Liechtenstein turned out to be the only country that did not extradite the Russians to the USSR. Liechtenstein - location on the map

Nature.

Liechtenstein is a mountainous country. The mountains, which occupy three-quarters of the country's territory, are represented by spurs of the Retikon ridge (Rhaetian Alps), which are composed of dolomites, limestones, marls and flyschs (multilayered layers of marls and shale) and are strongly dissected. On the border with Switzerland are the highest point in the country, Grauspitz (2599 m) and Mount Falknis (2560 m). mountainous area consists of several ridges and intermountain valleys (Malbun, Valors, Zamina, Lavena, Valona). The border with Austria passes along the highest ridge, along which the peaks of Nafkopf (2570 m), Augstenberg (2365 m), Oksenkopf (2286 m), Gallina (2199 m), Garzelli (2124 m), Three Sisters (2052 m) rise. The eastern ranges, which have lower heights, are replaced by hilly foothills in the north.

Approximately a quarter of the country's territory falls on the valley of the Upper Rhine, which forms the western border with Switzerland. The width of its channel within Liechtenstein is approx. 50 m. The Rhine has a glacial supply (the flood occurs in June-July) and a fast current. In some places, the channel is fenced with dams to protect the valley from flooding during floods. A drainage channel has been laid along a significant part of the Rhine bed, which performs ameliorative and sewer functions. The Rhine Valley is composed of alluvial deposits, on which fertile soils have formed. The mountains are cut by numerous streams and several fast rivers with significant hydroelectric potential. Some of them have hydroelectric power stations. The country is poor in minerals. Only limestone is mined for building purposes and white clays and alabaster for making pottery and ceramics.

The climate in the Rhine Valley is mild, as it is protected from cold winds by mountains on all sides. The average annual temperature is 9.5 ° C, average temperature January 0°C, July 18°C. In extreme cases, the temperature drops to -20°C in winter, and rises to +30°C in summer. The climate of the mountains is more severe. The average temperature in January there is -6–10 ° C, in July - + 12–14 ° C. In winter, snow lies in the mountains for a long time. The average annual rainfall in the Rhine valley is 700-800 mm, in the mountains - up to 1200 mm. Liechtenstein is characterized by a warm, dry foehn wind blowing from the south for 1–5 days, usually in autumn and winter. As a rule, it has a warming effect and helps to lengthen the growing season, which makes it possible to grow heat-loving crops such as grapes and corn. Sometimes the gusts of the foehn are so strong that they destroy houses and break and uproot trees.

Within Liechtenstein, a vertical zonality of natural vegetation can be traced. The once swampy Rhine valley is now almost completely drained and used for agricultural land, which extends up to about 800 m above sea level. The hills and lower slopes of the mountains are occupied by fertile calcareous brown earth soils. In some places, mainly in the north of the country, reserved swampy landscapes with characteristic flora and vegetation have been preserved, and dry valleys are occupied by heaths and meadow vegetation. As you move into the mountains at altitudes from 800 to 1800 m above sea level. forests are widespread. The lower zone is represented by broad-leaved forests of oak, beech, maple, linden, ash, elm, and the upper belt is represented by coniferous, mainly spruce, forests. No more than 60% of natural forest land has been preserved. The forest belt is replaced by colorful mixed grass subalpine and alpine meadows.

In the recent past, the mountain forests of Liechtenstein abounded with valuable commercial species of animals, which were largely exterminated by hunters in the pre-war period. Currently, in the mountains there are chamois, roe deer, red deer, mountain goats, raccoons, weasels, stone martens, on the plains - hares, foxes, near water bodies - otters. The avifauna includes hazel grouses, partridges, quails, cranes, woodcocks, snipe, herons, bitterns, wild geese, black grouse, mergansers, jays, pigeons, thrushes, eagles, and so on. Trout, grayling, chub, carp are bred in reservoirs. Much attention is paid to the protection of nature in accordance with a law adopted back in 1933. There are six reserves on the territory of the country, in which areas of natural vegetation and bird nesting sites are protected.

Population.

