3. The landlocked Principality of Liechtenstein is cosily nestled in the Alps, a mountain range of glistening splendour peppered with elegant chalets that typify the region. Liechtenstein is landlocked by Switzerland and which other European country?
From Quiz Liechtenstein: Alpine Gem
Answer:
Austria
Liechtenstein is tucked away between Switzerland and Austria and the latter two countries are responsible for some of the former's services.
Liechtenstein has shared an open border with Switzerland - both countries not being part of the European Union (EU) - since 1923 and the intention was for this to continue for the long term after Liechtenstein joined the Schengen Area in late 2011. The Schengen Area consists of more than twenty European countries, though not all part of the EU, and allows for no border controls between the member states for residents of those states. For travellers from countries outside of the Schengen Area, strict border controls remain in place but once visitors are in the Area, they are subject to the same border liberties as those who live there.
When Liechtenstein became a part of the Schengen Area, only a few things really changed regarding the country's border controls. Switzerland and Austria were both involved in the scheme prior to Liechtenstein's entry and in order for almost all visitors to reach the principality, they have to first travel through Switzerland or Austria. As has been stated above, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have long enjoyed an open border but its border with Austria was always more strictly guarded. The first main consequence of Liechtenstein joining the Schengen Area was the relaxation of control at this border crossing. The second consequence is that the country's very small airport, or rather heliport, in Balzers would no longer accept flights to Liechtenstein from countries outside of the Schengen Area. Thus, it is an impossibility to gain illegal entry to the Schengen Area via Liechtenstein without the illegal visitors first gaining unauthorised access to another Schengen Area country.