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Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by the river. Measured north to south, the country is only about 24 km(15 mi) long. In its eastern portion, Liechtenstein rises to higher altitudes; its highest point, the Grauspitz, is 2,599 m (8,527 ft).Despite its alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate of Liechtenstein comparatively mild. In winter, the mountain slopes are well suited to winter sports.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly landlocked alpine country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east. It is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire. Mountainous, it is a winter sports destination, although it is perhaps best known as a tax haven. Despite this, it is not heavily urbanized. Many cultivated fields and small farms characterize its landscape both in the north(Unterland) and in the south (Oberland). It is the smallest German-speakingcountry in the world and the only German-speaking nation not to share a commonborder with Germany. Leichtenstein is the fourth smallest European nation,after San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City.

Despite its small size and limited natural resources,Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with its large European neighbors. The Liechtenstein economyis widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. Liechtenstein also generatesrevenue from the establishment of stiftungs("foundations"), which are financial entities created to increase theprivacy of nonresident foreigners' financial holdings. The foundation isregistered in the name of a Liechtensteiner, often a lawyer. Despite itslimited natural resources, Liechtenstein is one of the few countries in theworld with more registered companies than citizens. Its living standard compares favorably to those of the urban areas of Liechtenstein's large European neighbors.

The real estate industry of Liechtenstein, as those in otherEuropean countries is flourishing. Owing to its small domestic market, Liechtenstein is impelled to attract overseas investors to sustain its economy. Consequently, there is a heavy demand for real estate assets among overseas andlocal developers.