34,761 thousand people live in the country (2009). In the structure of the population, the age group under 15 years old is 17.8%, from 15 to 64 years old - 70.5%, over 65 years old - 11.6%. The birth rate is estimated at 10.65 per 1,000 population, the death rate is 6.94 per 1,000, the influx of migrants is 4.89 per 1,000, and the population growth is 0.9% in 2004. Liechtensteiners predominate (64%), Swiss stand out among foreigners, Austrians, Italians, Turks. The official language is German, the majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect. German language. Catholics (80%) and Protestants (7.4%) prevail among believers.

A few dozens settlements Liechtenstein are confined mainly to the Rhine valley and the lower parts mountain slopes. Some of them can be considered cities. These are the capital Vaduz (5 thousand inhabitants), Shan (5.1 thousand), Balzers (3.3 thousand), Mauren (2.5 thousand), Triesenberg (2.1 thousand). High in the mountains there are villages and resorts with a permanent population of no more than 10-20 people.

Liechtenstein introduced compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 15. There are primary and secondary schools, a gymnasium, as well as technical and music schools. Young people go abroad to receive higher education.

Several newspapers are published in Liechtenstein. The largest of them are Liechtensteiner Vaterland (circulation 9.5 thousand, organ of the Fatherland Union party) and Liechtensteiner Volksblat (circulation 8.2 thousand, organ of the Progressive Burghers Party). Since 1962, the government Agency for Press and Information has been operating, since 1995 - Radio Liechtenstein.

State device.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power is vested in the prince and the Landtag (Parliament), which consists of 25 deputies elected for four years by direct elections under the proportional representation system. The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 20 (women received it only in 1984). The leader of the party with the most votes in the Diet becomes chairman, while the leader of the party with the fewest votes becomes deputy chairman. Executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the Landtag for its term of office and approved by the prince. It consists of the head of government (a member of the party that won the elections to the Landtag), his deputy and three government advisers. All of them serve as ministers.

Prince Franz Joseph II, who ruled since 1938, handed over the government to his heir Prince Hans Adam II in 1984, although the latter officially ascended the throne after the death of his father in November 1989. In the mid-1990s, significant legal and administrative disagreements arose between the prince and the Landtag. However, when the prince expressed his willingness to abdicate, the Landtag voted unanimously in favor of retaining the monarchy (1996). Liechtenstein's interests abroad are represented by Switzerland. Both countries are in a customs union. Liechtenstein does not have its own army after its dissolution in 1868 and the declaration of the country's permanent neutrality. At present, questions of the defense of Liechtenstein are within the competence of Switzerland.

The highest bodies of the judiciary - Supreme Court and the Supreme Court.

Economy.

Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed financial services sector and a high standard of living.

Liechtenstein's GDP (value of all market goods and services) in 1999 was $825 million, or $25,000 per capita.

The main branch of the economy is the manufacturing industry: metalworking, precision instrumentation, optics, production of vacuum equipment, electronic systems, microprocessors. A significant place is occupied by the food industry (in particular, the production of canned food and wine), the textile, ceramics and pharmaceutical industries. With the development of the manufacturing industry and the growth of entrepreneurial activity, the labor resources of Liechtenstein itself ceased to satisfy the demand for labor. Approximately 22.9 thousand people are employed in various sectors of the economy, and about a third of them (8.2 thousand people) come to work daily from Switzerland and Austria. Approximately 40% of the able-bodied population are involved in the industrial sector and the service sector, and only approx. 2%.

Agriculture specializes mainly in pasture animal husbandry of the meat and dairy profile (75% of agricultural products). They grow crops, potatoes and vegetables. The foothills and lower slopes of the mountains are occupied by orchards and vineyards. High-quality wines are produced from local grape varieties.

The structure of exports is dominated by precision instruments, electronics, postage stamps, and ceramics. Exports are directed mainly to the EU countries and Switzerland. The structure of imports includes machinery, metal products, textiles, foodstuffs, cars. The main import partners are the EU countries and Switzerland. In terms of value, exports are more than 2.5 times higher than imports, and the income from it in 1996 amounted to 2.47 billion US dollars.

