Country and people


History

The history of the Princely House of Liechtenstein begins in 1719 when Emperor Charles VI raised the two territories known as the Barony of Schellenberg and the Earldom of Vaduz to the level of Principalities. The Princes of Liechtenstein had already bought Schellenberg in 1699 and Vaduz in 1712, and these were now united into the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Small state at the heart of Europe

Despite its small size, the small country between Switzerland and Austria is a sovereign state that has concluded numerous treaties with its neighbouring states on matters relating to the economy, education, transport and culture. The Principality is also well-connected internationally, via its active membership of the United Nations Organization (UNO), the Council of Europe, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Economic Area (EEA), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Liechtenstein has a highly developed industrial sector, the products of which are exported throughout the world. The financial centre has expanded from a banking centre to an international financial services centre with investment institutions and insurance companies, which meets the highest standard of expertise, security and diligence.

System of government and public authority

Liechtenstein is a constitutional, hereditary monarchy based upon democratic and parliamentary principles. An hereditary monarchy is one where, as a rule, after the death of the reigning head of state, his eldest son becomes his successor. The ‘constitutional’ concept indicates that the Prince is obliged to exercise his sovereign rights according to what is determined by the constitution.

According to the constitution, the power of the state is embodied in the Prince and in the people. The people have the right to influence governance by means of elections and ballots. The right of initiative means people can require amendments to the constitution or to legislation, and the right of referendum confers the right to demand referenda on the resolutions of Parliament.

Princely house

Prince Hans-Adam II is the 13th Prince of the House of Liechtenstein. He became Head of State in 1989 after the death of his father, Prince Franz Josef II. Since 2004, however, Hereditary Prince Alois has been conducting the affairs of state as his deputy; but the Prince remains the Prince.

 
Separation of powers

The Liechtenstein Parliament consists of 25 members of parliament, elected by the people for a four-year term. The Government consists of the Prime Minister and four Ministers, from among whom the Deputy Prime Minister is appointed. The Government, whose term of office is also four years, operates on collegiate principles.

The administration of justice is through the courts. The court of first instance in civil and criminal matters is the Court of Justice (Fürstliches Landgericht); the court of second instance is the Court of Appeal (Fürstliches Obergericht) and the court of third instance is the Supreme Court (Fürstlicher Oberster Gerichtshof). There is also an Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for administrative matters, while the Constitutional Court (Staatsgerichtshof) first and foremost exercises the function of Supreme Constitutional Court.

Government structure

In view of the smallness of the country, there is no classic federal government structure with federal states or cantons. However, Liechtenstein has two constituencies: the Oberland corresponds to the former Earldom of Vaduz, the Unterland to the historic Barony of Schellenberg.

The government structure also includes the country’s 11 municipalities, which have their own political authorities and their own administration. Politically the municipalities are run by a mayor and a local council, which, depending on the size of the municipality, has between six and 12 members. Even at municipal level citizens have the right of initiative and of referendum.

Economy

The Liechtenstein economy has a very widely diversified structure. It is not just the internationally focused financial centre that is significant for the national economy; the industrial sector is also able to compete in the world markets. Manufacturing is mainly focused on the domestic market and the neighbouring region of Switzerland.

Liechtenstein’s economic rise after the Second World War is often referred to as a ‘small economic miracle’. The consistent exploitation of its good location contributed to this, as did the stable legal system, the liberal economic policy and the favourable tax regime. Membership of the Swiss economic area is of particular significance, together with the adoption of the Swiss franc as the official currency.

Leisure and holidays

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has a varied landscape that stretches from the plain of the Rhine Valley, over hilly areas to craggy mountain peaks. Just a stone’s throw from industry and traffic, nature beckons in the form of an area to linger, relax and enjoy sporting activities. Each of the three types of landscape - the Rhine Valley, the Rhine Valley slopes and the Alpine region - has its own distinctive features in terms of animal and plant diversity.

Away from the transport routes the landscape is still largely intact, both in the valley area and the almost unspoilt natural environment of the Alpine region, making Liechtenstein an attractive holiday destination and popular for excursions. The range of leisure and sporting activities is extensive all year round, so there is something for all tastes and requirements.

Cultural scene

Despite the smallness of the country, its cultural offering is abundant. Cultural diversity stretches from music, theatre and literature to art and traditional customs. The numerous clubs and associations in the villages, supported by the state and the municipalities, make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape. In the Kunstmuseum in the centre of Vaduz, Liechtenstein has created a cosmopolitan culture magnet, which stimulates cultural life at a national level and also draws enthusiasts from the international art scene.

Tradition and local customs

Liechtenstein provides anyone who is interested in history with several museums, such as the Liechtensteinische Landesmuseum, the Walser Heimatmuseum and the Postmuseum. The Landesmuseum, which has the characteristics of a national museum, is not situated in a modern building, but rather in the former ‘Princely tavern’ which was joined to the Landesverweserhaus to create a museum building. The exhibits show the development of Liechtenstein, from primeval times, through cultural and religious history, right up to economic development.

On the sun terrace at Triesenberg, a Walser settlement, you can trace the migration history of the Walser people and the life of the mountain farmers in a Walser museum.

Liechtenstein’s postage stamps, which have been issued since 1912, are displayed in the Postmuseum in Vaduz. In the middle of the exhibition of all Liechtenstein postage stamps issued to date, the art of postage stamp production is also vividly represented in text and pictures.

The museums in Liechtenstein are closely tied to traditional customs. Despite Liechtenstein’s cosmopolitan character and international connections, much store is set by maintaining traditional customs - it is like a dramatic arc between the traditional and the modern.

The mountain hut 'Pfälzer Hütte', a popular hiking destination