Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein has a total population of 35,000 and is bordered by Switzerland and Austria. The length of its borders totals about 45 miles so one could easily cycle the entire perimeter of Liechtenstein in a day. Then again, you could cycle the entire length of Liechtenstein in an hour because at it longest point it's a mere 12 miles.

Six years ago I cycled through Liechtenstein and visited Hilti (2001 revenues $2.1 billion), a manufacturer of machinery and consumer work tools. This time I'm here to visit the three biggest banks.

Who's the head of state here? H.S.H Prince Hans-Adam ll.von und zu Liechtenstein. He's the guy living in the big castle on the hill overlooking the valley.