746 acres or 15'940 square miles) Boundary: 1858 km (1150 miles) Germany: 346 km (215 miles) France: 572 km (355 miles) Italy: 734 km (456 miles) Austria: 165 km (103 miles) Liechtenstein: 41 km (25 miles) Largest extension north - south: 220 km (137 miles) Largest extension west - east: 348 km (216 miles) Most northern dimension: Oberbargen (N 47° 48' 35") Most eastern dimension: Piz Chavalatsch (E 10° 29' 36") Most southern dimension: Chiasso (N 45° 49' 08") Most western dimension: Chancy (E 5° 57' 24") Highest elevation: Mount Monte Rosa ("Dufourspitze"), 4634 m.a.s (15200 feet) Lowest elevation: Lake Mag

giore ("Lago Maggiore"), 193 m.a.s (633 feet) Time Zone: Central Europe (GMT +1 hour) Switzerland is divided in three major geographical areas: Alps ("Alpen"): 60% To table of contents 2.

Time zone: Switzerland is located in the Central European Time zone (CET), also known as Middle European Time zone (MET). It is one hour ahead of Greenwich Time (GMT+1). Daylight saving time (one hour ahead of the standard time) starts in early spring and ends in late fall. Begin and end are synchronized with the countries of the European Union (EU). To table of contents 3. Mountains: Switzerland hosts about 20% of the Alps. Approximately 100 peaks are close to or higher than 4000 meters (13125 feet) above sea level. Many mountain areas are developed, there are trains, cog railways, aerial cable cars and other means of transportation. Swiss mountains are famous for climbing, skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking and other recreational activities. Some of the most famous mountains: Name To table of contents 4. Passes ("Alpenpässe): Switzerland is famous for its alpine passes. Ever since people move around, these passes are important pathways between the northern and the southern part of Europe. Before you hit the road, check the local road conditions online.

Some of the most important passes: Name 11% all year ¹ They try to keep the Lukmanier open all year, so check before making your final decision. To table of contents 5. Lakes: Switzerland hosts many lakes, from the large Lake Geneva to hundreds of tiny little lakes in the mountains. There are also many dammed-up lakes, mainly to drive water turbines of power plants. The largest lakes: To table of contents 6. Rivers: The rivers of Switzerland lead to three different seas: The Rhein with its tributaries Aare and Thur drains 67.7% of the water into the North Sea. The Rhone and the Ticino (a tributary to the river Po in Italy) drain 18% into the Mediterranean Sea. The Inn (a tributary to the river Donau in Germany/Austria) drains 4.4% into the Black Sea. The major rivers: Ends in or leaves Switzerland in Rhein Flows into Rhein near Koblenz, AG Rhone Leaves in Vinadi (Engadin), GR Thur Flows into Rhein near Ellikon, ZH Ticino To table of contents 7.

Glaciers: There are more than 3000 km² of glaciers and firn in Switzerland. Most of the glaciers are decreasing. The largest glaciers: To table of contents 8. Climate: From a climate point of view, Switzerland is located in a transition zone. In the west, there is a strong influence of the Atlantic ocean. Winds bring a lot of moisture into Switzerland and cause rainfall. In the east, there is an almost continental climate, with lower temperatures and less precipitation. On the other hand, the alps - which run from east to west - act as a climatic divide. South of the alps, there is an almost Mediterranean climate, with significantly higher temperatures but also a lot of precipitation. Generally speaking, spring is wet and cool, April is well known for fast and often changing weather conditions. Summer is supposed to be warm and dry with maximum temperature up to 35°C (95°F). The temperature depends primarily on the elevation, the zero line (0°C or 32°F) may raise as high as 4000 meters above sea level (13125 feet). Fall is usually dry, but cool.

The temperature will drop significantly in September or October, with the zero line around 2000 meter above sea level (6560 feet). Winter is supposed to be cold and dry. The temperature may drop below 0°C everywhere in Switzerland, especially at night. In the alps, they usually get a lot of snow, but even at lower elevations, there is a good chance that they will get a foot of snow every now and then. See Climate in Switzerland for much more detailed information and links to weather forecast services. 9. Major highways: The map below shows the major highways in Switzerland and their names plus some major cities. In Switzerland, names of towns are used for navigation on the roads, rather than highway numbers. Signs show the names of the major cities, road numbers are rarely seen. Signs on or for highways use white letters on green background. Signs for major roads use white letters on blue background, signs for local roads use black letters on white background. Highways in Switzerland are often congested, particularly in summertime. Weekends are especially bad.