More than 73.7 thousand international concerns and foreign companies are registered in Liechtenstein due to the low level of taxation, simple registration rules and in order to maintain financial secrecy. The state budget consists mainly of taxes, including those from these companies (approx. 30%), income from the issuance of postage stamps (10%) and foreign tourism.

Telephone, telegraph and postal services are provided by Switzerland. Passes through the country Railway 18.5 km long, linking the cities of Feldkirch in Austria and Bux in Switzerland and belonging to Austria. Length highways reaches 250 km. All of them are of excellent quality with a hard coating. Liechtenstein does not have its own airports and uses the services of ports neighboring countries.

Story.

According to legend, in 300 St. Luke converted the inhabitants of this area, which was under the rule of the Romans, to Christianity. The Franks invaded the country in 536. Later, under Charlemagne, the bishop was removed from the post of governor, and secular rulers began to be appointed to this position. The area was under the rule of the Carolingians until 911, when the German Empire broke up into large and small duchies. Within the Duchy of Swabia, on the territory of present-day Liechtenstein, were the fiefs of Schellenberg and Vaduz, which later became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1507 Emperor Maximilian granted Vaduz special rights and privileges, including sovereignty and tax collection. These rights were transferred to the Austrian Liechtenstein family. In 1699 Schellenberg and in 1712 Vaduz were sold to the Prince of Liechtenstein. In 1719 both territories were united into one principality. The formation of the state of Liechtenstein is associated with this date. From 1815 to 1866, Liechtenstein was part of the German Confederation, and in 1860 the Liechtensteins became hereditary members of the upper house of the Austrian parliament, and in 1866, under Johann II of Liechtenstein (1840–1929), the principality gained independence. In the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Liechtenstein acted as an ally of Austria, and from 1876 to 1918 had close ties with Austria-Hungary.

After World War I, Liechtenstein terminated the treaty with Austria and refocused on Switzerland: in 1921 an agreement on trade and postal service was signed, and in 1924 a customs union was concluded. Since then, Swiss money has been in circulation in Liechtenstein (1 Swiss franc = 100 centimes). Liechtenstein does not have its own currency. Since 1919 Switzerland has represented the diplomatic and consular interests of Liechtenstein abroad.

During the Second World War, the Principality observed neutrality. In 1990, Liechtenstein joined the UN, in 1991 - the European Free Trade Association.

Public and political life Liechtenstein is regulated by a constitution adopted on October 5, 1921 and supplemented by amendments in 1938, 1939, 1965 and 1990. There are three parties in the country - the Progressive Burghers Party (PBP), the Patriotic Union (OS) and the Free List (SS). In the last elections to the Landtag on February 11, 2001, the PBP won (13 seats), while the OS received 11 seats. According to the constitution, the government of the country consists of members of the winning party. In the previous elections in 1997, it was formed by the OS.

The economic prosperity of the country is ensured by the fact that it acts as a financial and business center international importance. In this regard, Liechtenstein is often accused abroad of money laundering and illegal financial transactions. After German intelligence prepared a corresponding secret report in the spring of 1999, the country's authorities conducted their own investigation under the leadership of Innsbruck prosecutor Kurt Spitzner. As a result, a number of prominent members of Liechtenstein's political and business elite were arrested. The Liechtenstein Global Trust bank, owned by the princely family, also came under fire. Following new accusations from various states, the government introduced in March 2000 new, stricter measures against money laundering. On July 19, 2000, the Liechtenstein Banking Association announced that the opening of anonymous accounts would no longer be allowed.

Since 1992, the "constitutional dispute" between Prince Hans Adam II and parliamentary and government circles has continued in Liechtenstein. The monarch objected to attempts to limit his powers to the performance of purely symbolic functions and threatened in this case "to transfer his place of residence to Vienna." In 1992, after disagreements with the government over an agreement with the European Economic Area, the prince attempted to dissolve parliament and govern by princely decrees. This aspiration was met with resistance and gave rise to controversy about constitutional reform. In 1995, the chairman of the Constitutional Court, Bernhard Wille, stated that it was this body that should resolve the constitutional dispute in the event of disagreements between the prince, the government and parliament. After that, the prince refused to approve the re-election of Ville as a member of the court. In October 1999, the European Court granted Ville's complaint and accused the prince of violating the convention on human rights, sentencing Liechtenstein to a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs and compensation to Ville in the amount of 91,000 Swiss francs.

