Short history of Liechtenstein

[joukov]

History

The Austrian Liechtenstein family acquired the fiefs of Vaduz and Schellenberg in 1699 and 1713 respectively, and they became an independent principality under the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 under the name Liechtenstein. The French under Napoleon came unasked and stayed for a few years, but Liechtenstein regained its independence in 1815 within the new German Confederation. In 1868, after the Confederation dissolved, Liechtenstein disbanded its army (of 80 men!) and declared its permanent neutrality, which was respected during both world wars.

In 1919 Liechtenstein entrusted its external relations to neutral Switzerland. After WWII, Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a financial centre, and the country became more prosperous. Its 1998 unemployment rate of 1.4% (311 people) is indicative of the economy's health. In 1989, Prince Hans Adam II succeeded his father to the throne, and in 1996, Russia returned the Liechtenstein family's archives, ending a long-running dispute between the two countries.

http://sg.travel.yahoo.com/guide/europe/liechtenstein/map1.html

 

[SeleucusNicator]

The Prince of Liechtenstien now has standard executive powers (dissolving Parilament, appointing officials, etc.) that were given to him in a recent referendum -- one of the few monarchs to actually GAIN power in the past few years.

I hear that on the day of the election, dead cats were left on the doorsteps of those who opposed the new powers for the Prince.

 

[addiv]

I've been to Liechtenstein a few years ago, it's a strange country. There are a lot of people who look like they're from Italian/Balkan origin, quite strange considering its location. Seen Hans Adam's castle, but it wasn't really of any touristic value, just as the rest of the country (now I hope there aren't any Liechtensteiners on this forum ).

 

[naervod]

I was in Liechtenstein, about five years ago. It's kind of strange, it seems very German/Bavarian It's nice and quaint and it's very small. For example, we saw a lot of the country when we stopped when we were driving from Austria to Switzerland All in all, it's a very interesting place.

 

[Sims2789]

Leichenstien was also the last European country to let women vote. they let the women vote in 1986. Kuwait is the only country in the world that has any type of elections that does not let women vote.