The Principality of Liechtenstein is a very small, landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with mountain slopes rising above the Rhine valley. It is a wealthy nation owing to its reputation of being a tax haven, although it has been trying to re-brand itself as a legitimate financial center of late.
It is an Alpine country with a mild climate, and well situated for winter sports. With more registered companies than citizens, Liechtenstein participates in a customs union with Switzerland and employs the Swiss franc as the national currency.
Although the official language is German, most of the people speak an Alemannic dialect of German that is very different from Standard German but closely related to dialects spoken in neighboring regions such as Switzerland and Austria.