Liechtenstein in the 21st century

In February 2000, the prince announced new proposals for constitutional reform, agreeing in principle to the role of head of state without political power, to renounce the right to appoint government officials and not to approve judges. The prince expressed his readiness to recognize the right of the population to pass a vote of no confidence in the prince and even to abolish the monarchy. After the elections in 2001, which were won by the Progressive Burghers Party (conservative), the government was headed in April by the leader of this party, Otmar Hasler. The liberal party Fatherland Union went into opposition. In 2005, the PBP won the general election, winning 12 seats in the Landtag; Otmar Hasler remained prime minister for a second term at the head of a coalition government. However, in 2009 the PBP lost to the Fatherland Union in the general elections. On March 25, 2009, the representative of the OS Klaus Tschütscher became the new prime minister of the country.

Principality of Liechtenstein- a tiny state in Europe, between Switzerland and Austria; its area is only 160 km². The capital of Liechtenstein is a city located on the upper Rhine. This is the second largest city in the country, it occupies the first place (the area of ​​the latter, together with the adjacent forest and mountains, is almost 27 km 2).

Geographically, the state can be divided into three zones: the plains in the north, the Tyrolean Alps and the Rhön Valley. The country has developed agriculture (cattle breeding, viticulture, cereals and vegetables are grown here) and industry, both food (meat, dairy, wine) and heavy (there is a machine-building plant, a plant for pressed and stamped products). In addition, science-intensive industries are developed here - for example, a variety of space equipment and high-precision measuring devices. The Liechtenstein Dental Factory is one of the best in the world. Employed in agriculture most of population - about 5%, under agricultural land is only 10% of the territory.

Population of Liechtenstein- mostly Liechtensteiners, a nationality belonging to the group of Germanic peoples; in percentage terms, they make up about 67% of the country's citizens. Swiss (about 10%), Azerbaijanis (7.6%) also live here; somewhat less Austrians (nearly 6%) and about 3.5% of Germans and Italians. The official language of Liechtenstein is German, the population speaks mainly Alemannic, or Swabian, dialect; part of the population in the highlands speaks a different dialect of the German language, which came to the country from Switzerland.

Religion. In Liechtenstein, the main religion is Catholicism - it is practiced by approximately 76% of the inhabitants. Approximately 7.5% of Protestants, most of them live in the capital or not far from it. About 4% are Muslim, about a quarter percent are Buddhists, they attend the only one in the state Buddhist temple located in the state capital.

Currency of Liechtenstein- Swiss frank; the country is generally closely associated with Switzerland.

Officially Liechtenstein's form of government- a constitutional monarchy, however, in 2003 a constitutional referendum was held in the country, as a result of which the powers of the prince were significantly expanded, we can say that today the princely power in the country is close to absolute. Including the prince has the right to single-handedly appoint or remove judges, members of the government, and even dissolve the government completely. adopted by the Landtag, which consists of 25 people, and is elected for a period of 4 years, but the prince has the right to veto any bills, as well as independently adopt any laws. He also has the right to pardon. In 2012, another referendum was held in the country, at which the question of some limitation of the power of the prince was raised, but it was not supported.

Climate of Liechtenstein It is formed under the influence of a warm dry wind, which is called föhn and blows from the mountains. In the Rhine Valley the climate is milder than in the mountains. In winter, the temperature at night reaches approximately -2°…-4°C, and during the day - the same values, but with a "+" sign, in the mountains the average daily temperature is slightly lower, it is approximately -3°C. Due to the quite different terrain where Liechtenstein is located, the country has a large number of microclimatic zones (up to the fact that the slopes of the same mountain can have different weather conditions).

In spring and summer in Liechtenstein, the weather is mostly sunny, the main amount of precipitation falls in autumn and winter, but in general it can be said that both in winter and summer it is optimal so that the rest is most enjoyable and complete.

Holidays in Liechtenstein attract not only lovers skiing- many tourists also come here, visiting this country "at the same time" with neighboring Austria and Switzerland; also developed in Liechtenstein hiking and ecotourism.

