The country of Liechtenstein is one of the smallest in Europe. It relies on its neighbors for protection and air transportation but maintains a particular charm all its own. It is officially called the Principality of Liechtenstein. The capital is Vaduz. GeographyLiechtenstein covers an area of 62 square miles (160 square kilometers). The Rhine River forms a natural boundary with Switzerland on the west. Austria lies to the east. The narrow valley of the Rhine occupies the western part of Liechtenstein. Toward the east, the land rises to form mountains with elevations between 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) and 8,600 feet (2,623 meters). These are the foothills of the Rhatikon Massif, part of the central Alps. The highest peak of Liechtenstein, Grauspitz, rises to a height of 8,534 feet (2,601 meters). Plants and animalsLiechtenstein has a variety of plants and animals. The vegetation includes orchids, bulrush, reeds, water milfoil, mare's-tail, and bird's eye primrose. Copper beech, maple, elm, lime, sycamore, and ash are the common tree species. Liechtenstein's animal life includes red deer, roe deer, chamois, hares, marmots, pheasants, hazel grouse, partridges, foxes, badgers, marten, polecats, and weasels. People and culture - Vaduz castle, Liechtenstein.
The people of Liechtenstein are largely descendants of a Germanic tribe called the Alemanni. They came into the region in about AD 500. Although the country's official language is German, the people still speak an Alemanni dialect. The Walsers, descendants of Swiss immigrants who came to Liechtenstein in the 13th century, speak their own dialect. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic. The world-famous art collections of the princes of Liechtenstein are exhibited in the Engländerhaus in Vaduz. The exhibits include works by 17th-century Dutch and Flemish painters. The Engländerhaus also houses the State Art Collection. The Liechtenstein Postal Museum exhibits a large collection of stamps. Founded in 1930, the museum also exhibits stamps issued by the country since 1912. The Liechtenstein National Museum in Vaduz displays early and Roman artifacts. EconomyLiechtenstein is not rich in natural resources. Nearly all raw materials have to be imported. The forests are protected in order to preserve the ecology and prevent erosion. The number of people involved in agriculture is small, but the farms are large. There are also a few small vineyards. Livestock breeding and dairying are important agricultural activities. Farm products include beef, milk, corn, cereals, grapes, and potatoes. Since World War II the country's industry has developed rapidly. Small factories in Liechtenstein produce textiles, ceramics, precision instruments, boilers, electronic equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Liechtenstein has no currency of its own; it adopted the currency of Switzerland in 1921. The country has become a center of banking. The tax rates are low, and a number of foreign companies have established their headquarters there. Liechtenstein's revenue comes partly from the fees paid by these companies. The tourist trade and the sale of postage stamps are other sources of income. The government promotes the tourism industry. HistoryLiechtenstein has been a quiet region, undisturbed by its European neighbors. For centuries, the valley was occupied by two independent states of the Holy Roman Empire, Vaduz and Schellenberg. The two states were combined to form the principality of Liechtenstein in 1719 and remained part of the Holy Roman Empire. The country became independent in 1866. Population (2001 estimate), 33,000. |