Liechtenstein

Over the last 50 years, Liechtenstein has developed from a mainly agricultural state to one of the most highly industrialised countries in the world. Its environment is shaped by the interplay of industrialisation, limited space and ecological value.

With a population of around 40 000, and 25 000 people commuting daily from abroad, Liechtenstein faces increasing pressure in relation to land use, transport infrastructure and air quality. The topography – ranging from 430 m to over 2 600 m above sea level within a narrow Alpine valley – creates a funnel effect that traps heat and exacerbates climate-related stressors, while also limiting usable space. This scarcity intensifies land use conflicts among settlement, infrastructure, agriculture and nature conservation.

However, the same topography gives rise to exceptional biodiversity: 42% of the national territory is forested, and steep elevation gradients support diverse and valuable habitats, some of which are rare or endangered at the European level.

As one of Europe’s smallest countries, Liechtenstein depends on close cooperation with its neighbours to achieve environmental goals. Cross-border initiatives, such as the Alpine Rhine renaturation project, show how joint actions can build resilience to the impacts of climate change and strengthen ecological networks.

Environmental sustainability in Liechtenstein depends on an integrated approach that links climate action, biodiversity protection and land use planning across sectors and borders. For more information, please see https://www.statistikportal.li/de/uebergreifendes-indikatoren/liechtenstein-in-figures.