Visa to enter Liechtenstein. To visit Liechtenstein you need; it can be obtained from the Swiss consulate. With a Liechtenstein visa, you can visit Switzerland, but not another country, since the state is not a member of the European Union. However, with a Schengen visa category "C", you can visit Liechtenstein.

Landmarks of Liechtenstein

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is rich in sights. The most famous is, perhaps, the oldest part of which - the buildings in the eastern part and the cemetery - date back to the beginning of the 12th century. The oldest mention of the fortress is contained in the donation by which Count Rudolf von Werdenberg-Sargans transferred the fortress to the possession of Ulrich von Match. The castle towers have a base measuring 12x13 m. The thickness of the castle walls is 4 m. The Chapel of St. Anna, located in the castle, was built during the late Middle Ages, Round Tower was completed in 1532. West Side The fortress was completed when Caspar von Hohenems was its owner. The princes of Liechtenstein became the owners of the castle only in 1712, and today Vaduz is their residence. The castle is closed for visits.

Another attraction of Vaduz is Cathedral, earlier - (it received the status of a cathedral only in 1997). It contains the burial places of Prince Franz Josef II, Princess Gina and several other members of the ruling family. You should definitely visit the art gallery.

The main attraction of Shan is the Church of St. Lawrence, one of the most valuable cultural monuments cities. Information about the construction of this temple has not been preserved, however, the architecture is typical for the beginning of the 12th century, so historians attribute the building to around 1100. In the XIV century, the temple was transferred to the city by Count Rudolf von Montfort. Only a part of the church has survived - the bell tower; today she is calling card cities. The restoration of the church was carried out in 1893, the work was led by the architect Neumann. Sculptures that were previously in the church are now kept in the National Museum.

The Eschen community also offers tourists a number of attractions: in the village of Nendeln you can see the walls of Roman fortifications, the chapel of Saints Sebastian and Rochus - it was completely destroyed in 1941, but the altar in the new chapel built in its place is original, thereby that was in the old chapel built in 1639 - as well as the ancient settlements of Schneller and Malancer, and the Neo-Gothic church of St. Martin, built in 1894 on the site of an old building dating from the beginning of the 9th century.

Worth seeing in Rofenberg are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, dating from the early 16th century, and the Pfrundhaus, built in the 14th century, which today hosts exhibitions of works by local artists and an annual tasting of new wine.

Holidays in Liechtenstein

The state of Liechtenstein are the New Year, St. Berthold's Day (January 2), Epiphany, Candlemas, Maslenitsa, St. Joseph's Festival (March 19), Good Friday, Easter (Monday after it is also a day off), Labor Day (celebrated, as we do , May 1), Ascension, Trinity, Spirits Day, Feast of the Body of the Lord, the national holiday of Liechtenstein - it is celebrated on August 15, the Nativity of the Virgin, All Saints Day, Christmas, St. Stephen's Day and December 31. Most holidays, as you can see, are religious.

Various social events are also held in the state - Masked Ball in early February (held in Eschen), the orchestral music festival "Verbandmuzikfest" takes place in May in Mauren, in June in Triesen Music Festival fire brigades, and in the capital - the Open Film Festival. In July, the capital hosts the International Seminars of Winemakers, and the Days of the Guitar are held in Eschen.

There are several folk holidays in the country; First of all, it is Funken und Kuahlisontag - seeing off the winter, celebrated on the first Sunday of the Easter fast. On Thursday, before the start of Lent, Fasnacht takes place - on this day, carnivals and costumed parades take place in the cities. At the end of autumn, Alpabfart is celebrated - the day of the “closure of summer pastures”. On this day, the flocks that spent time in the mountain meadows return back to the villages. Cows and sheep are decorated on this day - bells are hung around their necks, and hearts made of wood are hung on their horns.

