The Principality of Liechtenstein (pronounced lick-ten-stine or likh-ten-shtein) is a small landlocked country in central Europe, enclosed by Switzerland in the west and Austria in the east. Being mountainous, it is a winter sports resort. It is also known as a tax-haven.
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| National motto: None | |||||
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| Official language | German | ||||
| Capital | Vaduz | ||||
| Prince | Hans-Adam II | ||||
| Head of Government | Otmar Hasler | ||||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 189th 160 km2 Negligible | ||||
| Population - Total (2000) - Density | Ranked 187th 32,528 203/km² | ||||
| Independence | 1806 | ||||
| Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF or 756) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC +1 (DST +2) | ||||
| National anthem | Oben am jungen Rhein | ||||
| Internet TLD | .li | ||||
| Calling Code | +423 | ||||
History
Main article: History of Liechtenstein
In 1699, Prince Johann Adam of Liechtenstein bought the domain of Schellenberg and in 1712, the county of Vaduz. By acquiring these two counties he was striving for a seat in the government of the Holy Roman Empire. On January 23, 1719, emperor Charles VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a principality with the name Liechtenstein for his true servant Anton Florian of Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II – in which Liechtenstein remained neutral – the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a parliamentary democracy, headed by the prince, or Fürst, currently Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, who succeeded his father after his death in 1989.
The parliament of Liechtenstein, the Landtag, consists of 25 representatives chosen by the people. A cabinet of five men and women is responsible for taking care of daily political matters.
Unlike many other constitutional monarchies, the Liechtenstein constitution gives many important powers to the Prince, which he frequently uses. This has prompted some controversy in recent years.
In a referendum on July 1, 1984, male voters granted women the right to vote in national (but not local) elections—a victory for Prince Hans Adam.
Communities
Main article: Communities of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is divided into eleven communities (Gemeinden - singular Gemeinde), most consisting of only a single town. These are:
Geography
Main article: Geography of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is situated in the Rhine valley in the Alps. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by this river. The eastern part of the country is located at higher altitude, the highest point being the Grauspitz, at 2,599 m (8,527 ft.).
In spite of the alpine location, the climate of Liechtenstein is rather mild, due to southern winds. In the winter, the mountain slopes are well suited for winter sports.
It is one of two double landlocked countries in the world, which means a country that is surrounded by only landlocked contries - the other being Uzbekistan.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Liechtenstein
Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialised, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on par with the urban areas of its large European neighbours. Low business taxes – the maximum tax rate is 18% – and easy incorporation rules have induced about 73,700 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues.
The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organisation serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonise its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country of Europe, after Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino. Its resident population is approximately one-third foreigners, mainly Germans, Austrians and Swiss.
The official language is German, though most speak an Alemannic dialect. About 76% of the population is Roman Catholic, 7% is Protestant.
Apart from the prince, the most famous person from Liechtenstein is Hanni Wenzel, of German origin, who won two Olympic titles in 1980 in alpine skiing.
Miscellaneous topics
- Military - the country has no military of its own, relying on Switzerland for defense.
- The Liechtenstein family claims 1,600 sq km of land in the Czech Republic which was confiscated from its royal family in 1918. The Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back before February 1948, when the communists seized power.
- Coats of Arms of Liechtenstein
- Culture of Liechtenstein
- Communications in Liechtenstein
- Transportation in Liechtenstein
External links
- Principality of Liechtenstein - Official State site