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Sponsored LinksTravel reviews & great deals at TripAdvisor: Land, People, Economy, and GovernmentThe country is mainly mountainous, with the Rhine valley in its western third. The population is largely Roman Catholic, with a Protestant minority. German is the national language; a High German dialect is also spoken. There is a large component of foreign workers. Traditionally agricultural, Liechtenstein has been increasingly industrialized, with industry now employing over half of the workforce. Most of the rest of the labor force works in the service sector. Only a small fraction of the population still engages in agriculture (dairying and the raising of livestock and cereals). The leading manufactured products are machinery and other metal goods, pharmaceuticals, optical lenses, electronic equipment, textiles, ceramics, and consumer goods. A large part of the production is exported. Tourism is an increasingly important industry. Much revenue is derived from the minimal taxes imposed on international corporations, which, because of the low taxes, are headquartered there. The stable political environment and the secrecy of its financial institutions contribute to its reputation as a banking center and tax haven. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The ruling prince is Hans-Adam II. A constitution has been in effect since 1921. Members of the 25-seat unicameral parliament (Landtag) are elected by popular vote for four-year terms. Liechtenstein uses Swiss currency and is represented abroad through Switzerland. The country has no army and only a small police force. Liechtenstein is divided into 11 communes. Sections in this article: The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
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