The most busy highway is the highway A1 between Zürich and Bern, but also the Gotthard tunnel between Göschenen and Airolo is often very crowded. Cars may build up for as long as 20 km and it needs a lot of patience to get to the other side of the Alps. An alternative is to use the San Bernardino pass but congestions are there very likely too. In order to use the highways in Switzerland, a toll has to be paid. But there are no toll booth, instead a special sticker - known as "Autobahn Vignette" - is required. The sticker is valid for one calendar year (actually from beginning of December of the previous year until end of January of the following year = 14 months), there is nothing like a one day or one week pass. It costs CHF 40.00 and is available at customs at the borders and at all gas stations and post offices throughout the country. The sticker must be fixed to the windshield on cars and trucks, there are particular rules for where it has to be placed on motorbikes and trailers. The best choice is the avoid cars at all and use public transportation instead.

Trains and busses are available everywhere and on the larger lakes, taking a boat may be a very enjoyable alternative. The "Schweizerische Bundesbahnen" (SBB) - the Swiss Federal Railroad - has a nice website with an on-line time table where you can also purchase tickets and print them on your own printer. Before you hit the road, check the local road conditions online. There is an interactive map of Switzerland available at map.search.ch . To table of contents 10. Distances and estimated driving times between major cities: Distances are measured in kilometers, driving times in hours and minutes (hh:mm). Routes are supposed to be the fastest possible but not necessarily the shortest path. Highways in Switzerland are often under construction and traffic jams occur frequently. During winter seasons, many roads in the mountains are closed and in higher elevations, winter tires or chains may be enforced by law. Before you hit the road, check the local road conditions online.

Distance Border to Austria (and Germany) in the very north east of Switzerland at the Bodensee Border to Italy in the very south of Switzerland Political Map of France - Nations Online Project Political Map of France ___ Political Map of France About France France is a country located on the western edge of Europe, bordered by the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in west, by the English Channel in north west, by the North Sea in north, by Belgium and Luxembourg in north east, by Germany , Switzerland and Italy in east, by the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco , Spain and Andorra in south. France shares also maritime borders with the United Kingdom . Since 1994 France and the UK are connected by the Channel Tunnel, a 50.5 km (31.4 mi) undersea rail tunnel linking Folkestone in Kent, UK with Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, near Calais in northern France. With an area of 551,500 km² Metropolitan France is more than twice the size of the United Kingdom or more than twice the size of the U.S. state Colorado . France has a population of 66.6 million people (est.

2016); 64.5 million people in Metropolitan France and 2.1 million in its overseas regions. Largest city and capital is Paris . Spoken language is French (official). Map is showing Metropolitan France, that is the French mainland and the island of Corsica. Depicted on the map is the country with international borders, the national capital Paris, region capitals, major cities, main roads, and major airports. Geography of France [show] Metropolitan France has two shorelines, one at the North Atlantic Ocean, the other at the Mediterranean Sea, it sums up to a total of 3,427 km of coastline. About two-thirds of the county's interior (in north and west) consists of plains or gently rolling hills, within there are two major basins: the Paris basin in the northwest, drained by the river Seine, and the Aquitaine basin in the southwest, drained by the Garonne river. The plains are interspersed with highlands here and there. To the south of the country are the rugged Pyrenees, two parallel mountain ranges that creates a natural border between France and Spain, its highest mountains rise up to more than 3,000 m.

In south east the Massif Central, a formerly volcanic region with a large concentration of extinct volcanoes, like the Chaine des Puys, a chain of cinder cones, lava domes, and maars within the Massif Central. East of the Massif, separated by a deep north-south cleft created by the Rhone River are the French Alps, part of the Alps, the great mountain range system of Europe. Within the Alps is the highest mountain of France, Mont Blanc with 4,807 m. It is also Italy's highest peak because the "White Mountain" sits on the border which separtes both nations. French Rivers: The longest rivers within France are Loire, Seine, Garonne, and Rhone, the Rhine river in east forms the border with Germany for about 160 km (100 mi). Seine, and Garonne are the main rivers for transportation in France. Airports: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Rossy Airport ( IATA code : CDG), located in the vicinity of Paris is the largest and busiest airport in France.