For those who are going to visit Liechtenstein for the first time, here are some interesting facts:

• in the country there is no border service(which is not surprising, since there are no borders in the usual sense here either), nor a regular army;
• there are no higher educational institutions in Liechtenstein; schools are subdivided into eight-year general education schools, gymnasiums and real schools; it is obligatory to receive 8 years of education;
• sockets in hotels in Liechtenstein are equipped with "Swiss sockets" - they are different from European standard, but you will definitely be provided with an adapter;
• prices here are on average higher than in neighboring Austria and Switzerland, but even in the markets it is pointless to bargain;
• smoking is strictly prohibited in restaurants and bars of the country;
• tips in restaurants, bars, and often hotels are included in the bill.

How to get to Liechtenstein and move around the country?

There are no airports in Liechtenstein, which is not surprising, given the size of the state. The best way to get here is through Switzerland, besides, the nearest airport is in Zurich. You can drive from it to the border between states in about one and a half to two hours, and then the actual trip to Liechtenstein by suburban bus will take a few more minutes. You can fly to Basel or Bern, and from there take a bus to Liechtenstein. You can also get through Germany or Austria - fly to Salzburg, Munich or Innsbruck, get to Feldkirch, and from there by shuttle bus - to Vaduz.

The train from Zurich to Vienna passing through Liechtenstein does not stop on the territory of the state. From Swiss Buchs, you can come to Liechtenstein by a regional train to Feldkirch (Austria) - it makes several stops in Liechtenstein, including in Schan, from which Vaduz is already a stone's throw away.

- these are intercity buses, there is no such thing as "urban transport" here - the towns are too small. Intercity communication is carried out by LBA - Leichtenstein Bus buses, which run on 13 routes; some of them also carry out communication between the country and its neighbors, Switzerland and Austria. In order not to spend too much money on travel, it is better to buy a weekly pass for an unlimited number of trips.

If you plan to travel a lot to visit all the local attractions, you can rent a car. This can be done at train stations, hotels, or at the office of a rental company. You will need a license obtained at least a year ago. There is also an age limit: the driver must be at least 20 years old (some rental points put forward a different requirement - at least 25 years old). Parking a car is not a problem, just remember that most parking lots are paid with by the hour about 1.5 Swiss francs.

You can also use a taxi; it is paid according to the mileage of the trip (2 francs for each kilometer) + 5 francs for landing. In the evening and at night, as well as on Sundays and holidays, a taxi ride will cost more. Among the Liechtensteiners themselves, the most popular mode of transport is a bicycle.

Principality of Liechtenstein(German Fürstentum Liechtenstein [ˈfʏɐstəntuːm ˈliːçtənʃtaɪn]) is a dwarf (160 km²) state in Central Europe. The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The capital is Vaduz. Liechtenstein borders on Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy.

Political structure

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The current constitution came into force on October 5, 1921. The head of state is Hans-Adam II, Prince von und zu Liechtenstein, Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Count of Rietberg. In fact, he ruled the country since 1984, and ascended the throne on November 13, 1989. The prince manages the state, endorses decisions taken by the Landtag (parliament) legislative acts, represents Liechtenstein in relations with other states, appoints civil servants, has the right to pardon. Legislature- the Landtag, which consists of 25 deputies elected by direct secret ballot according to the system of proportional representation (15 deputies from the Oberland and 10 deputies from the Unterland) for a term of 4 years.

Story

The territory of Liechtenstein from 15 BC. e. part of the Roman province of Rezia. According to legend, in the year 300, St. Luke converted the inhabitants of this area, which was under the rule of the Romans, to Christianity. The Franks invaded the country in 536. Later, under Charlemagne, the bishop was removed from the post of governor, and secular rulers began to be appointed to this position. The area was under the rule of the Carolingians until 911, when the German Empire broke up into large and small duchies.

Within the Duchy of Swabia, on the territory of present-day Liechtenstein, were the fiefs of Schellenberg and Vaduz, which later became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1507 Emperor Maximilian granted Vaduz special rights and privileges, including sovereignty and tax collection. These rights were transferred to the Austrian Liechtenstein family.

The Liechtenstein family really wanted to get a seat in the Reichstag of the Holy Roman Empire. To do this, he had to own lands, the suzerain of which would be the emperor himself (unmittelbar). For the sake of this, Hans-Adam I acquired from the impoverished owners of Hohenems two tiny fiefs on the border with Switzerland - Schellenberg (in 1699) and Vaduz (in 1712). These lands had the necessary legal status.

