Liechtenstein Industry

The industrial sector is strong and shows great diversity. The emphasis is on the manufacture of machines, electronics, precision instruments, dental products, food and ceramics.

The sector accounts for a larger proportion of the workforce than in many other industrialized countries. There are many SMEs. Most of the industry is focused on exports. Despite its smallness, Liechtenstein is a world leader in loose teeth and sausage skins.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER, LS stands for the country of Liechtenstein in geography.

Foreign trade

Exports are important because their own market is so small. Foreign trade mainly takes place with the EU countries, Switzerland and the US.

The customs union with Switzerland makes it difficult to measure the size of the trade.

FACTS – FOREIGN TRADE

Main export goods

machinery, electronics, dental products, metal products, optical equipment

Largest trading partner

EU countries, Switzerland, USA

2011

December

Liechtenstein joins Schengen

The country will be the 26th to join the passport-free Schengen cooperation, which consists of a number of EU members and, previously, three countries outside the Union.

November

French criticism of Liechtenstein

At a G20 summit in Cannes, French President Nicolas Sarkozy accuses Liechtenstein of being one of eleven tax havens in the world. According to Sarkozy, other countries should avoid exchanges with these tax havens.

September

Voter no to abortions

In a referendum on allowing abortions, a majority voted no. However, the margin is only 514 votes out of a total of 11 510. Crown Prince Alois has announced in advance that he plans to use his veto on voters to vote for legalization (see also Social conditions).