Liechtenstein Rate of Natural Increase

Liechtenstein’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth and death rates—has historically been very low, and in recent years it has hovered close to zero or even dipped into negative territory. This means that the population growth in Liechtenstein is minimal and, without immigration, the population would likely decline. In contrast, its neighbors, Switzerland and Austria, also experience low RNIs, but Switzerland’s RNI is slightly higher due to a marginally higher birth rate and lower death rate, while Austria’s RNI is similar to or slightly below Liechtenstein’s, reflecting broader demographic trends of aging populations and low fertility rates common in Central Europe. All three countries rely on immigration to sustain population growth, but Liechtenstein’s small size and unique demographic structure make its natural increase particularly sensitive to even minor changes in birth or death rates.

Data from US Census International Database