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People
Cultural Demography
Today, ethnic Alemannics comprise the majority of Liechtenstein's total population of approximately 35,000. Other resident groups include ethnic Italians and ethnic Turks. Foreign nationals, predominantly Swiss, Austrians and Germans, comprise a significant minority of the population.
Language
While German is the official language, the Alemannic dialect is also spoken.
Religion
In terms of religious affiliation, 80 percent of Liechtensteiners are Roman Catholic; 7 percent are Protestant; 5 percent are members of other religious groups. The religious affiliation of the remaining 8 percent of the population is unknown.
Human Development
Liechtensteiners have an average life expectancy at birth of 79 years of age (75 years for males; 83 years for females). The infant mortality rate is 4.92 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to recent estimates. An estimated 100 percent of the population, age 15 and older, can read and write. These figures suggest that this is a country which enjoys a high degree of human development.
About two percent of GDP is spent on educational expenditures. Access to education, sanitation, water, and health is regarded to be very good.
Written by Dr. Denise Youngblood Coleman, Editor in Chief, www.countrywatch.com; see Bibliography for research sources.
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