The religion in Liechtenstein is predominantly Catholic, with a minority of Protestants, non-adherents, and adherents of other religions; it also has a small Muslim population, composed mainly of immigrants from countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey. [2]
In 2020, 79.5% of the population was Christian (69.6% were Catholic, 8.1% were Protestant Reformed, 6% were Muslim, 9.6% had no religious beliefs, 1% were part of another religion and 4% did not respond). There were also approximately 30 Jews living in the country. [2]
The Roman Catholic Church, as written in the Constitution of Liechtenstein, is the official state religion of Liechtenstein. The constitution declares that the Catholic Church is "the State Church and as such shall enjoy the full protection of the State." [3] Liechtenstein offers protection to adherents of all religious beliefs, and considers the "religious interests of the people" a priority of the government. [3] In Liechtenstein schools, although exceptions are allowed, religious education in Catholicism or Protestantism is legally required. [4] Tax exemption is granted by the government to religious organizations. [4] According to the Pew Research Center, social conflict caused by religious hostilities is ranked low in Liechtenstein, and so is the amount of government restriction on the practice of religion. [5]
Before 1997, within the Catholic church, the principality was part of the Swiss Diocese of Chur: after then the Vatican founded the new Archdiocese of Vaduz. Reforms aimed at diminishing the influence of the Catholic Church on Liechtenstein's government have been supported by Prince Hans-Adam II. [6]
In 2002, 83.9% of Liechtenstein's population were Christian (76% Catholic and 7% Protestant), 4.2% followed Islam, 0.8% followed Orthodox Christianity, and 12% are either non-religious or adherents of other faiths. [7]
Religion | 2020 [1] | 2015 [8] | 2010 [9] [10] [8] | 2000 [10] [8] | 1990 [10] | 1980 [11] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Catholics | 69.6% | 73.4% | 75.9% | 78.4% | 84.9% | 85.8% |
Protestants | 8.1% | 8.2% | 8.5% | 8.3% | 9.2% | 10.3% |
Christian-Orthodox Churches | 1.5% | 1.3% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.7% | - |
Other Christian Churches | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.8% |
Muslims | 6.0% | 5.9% | 5.4% | 4.8% | 2.4% | 1.7% |
Other religions | 1.0% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.2% | - |
No religion | 9.6% | 7.0% | 5.4% | 2.8% | 1.5% | - |
Undeclared | 4.0% | 3.3% | 2.6% | 4.1% | 0.9% | - |
In 2023, the country scored 4 out of 4 for religious freedom. [12]
Liechtenstein, officially the Principality of Liechtenstein, is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps, between Austria in the east and north and Switzerland in the west and south. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein of the House of Liechtenstein, currently led by Hans-Adam II. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres and a population of 40,023. It is the world's smallest country to border two countries, and is one of the few countries with no debt.
Demographic features of the population of Liechtenstein include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and also the seat of the national parliament. The city, which is located along the Rhine, has 5,696 residents. The most prominent landmark of Vaduz is Vaduz Castle, perched atop a steep hill overlooking the city. It is home to the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the Liechtenstein princely family. The city's distinctive architecture is also displayed in landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House, City Hall, the National Art Gallery, as well as the National Museum. Although Vaduz is the best-known town in the principality internationally, it is not the largest; neighbouring Schaan has a larger population.
The principality of Liechtenstein is divided into eleven municipalities, most consisting of only a single town. Five of the Gemeinden fall within the electoral district of Unterland, while the other six are within the Oberland.
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