Thanks to the assistance of Eugene of Savoy (who was the matchmaker of Liechtenstein), in 1719 the emperor recognized the head of the family, Anton Florian, as a prince of sovereign dignity. Thus the Principality of Liechtenstein was born.

From 1815 to 1866, Liechtenstein was part of the German Confederation, and in 1860 the Liechtensteins became hereditary members of the upper house of the Austrian Parliament, and in 1866, under Johann II of Liechtenstein (1840-1929), the principality gained independence. In the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, Liechtenstein acted as an ally of Austria, from 1876 to 1918 he had close ties with Austria-Hungary.

After the First World War, Liechtenstein terminated the agreement with Austria and refocused on Switzerland: in 1921 an agreement on trade and postal service was signed, in 1924 a customs union was concluded. Since then, Liechtenstein's currency has been the Swiss franc. Since 1919, Switzerland has represented the diplomatic and consular interests of Liechtenstein abroad.

During the Second World War, the Principality observed neutrality. Liechtenstein joined the UN in 1990 and the European Free Trade Association in 1991.

Administrative division

Liechtenstein consists of two historically administrative parts: Oberland (Upper Liechtenstein) with the center in the city of Vaduz, and Unterland (Lower Liechtenstein) with the center in the city of Schellenberg. The Principality of Liechtenstein is divided into 11 communes. The communes mostly consist of a single city. Five communes are within the electoral district of Lower Liechtenstein, the remaining six belong to Upper Liechtenstein.

Geographic data

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the largest rivers Western Europe- Rein. The climate is temperate, precipitation is 700-1200 mm per year. About a quarter of the territory is covered with forests (spruce, beech, oak); in the mountains there are subalpine and alpine meadows.

Along with Uzbekistan, it is one of the two countries in the world, in order to enter the World Ocean, it is necessary to cross two borders.

Economy

Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed financial services sector and a high standard of living.

Liechtenstein's GDP in 2007 amounted to 4.16 billion dollars. GDP per capita - 118 thousand US dollars (1st place in the world).

The main branch of the economy is the manufacturing industry: metalworking, precision instrumentation, optics, production of vacuum equipment, electronic systems, microprocessors. The basis of the industry is precision engineering and instrumentation. The largest companies are Hilti AG (fixing, small-sized construction equipment with autonomous power) and Balzers AG (ultra-deep vacuum equipment for the optical, microelectronic and microprocessor industries). The industry is almost entirely export-oriented. A significant place is occupied by the food industry (in particular, the production of canned food and wine), the textile, ceramics and pharmaceutical industries.

With the development of the manufacturing industry and the growth of entrepreneurial activity, the labor resources of Liechtenstein itself ceased to satisfy the demand for labor. Approximately 32.4 thousand people are employed in various sectors of the economy, while more than a third of them (12.9 thousand people) come to work daily from Austria, Switzerland and Germany. 43% of employees are employed in the industrial sector, 55% in the service sector, and less than 2% in agriculture.

A significant source of income for the population and the treasury is foreign tourism, as well as the issue of postage stamps.

Agriculture

Agriculture specializes mainly in pasture animal husbandry of the meat and dairy profile (75% of agricultural products). They grow crops, potatoes and vegetables. Winemaking is traditionally developed. The foothills and lower slopes of the mountains are occupied by orchards and vineyards. High-quality wines are produced from local grape varieties.

International trade

Exports in 2008 amounted to 2.47 billion dollars. The structure of exports is dominated by precision instruments, electronics, postage stamps, and ceramics. Exports are directed mainly to the EU countries and Switzerland.

Imports in 2008 amounted to 0.92 billion dollars. The structure of imports includes machinery, metal products, textiles, foodstuffs, and cars. The main import partners are the EU countries and Switzerland.

Banking system

The country has an efficient banking system (total balance of about 32.5 billion Swiss francs). The largest banks are the National Bank, Liechtensteiner Global Trust, Verwaltungsund Privatbank (since 2005 it has a representative office in Moscow). Thanks to low taxes on investment capital and profits, as well as strictly guarded banking secrecy, Liechtenstein retains its position as a major financial center.

