The tiny European nation that pulls no punches

Liechtenstein is tiny, but with its vibrant economy and political acumen packs a big punch in its little corner between Switzerland and Austria.

Photos by Peter Kenny.

The landlocked nation is Europe’s fourth smallest, with an area of 160 square kilometres and a population of only 41,000, smaller than several Swiss and Austrian cities. At the same time, It is an important small-scale industrial hub with global connections, including to countries as far afield as South Africa, and it offers winter sports. (See Global Geneva article on Alps at the Crossroads with Liechtenstein-based CIPRA)

Á group of journalists from the Foreign Press Association in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (APES) visited the tiny country on June 2 and 4, 2026, at the invitation of the Liechtenstein government. (Editorial note: APES is the oldest association for foreign journalists in Switzerland and Liechtenstein regularly staging background visits to explore key issues)

Officials explained that although the fairy-tale-like country, with a prince and quaint micro-cities, has a reputation as a financial centre, it is highly industrialised, with some highly sophisticated industries. It has also a strong focus on tourism. At the start of the European summer, Liechtenstein was packed with European and Chinese visitors.

After a train ride from Geneva via Zurich, the journalists' first stop was Hilti, an 85-year-old company based in Schaan, the biggest municipality in Liechtenstein. As an international corporation, it has a presence in 120 countries worldwide.

Hilti specialises in sophisticated construction-industry equipment, and it has a strong presence in countries such as South Africa, where it supplies power tools, industrial fasteners, and equipment for construction on chemical sites.

“Hilti around the world helps make construction work more productive, safer and more sustainable, with our hardware, software and services,” said Matthias Hassler, the head of corporate communications at the company headquarters in Schaan, the biggest municipality.

Celebrating Liechtenstein's own national holiday on June 4

Embodying a Swiss Financial System

In the nearby capital, Vaduz, with a population of some 6,000, Christine Lingg of the foreign affairs office spoke to the journalists. She said that Liechtenstein, which is part of the Swiss financial system, has to foster close ties with both Switzerland and the European Union. At the same time, the United States is an important economic partner and industry is strong.

Emanuel Schädler, Liechtenstein’s social affairs and justice minister, said. "Direct contact with media representatives is of great importance for a country like Liechtenstein...Personal meetings build trust and foster mutual understanding."

The visitors enjoyed dinner at Restaurant Torkel, a Michelin-starred establishment in Vaduz, with a member of the Liechtenstein government and representatives from the national administration.

On the second day, the APES journalists were able to visit the Vaduz six museums, including the Hilti Art Foundation works of art from the late 19th century to the present day. With neighbouring Switzerland and Austria just down the road pursuing normal work days, Liechtenstein was largely closed celebrating its own national holiday (June 4), the Roman Catholic feast of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ).

South African journalist Peter Kenny covers UN, WTO and international issues from Geneva.