II.

Land and Resources

The western third of Liechtenstein lies in the flood plain of the upper Rhine. The rest of the country consists of foothills of the Rhätikon Massif, part of the central Alps, which rise in the south to peaks of more than 2,438 m (8,000 ft) above sea level. The Rhine, which forms the western border, and its local tributaries drain the greater part of the country. The Samina River drains the mountain valleys of eastern Liechtenstein. The climate is Alpine with mild winters; average temperatures range from -1.1° C (30° F) in January to 21.1° C (70° F) in July. The average annual rainfall is about 1,016 mm (40 in). Liechtenstein has a varied flora and fauna. One third of the land is forested; deciduous trees predominate on the lowlands, evergreens on the mountain slopes. Wildlife includes deer, chamois, fox, marten, and badger. Liechtenstein has few natural resources of economic significance. Almost all raw materials, food, and 94 per cent of energy has to be imported. Having a small population and no heavy industry, Liechtenstein generates only a few environmental problems. Although acid rain that originates elsewhere affects the country’s forests, this problem should decline as a United Nations (UN) air pollution protocol comes into force.