Country Profile: Liechtenstein

This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Principality of Liechtenstein (Fuerstentum Liechtenstein), based on research produced by GlobaLex at NYU Law School and the Library of Congress. Under Leichtenstein's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.

Country Background

Liechtenstein is located in Central Europe and is bounded by Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz. The official language is German (of the Alemannic dialect). The country’s population in 2016 was approximately 38,000 people. The official religion of Liechtenstein is Roman Catholic and the population is predominantly Christian, with about 76% of the population Roman Catholic and 7% Protestant Reformed. Islam is the second most common religion in Liechtenstein, and Muslims make up about 5% of the country's population. 

Constitution & Legal Structure

Liechtenstein is referred to as a constitutional monarchy with a democratic and parliamentary basis of government, where a constitutional monarch acts as the Head of State and an elected parliament enacts the law. Liechtenstein is also a direct democracy, where voters can propose and enact constitutional amendments and legislation independent of the legislature. The Constitution of Liechtenstein was adopted in March 2003, replacing the previous 1921 Constitution and establishing a parliamentary system of governance in Liechtenstein, though the reigning monarch retains substantial political authority. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. While Liechtenstein is not a member state of the European Union, it is a part of the European Economic Area, and can participate in the single market of the EU. Liechtenstein also shares a customs and monetary union with Switzerland.

Constitutional Status of Islamic Law

Islamic law has no constitutional status in Liechtenstein.

Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law

Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Liechtenstein.

Dominant School of Islamic Law

Liechtenstein has no official school of Islamic law. 

Sources of Law for Legal Research

Official Publications

 Unofficial Databases

References:

For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide, and for a narrative review, see the GlobaLex Foreign Law Research Guide (most updated version, where available). The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English translation. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].