Paris-Orly Airport ( IATA code : ORY) located south of Paris is the busiest French airport for domestic traffic. Major Seaports: France has several major seaports, largest port is Marseille , followed by Le Havre, Dunkirk, and Nantes/Saint-Nazaire. all countries of the world You are free to use this map for educational purposes, please refer to the Nations Online Project.

Political Map of France Cities and Towns in France: The Map shows the location of following French cities: Agen, Aix-en-Provence, Ajaccio, Alençon, Alès, Amiens, Angers, Angoulême, Annecy, Arcachon, Arles, Arras, Auch, Aurillac, Auxerre, Avallon, Avignon, Bastia, Bayonne, Beaune, Beauvais, Belfort, Besançon, Biarritz, Bonifacio, Bordeaux, Bourg-, Bourges, Bressuire, Brest, Brive-la-, Béziers, Caen, Calais, Calvi, Cannes, Carcassone, Castres, Chambéry, Cherbourg, Châlons-en-Champagne, Clermont-Ferrand, Colmar, Corte, Dieppe, Dijon, Douarnenez, Dunkirk, Gaillarde, Gap, Grenoble, La Rochelle, Le Havre, Le Mans, Le Puy, Lille, Limoges, Lorient, Lourdes, Lyon (capital of Rhône-Alpes region; third largest city; pop.

720,000), Marseille (major seaport and second largest city; pop. 850,000), Meaux, Metz, Montpellier, Montélimar, Moulins, Mulhouse, Nancy, Nantes, Narbonne, Nice (fifth most populous city: pop. 350,000), Nîmes, Orléans, Pamiers, Paris (capital and largest city; pop. 2.2 million), Pau, Perpignan, Poitiers, Pontarlier, Périgueux, Reims, Rennes, Riom, Roanne, Rouen, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Dizier, Saint-Maurice, Saint-Étienne, Saintes, Sedan, St Malo, Strasbourg , Toulon, ToulouseTours, Troyes, Valence (Drôme dep.), Valenciennes, Verdun, and Versailles . Switzerland Map / Geography of Switzerland / Map of Switzerland - Worldatlas.com Print this map The beautiful, mountainous country of Switzerland is landlocked in south-central Europe , and remains one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet.

Inhabited since 5300 BC by ancient farm dwellers, Switzerland was later influenced by the Greeks and Etruscans, and then placed within the Roman Empire until the 4th century AD. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, the western portion of Switzerland was integrated into territory belonging to the Kings of the Burgundians, while the Swiss plateau and valley of the Alps were settled by the Alemanni. By the 6th century the Frankish Empire assumed control of the entirety of present-day Switzerland, and reigned until 1000 AD when it was placed under the reunified Holy Roman Empire. The Kyburg's briefly took over during the 13th century, and when their dynasty fell in 1264 AD the Habsburgs expanded their territory to cover the area. It was in 1291 that the Swiss people formed the Old Swiss Confederacy - an alliance between the cantons of Glarus, and Zug as well as the city states of Lucerne, Zurich and Bern - in an attempt to gain control of their land.

After a series of battles between the Habsburgs and Old Swiss Confederacy, Switzerland pulled through victoriously, and their independence and neutrality was officially recognized by the rest of Europe in 1648. Less than a hundred years later French Revolutionary forces overpowered Switzerland and enforced a new constitution. In the late 1700's, as a war raged between France and their rivals, the people of Switzerland found their country invaded by Russian and Austrian forces. The Swiss opposed fighting with the French , and in 1803, with the help of Napoleon and the Act of Mediation, Switzerland received autonomy. By 1815, independence and neutrality had been restored for Switzerland, and their territory lines increased into the present-day borderlines. Following this restoration was a period of unrest for the Swiss people, and in 1847 a civil war ensued. On a positive note, as the war came to an end less than a month later, the Swiss realized how essential strength and unity was in regards to their European neighbors. The revision of the constitution in 1891 brought to light elements of a direct democracy in which decisions were collectively made by the people, rather than representatives.

Politically, this now long-standing neutrality is highly respected by the major nations of the world, and as both World Wars raged across Europe through the early and mid 20th century, Switzerland played no part and was spared an invasion of its territory. In 1963, Switzerland joined the Council of Europe , and became a UN member in 2002. Famed not only for its banking institutions, watch makers, cheeses and chocolates, Switzerland is well-known for its picturesque mountain glaciers and lakes, and of course, fabulous skiing in the Alps. See Also Liechtenstein travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC +1 The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a small, alpine German-speaking country doubly landlocked by Switzerland and Austria . It is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire and an independent nation with very close ties to Switzerland. It enjoys a very high standard of living and is home to some incredibly beautiful mountain scenery. The principality's capital, Vaduz , is mainly a modern city and a major centre of commerce and international banking.

