Landlocked Countries of Central Europe Liechtenstein Austria Switzerland

Liechtenstein

Capital: Vaduz Population: 34,498 Area, sq. mi.: 62 GDP per capita: $25,000 Life expectancy: 76 (male); 83 (female) Currency: Swiss franc

Liechtenstein More than four hundred musical societies and organizations in Liechtenstein instruct and perform classical and modern music. Liechtenstein has not had an army since 1868 and has avoided war since the end of the 18th century. People remove their gloves before shaking hands. The right to vote was not extended to women until 1984.

Liechtenstein

Land Size Liechtenstein is nearly the size of Washington, D.C. It is the fourth smallest nation in Europe—after Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino—and is situated between Austria and Switzerland. Land Landscape dominated by the Rhine River Valley and the base of the Alps. The highest point is Grauspitz, at 8,525 feet. About one-fourth of the land is suitable for cultivation. Small vineyards are found in the foothills. Forests cover more than one-third of the country.

Language The language spoken in Liechtenstein is German. High German is taught at school and is used as a written language. Business Industry is highly technical. Metal finishing, mainly of machines and machine parts, comprises a large portion of industry. Textiles, ceramics, and dental products. A reputation for its chemical and pharmaceutical products.

Liechtenstein

Austria

Capital: Vienna Area, sq. mi.: 32,375 GDP per capita: $33,700 Life expectancy: 77 (male); 82 (female) Currency: Euro Population is 7 million.

Austria Austrians take pride in dressing well, even if they are only going grocery shopping. Austrians do not ask “How are you?” unless they wish to hear a detailed account. People in Austria only give flowers in odd numbers; even numbers are bad luck. Except on special occasions, dating expenses are shared equally by males and females.

Land/Climate A landlocked country Austria covers 32,375 square miles and is slightly smaller than Maine. The Alps cover much of the west and south, while flatlands dominate in the east and northeast. The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, crosses northern Austria. Austria is one of the most forested countries in Europe; around 40 percent of the landscape is wooded. Spring and summer are temperate Winters in some mountain areas can be very cold. In Vienna, the average temperature in winter is 32°F and the average temperature in summer is 67°F.

Language/Religion The official language is German, but each region has its own dialect. 74 percent of Austrians are Roman Catholic 5 percent are Protestant 4 percent are Muslim.

Government Federal president Federal chancellor and the chancellor's cabinet. The president appoints the chancellor, approves all members of government, and represents Austria internationally. Parliament has a 62-member upper house, called the Federal Council 183-seat lower house, called the National Council

Economy Austria is an industrialized nation with an economy that mixes free-market and social- welfare principles. Social-welfare programs are fairly extensive and provide support for the unemployed. Around two-thirds of Austrians are employed in service industries. Agriculture is not a major part of the economy, but the country is mostly self-sufficient in food.

Famous People Amadeus Mozart Arnold Schwarzenegger bodybuilder, movie star, California governor

Pictures Weiner Schnitzel (deep fried cut of veal) Salzburg

Switzerland

Capital: Bern Population: 7.6 million GDP per capita: $35,633 Life expectancy: 79 (male); 84 (female) Currency: Swiss franc

Switzerland

Almost half of the population of Switzerland skis regularly (both cross-country and downhill). The Saint Gotthard Road Tunnel in south- central Switzerland is one of the longest tunnels in the world. Every physically fit male is required to serve in the Swiss Army. 70 percent of Swiss rent their housing

Land Switzerland about twice the size of New Jersey. Switzerland is sometimes called the “roof of Europe” because of its towering Alps, which cover more than half of the country, running east to west. The Jura Mountains (in north) extend across another 10 percent of the territory.

Language Four official languages are spoken in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Government Switzerland is a highly decentralized federal state Most political power resides in the 26 cantons, as well as in local communities. Each canton also has its own constitution and control over such things as school systems, police, welfare, and local issues. At these two levels, decisions are made by the people.

Economy Banking Switzerland (Zurich) is known as the banking and finance capital of the world Business Tourism is a vital and driving force in the economy Industrial production is equally important. The Swiss produce not only fine watches, chocolates, and cheeses but also machinery, chemicals, textiles, and various precision instruments, which are known for their excellent craftsmanship.

Food Raclette Raclette is one of Switzerland's most famous cheese dishes, second only to fondue. In this modern version of a raclette oven, the raclette cheese is melted in individual serving dishes (in the lower rack, below the grill). Vegetables, sausage, and bacon are grilled on top. When the cheese begins to bubble, it is eaten over cooked potatoes with the grilled items and other sharp-tasting foods, like onions and pickles. GOOODDDD

Food Cows graze at the edge of a mountain in the Bernese Highlands. Their milk is used for famous Swiss cheese and chocolates.

Food Swiss SandwichesSwiss Chocolate

Pictures Swiss Army KnifeSwiss Cheese