Official name Principality of Liechtenstein, Ger Fürstentum Liechtenstein
Local name Liechtenstein Timezone GMT +1 Area 160 km²/62 sq mi population total (2002e) 33 300 Status Independent principality Date of independence 1719 Capital Vaduz Language German (official) Ethnic groups Liechtensteiner (64%), Swiss (16%), Austrian (8%), German (4%) Religions Roman Catholic (87%), Protestant (9%) Physical features Alpine principality, located in C Europe; fourth smallest country in the world; land boundary 76 km/47 mi; bounded W by the R Rhine; mean altitude, 450 m/1475 ft; forested mountains rise to 2599 m/8527 ft in the Grauspitz; Samina River flows N. Climate Mild, equable climate; temperatures range from -15°C (Jan), 208°C (Jul); average annual rainfall 10501200 mm/4147 in. Currency 1 Swiss Franc (CHF) = 100 centimes Economy Industrial sector developing since 1950s; export-based, centred on specialized and high-tech production; metal-working, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; international banking and finance; tourism. GDP (1999e) $825 mn, per capita $25 000 History Became a sovereign state in 1342; independent principality within Holy Roman Empire, 1719; part of Holy Roman Empire until 1806; adopted Swiss currency, 1921; united with Switzerland in a customs union, 1923; became a member of UN, 1990; joined European Free Trade Association (EFTA), 1991; constitutional monarchy ruled by hereditary princes of the House of Liechtenstein; day-to-day running of the principality transferred by Hans-Adam II to his son, Prince Alois, 2004; governed by a Prime Minister, four Councillors, and a unicameral Parliament.|
Fürstentum Liechtenstein Principality of Liechtenstein |
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| Motto: none | |||||
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Anthem: Oben am jungen Rhein ("High Above the Young Rhine") |
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| Capital |
Vaduz 47°08′N 9°30′E |
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| Largest city | Schaan | ||||
| Official language(s) | German | ||||
| Government | Constitutional monarchy (Principality) | ||||
| - Prince | Hans-Adam II | ||||
| - Regent | Alois | ||||
| - Head of Government | Otmar Hasler | ||||
| Independence | |||||
| - Date | 1806 (Treaty of Pressburg) | ||||
| Area | |||||
| - Total |
160 km² (215th) 62 sq mi |
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| - Water (%) | negligible | ||||
| Population | |||||
| - July 2006 estimate | 33 987 (211th) | ||||
| - 2000 census | 33,307 | ||||
| - Density |
210/km² (52nd) 544/sq mi |
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| GDP (PPP) | 2006 estimate | ||||
| - Total | $2,850 million (184) | ||||
| - Per capita | $83,700 (unranked) | ||||
| HDI (2003) | n/a (n/a) (unranked) | ||||
| Currency | Swiss franc (CHF) | ||||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||||
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||||
| Internet TLD | .li | ||||
| Calling code | +423 | ||||
| 1 Used Swiss area code 41 75 until 1999. | |||||
The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a small, doubly landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east.
History
At one time, the territory of Liechtenstein formed a part (albeit a diminutive one) of the ancient Roman province of Raetia.
The Liechtenstein dynasty, from which the Principality takes its name (rather than vice-versa), comes from Castle Liechtenstein in faraway Lower Austria, which the family possessed from at least 1140 to the 13th century, and from 1807 onwards. Through the centuries, the dynasty acquired vast swathes of land, predominantly in Moravia, Lower Austria, Silesia and Styria, though in all cases, these territories were held in fief under other more senior feudal lords, particularly under various lines of the Habsburg family, to whom several Liechtenstein princes served as close advisors.
Thereby, on January 23, 1719, after purchase had been duly made, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor decreed Vaduz and Schellenberg were united, and raised to the dignity of Fürstentum (principality) with the name "Liechtenstein" in honour of "[his] true servant, Anton Florian of Liechtenstein".
Soon after, Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation (20 June 1815 – 24 August 1866, presided by the Emperor of Austria).
Until the end of World War I, Liechtenstein was closely tied first to the Austrian Empire and then to Austria-Hungary.
During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, while family treasures within the war zone were brought to Liechtenstein (and London) for safekeeping. At the close of the conflict, Czechoslovakia and Poland, acting to seize what they considered to be German possessions, expropriated the entirety of the Liechtenstein dynasty's hereditary lands and possessions in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia — the Princes of Liechtenstein lived in Vienna until the Anschluss of 1938.
In dire financial straits following the war, the Liechtenstein dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, including for instance the priceless portrait "Ginevra de' Benci" by Leonardo da Vinci, which was purchased by the National Gallery of Art of the United States in 1967.
The Prince of Liechtenstein is the world's 5th wealthiest head-of-state, with an estimated wealth of 4 billion dollars.
Politics
Administrative divisions
Geography
Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps.
Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world;
Economy
Despite its small geographic area and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein is currently the only country in the world with more registered companies than citizens, it has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy, and boasts a financial service sector and also living standard which compare favourably to those of the urban areas of Liechtenstein's large European neighbours.
Recently, Liechtenstein has shown strong determination to dispel the country's unhelpful image as a centre for international money-laundering.
Liechtenstein participates in a customs union with Switzerland and employs the Swiss franc as national currency.
Liechtenstein's most recognizable international company, and largest employer is Hilti, a manufacturer of concrete fastening systems.
Demographics
Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country of Europe, after the Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino.
On November 27, 2005, Liechtenstein voters rejected an initiative that would prohibit abortion, artificial birth control, and living wills in the principality.
Transport
There are about 250 kilometres (155 mi) of paved roadway within Liechtenstein, and 9.5 kilometres (5.9 mi) of railway.
Culture
Due to Liechtenstein's small size, the country has been strongly affected by external cultural influences, most notably those originating in the southern German-speaking areas of Europe, including Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, and the Tyrol.
Sport
Liechtenstein football teams play in the Swiss football leagues. The Liechtenstein Cup allows access to one Liechtenstein team each year in the UEFA Cup;
The Liechtenstein national football team has traditionally been regarded as an easy target for any team drawn against them, a fact that served as the basis for a book about Liechtenstein's unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup by British author Charlie Connelly.
As an alpine country, the main opportunity for Liechtensteiners to excel is in winter sports such as downhill skiing: Hanni Wenzel won two gold medals in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein is considering a bid for either the 2018 Winter Olympics or 2018 Winter Olympics
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