History[ edit ] The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 and 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 conclude 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 and tax evasion. However, the days of bringing suitcases of money into banks for deposit without questions asked is over. Liechtensteiners are also very proud of the fact that their nation has never been physically involved in a battle or military confrontation with an "enemy state" and see their flag as a banner of peace. Economy[ edit ] 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 the urban areas of 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 a large number of 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, since May 1995, a member of the European Economic Area, an organization serving as a bridge between the EFTA and the EU. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. Liechtenstein has one of the highest personal income rates (GDP Per Capita) in the world, with the base rate of income tax currently standing at just 1.2%. Liechtenstein was the home of the Curta calculator. Geography[ edit ] Liechtenstein is very mountainous and one of the world's two doubly-landlocked countries (Meaning that the countries that border it are themselves landlocked too) along with Uzbekistan . Most of Liechtenstein's population lives in the long and wide Rhine Valley in the western third.

Roads are mainly laid out in a north-south pattern following the valley as well. To the north the main roads lead to the border with Austria, to the south they enter Switzerland, and to the west across the river the bridges also cross into Switzerland. Most of the eastern border with Austria is not passable and is only accessible by foot as it is very mountainous, though the north of the country is well connected by road to Feldkirch in Austria . The country's highest point is the Grauspitz, which stretches to 2,599m. Liechtenstein is 2.5 time bigger than San Marino and it is 81 times bigger than Monaco . Climate[ edit ] Liechtenstein has a continental climate featuring cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain, making the country a moderately popular ski destination. Summers are cool to moderately warm, also often cloudy and humid. Entry requirements[ edit ] Liechtenstein is a member of the Schengen Agreement . There are no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented this treaty - the European Union (except Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. But be careful: not all EU members have signed the Schengen treaty, and not all Schengen members are part of the European Union. This means that there may be spot customs checks but no immigration checks (travelling within Schengen but to/from a non-EU country) or you may have to clear immigration but not customs (travelling within the EU but to/from a non-Schengen country). Please see the article Travel in the Schengen Zone for more information about how the scheme works and what entry requirements are. Despite the country being a member of the Schengen Agreement and the EEA , Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU . Therefore, travellers entering Liechtenstein from Austria (and vice versa) are subject to non-systematic customs controls, despite the fact that there are no immigration controls. Liechtenstein, however, maintains a complete customs union with Switzerland and is represented by Switzerland in embassies around the globe. Since 1923 there have been no border formalities needed for crossing between the two countries.

In essence there is nothing more than a sign announcing your arrival in Switzerland or Liechtenstein (when you cross the Rhine or the land border), similar to the situation at smaller border crossings in many EU nations (Austria/Germany/France/Italy etc.). Stamp hunters can, however, get an authentic Liechtenstein entry stamp in their passport at Vaduz 's tourist office for 3.00 Swiss franc (CHF) or €2.50. The stamp is not available at the Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum; the tourist office is the only place that you can purchase the stamp. Be aware that such memorial stamps may render your passport 'falsified' in the eyes of Finland's consular and border control officials. By plane[ edit ] Liechtenstein has no airports due to the size of the country. You can take a flight to Zürich Airport (115km). Although the airport was the only major airport near Liechtenstein, there were some limited services from Vienna to St. Gallen -Altenrhein Airport (53km) by Austrian Arrows . There was also a private airport in Bad Ragaz, very near the country.

Another popular point of entry is through Friedrichshafen in Germany , which is served by low-cost airlines and Turkish Airlines. There is a heliport in Balzers owned and operated by Swiss Helicopter. From there, one can take scenic flights around the country or book shuttle flights, e.g. from or to Zurich airport. The latter being private charter flights, not scheduled ones, cost around 4000 CHF for up to five passengers. By train or bus[ edit ] The easiest way of getting to Liechtenstein by train is to travel to Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland, or Feldkirch in Austria, and then take a connecting bus to Liechtenstein. ÖBB, the Austrian federal railway company, runs a very limited train service from Buchs SG station in Switzerland , via Schaan - Vaduz station (near Schaan) to Feldkirch in Austria . Trains only run during weekday peak hours, which makes buses far more convenient. Fast trains from Zurich and many international train services serve Sargans during the day. Consult the SBB timetable [1] to find out what'll be quickest when you're travelling. There are lockers at Sargans station so you can leave your luggage there.

The link [2] provides a plan of the station showing the lockers and where to catch the bus from. Liechtenstein buses are a distinctive light green colour. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. Bus route 11 runs from Sargans railway station to Feldkirch railway station via central Vaduz and Schaan . It leaves from outside each station approximately every 30 minutes during the day. A fare to Vaduz is 5.80 CHF from Sargans. Consider buying a whole network one-day pass (12 CHF) or one-week pass (24 CHF) if you are making multiple journeys. Bus route 12 runs every 15 minutes from the train station at Buchs (a town on the Swiss side of the border to Liechtenstein) to Schaan, from where connecting buses run to Vaduz . Tickets can be purchased on the bus for 3.40 CHF and it only takes about 10 minutes to Schaan and another 5 to Vaduz. Liechtenstein Bus route 14 is a more direct service from Feldkirch to Vaduz .

By car[ edit ] The Swiss Autobahn A13/E34 runs along the Swiss side of the Rhine River, the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. There are several access points that cross the Rhine into Liechtenstein, the two that are most commonly used are the bridge crossing into the southern town of Balzers and the crossing into Vaduz. Parking in Vaduz is easy, with a large parking garage located below the Kunstmuseum. Driving in Liechtenstein is relatively safe, but extra care should be taken on narrow and winding mountain roads. Speed traps are everywhere! Hitch-Hiking[ edit ] Very easy indeed from Feldkirch in Austria. Rush hour sees lots of commuters head into the capital. A simple sign as you stand by the main road in Feldkirch should get you a lift within minutes. Get around[ edit ] Public transport in Liechtenstein is amazingly efficient and commonly used. The country's sole bus operator is LBA [3] . LBA fares are reasonable, a 7-day unlimited use card costs CHF 24. Another cheap way to travel, weather permitting, is by bike.

The roads in Liechtenstein are in excellent condition and many (in the Balzers-Schaan corridor) even offer bike lanes. Biking through the whole country (entering from Austria going all the way south through to Switzerland) takes only a few hours, but is worth every minute of the wonderful alpine scenery! Talk[ edit ] The national language is German, but the main language in everyday use is Alemannic German dialect, which Liechtenstein shares with German-speaking Eastern Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg (south of Stuttgart, Germany), and Vorarlberg, Austria. Almost everyone can speak standard German when necessary, and English is also prevalent. French and Latin are also widely taught in the secondary public school system. Liechtenstein boasts a number of attractions that are of interest to visitors. Balzers Castle Balzers - Home to a beautiful church and a spectacular Gothic castle. Vaduz - The capital is the main shopping area in the country, with many souvenir stores and assorted restaurants. The city is also home to a modest cathedral and the decade-old Liechtenstein Kunstmuseum. A ski museum is north of the town centre.

Schloss Vaduz - This imposing and historic castle, home to the royal family, overlooks the city of Vaduz and can be seen closer by following the Castle Trail starting in Vaduz. The castle is not open to the public, but it is possible to view it from quite close up. It is entirely possible to encounter the royal family at the Kunstmuseum, coming in and out of Schloss Vaduz or skiing during winter time. This is one benefit of such a small country. They are recognizable in their cars, which use their birth year for their licence plate number. Triesenberg - Go here if you want to have one of the best views to the swiss alps. Certainly a unique experience. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Liechtenstein offers great hiking, road biking, and mountain biking terrain. Skiing and snowboarding are also offered at a reasonable price at the country's small resort, Malbun , in comparison to the expensive lift prices in neighboring Switzerland or Austria. Get up early one morning and drive up the mountains on the east side of the river. From here you have an incredible view over Vaduz & Switzerland that you can stand and admire.

Costs[ edit ] Costs in Liechtenstein are roughly equivalent to those in Switzerland and are therefore somewhat more expensive than other European countries. You will find a few restaurants in the larger cities of Liechtenstein. There is also a McDonald's restaurant (opened in 1996; serves beer), which is very popular and is widely publicised by road signs throughout the country. The many small bakeries are a great place to get a warm, fresh roll or pastry. One recommended restaurant is the Old Castle Inn, Aeulestrasse 22, +423 232 1065, in the centre of Vaduz. It is impossible to miss and offers authentic food at a reasonable price and with a pleasant atmosphere. Contact[ edit ] Internet access is available with one station at Telecom Liechtenstein immediate south of Vaduz's centre on the main road, but this is only open during business hours. Most hotels and some bars/restaurants will have net access such as in Schaan . The last real Internet cafe disappeared, because every one in the country has net access in their homes, so the local market completely disappeared and only visitors need access.

Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] The legal drinking/purchasing age is 16 for wine, beer, and cider. While the legal drinking/purchasing age is 18 for spirits and spirit-based beverages. There is a small amount of wine that is produced in Liechtenstein that is available in supermarkets and tourist shops throughout the country. Expect to pay around 25 Swiss Francs for an average bottle. The Prince even owns his own vineyard in Vaduz, off the main road. Beer is also available for purchase that is made with malt from Liechtenstein, although most of the beer itself is brewed in Switzerland. A variety of other European wines, beers, and soft drinks are also available. There is now a brewery in Liechtenstein that produces a variety of beers; lagers including Helles (blonde) and Hefe Weizen (unfiltered wheat) styles are brewed. There is also a one-man distillery in Triesen who makes liquors and schnapps from fruits. Tours on Saturdays. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] There are a few hotels in Liechtenstein, but they tend to run on the expensive side. There is one youth hostel located in Schaan, but it closes for the winter.

You will probably be able to find cheaper accommodation in neighbouring Feldkirch , Austria. Camping Mittagspitz is the only full-service campsite in the Principality. It offers excellent facilities, a friendly reception and a fabulous reasonably priced restaurant. There are three other camp grounds in Liechtenstein. One in Bendern, one in Vaduz, and one in Triesen. All are pretty much full year round. Gasthaus Krone, Dorf 36, 9488 Schellenberg (next to post office and bus-station), ☎ +423 373 1168, [4] . Very inexpensive rooms. Familly run hotel and restaurant. 15 km away from Vaduz, regular (hourly) bus service to all parts of Liechtenstein. 60 CHF (double). edit Learn[ edit ] Liechtenstein's university offers courses only in technical sciences. Without either Liechtenstein/Swiss or EU citizenship, a large bank balance and a fluency in German, it is unlikely to interest visitors. Work[ edit ] Finding work in Liechtenstein is difficult.

A majority of non-nationals working in the Principality are Swiss, with a smaller number of Austrians and Germans. Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union, so the government has no obligation to let nationals of EU member states work and live in the country. Stay safe[ edit ] Liechtenstein is easily one of the safest countries in the world, though it is not without its problems. The most common crime in Liechtenstein is of a non-violent nature, though the Principality maintains a well-equipped police force which maintains a presence on the streets. In the late 1990s, the Liechtenstein Landespolizei launched a crackdown on prostitution in Vaduz. Considering the largest cities nearby are Innsbruck and Zürich, outside of Schaan and Vaduz, the whole place can seem very rural. Drunk drivers and winter road conditions may be your only "realistic" concern. Speed limits are strictly enforced by speed cameras which will be very pricey. Don't speed, enjoy the scenery instead! The country's beautiful scenery is also very dangerous. Cases of hikers finding themselves in difficulty are very common, and extreme care should be taken when leaving the well-marked trails.

Follow local advice, read local weather forecasts (newspapers in the Principality print individual forecasts for the different cities in Liechtenstein, which is beneficial because the difference in altitude often cause different weather conditions), and ensure that you have the correct equipment before setting out. Stay healthy[ edit ] There are excellent medical facilities in Liechtenstein, but it is more likely that you would be transferred to a hospital in Switzerland should you require medical attention. If you are an Austrian or EU citizen you may want to seek medical attention in neighbouring Feldkirch, Austria. Respect[ edit ] The Principality of Liechtenstein has existed for centuries as an independent state and this should be remembered. Liechtenstein is not part of Switzerland or Austria, and its citizens will not hesitate to remind you. Remember that this is a traditional Catholic country. On Sundays, the streets are almost dead except for the tourists and the tourist shops. Liechtensteiners are very proud of their national identity and would take offence at being wrongly labelled "German", "Austrian" or "Swiss".

Those who may feel inclined to denounce the monarchy as a system of government should be advised: the prince is well loved and very popular, and he is certainly held in high esteem when discussing national politics. Get out[ edit ] Feldkirch , Austria and Lake Constance make for wonderful destinations.

Question: Switzerland shares its Western border with what country?
Answer: France