Liechtenstein banks came under criticism after in February 2008, a disk with the data of several hundred German citizens suspected of tax evasion by transferring money to the accounts of various funds in Liechtenstein came into the possession of the German prosecutor's office.

Along with Monaco and Andorra, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of "tax havens" - states where residents of other countries evade taxation.

Foreign economic relations

More than 73.7 thousand international concerns and foreign companies are registered in Liechtenstein due to the low level of taxation, simple registration rules and in order to maintain financial secrecy. The state budget consists mainly of taxes, including from these companies (about 30%), income from the issuance of postage stamps (10%) and foreign tourism.

Population

The population of Liechtenstein on December 31, 2008 was 35,360 people, average density population of about 220 people per km².

Birth rate - 9.75 newborns per 1000 people (2009). Mortality - 7.39 per 1000 people (infant mortality - 4.25 per 1000 newborns).

Immigration - 4.66 per 1000.

Annual population growth - 0.7% (2009).

Average life expectancy: men - 76.6 years, women - 83.5 years (2009).

Most of the inhabitants are Liechtensteiners (Alemans), 65.6% according to the 2000 census, the rest are Italians, Swiss and Austrians.

The official language is German, in everyday life - the Alemannic dialect of the German language.

The majority of believers (76%) profess Catholicism, Protestants - about 7% of the population.

Law enforcement and justice authorities

The Liechtenstein Police (German: Landespolizei) has 120 employees serving in the criminal police, the security and traffic police and in the coordination service. In addition, there is a communal police (German: Gemeindepolizei).

The Principality abandoned the armed forces in 1868. The constitution, however, provides for conscription.

International relationships

In 2004, Liechtenstein signed an agreement with the European Union on the expansion of the European Economic Area. For a long time, the signing of the agreement was delayed due to the accession to the EU in 2004 of the Czech and Slovak Republics. The Czech Republic and Slovakia refused to recognize Liechtenstein as a state due to unresolved issues of ownership of the ruling princely house. According to the Benes decrees, the property of German (including also Austrian and Liechtenstein) private and legal entities on the territory of Czechoslovakia was expropriated by this state. On September 8, 2009, a cooperation agreement was concluded between the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein, which marked the diplomatic recognition of Liechtenstein by the Czech Republic. There are still no diplomatic relations with Slovakia.

The principality has its embassies in the USA, Germany, Belgium (simultaneously represents Liechtenstein in the Vatican and is a mission to the European Union), Switzerland and Austria. In other states, the interests of Liechtenstein are represented by the embassies of the Swiss Confederation.

Liechtenstein is an independent state in Central Europe. It borders with Austria - in the east, with Switzerland - in the south, west and north.

The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein.

Official name: Principality of Liechtenstein

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 160 sq. km

Total population: 34.761 thousand people

Administrative division: Two historical areas: Oberland and Unterland.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: Prince.

Composition of the population: 64% - Liechtensteiners, 10.0% - Swiss, 3.5% - Germans, 5.7% - Austrians, 3.3% - Italians and others (10.6%).

Official language: German, the majority of the population speaks Alemannic German.

Religion: 80% - Catholics, 7.4% - Protestants, 3% - Muslims.

Internet domain: .li

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +41

Country barcode: 760 - 769

Climate

The country has a moderate continental type of climate. The climate in the Rhine Valley is milder than that of the mountains. During the summer months, during the day, the air temperature here can reach 26..27 degrees Celsius, and at night it can drop to +13..+15 degrees. In winter, daytime air temperatures range from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, and at night - from -4 to -2 degrees. In the ski resorts of Liechtenstein during the winter months, there are about 2 degrees of frost during the day, and at night the air temperature can drop to -10 degrees.

In the Rhine valley, up to 800 mm of precipitation falls annually, in the mountains - up to 1200 mm. The main amount of precipitation falls in autumn and winter. At this time in the country there is a warm dry wind from the mountains - foehn. As a rule, it softens the weather conditions.

Geography

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in Central Europe, on the right bank of the Rhine. In the east it borders with Austria, in the south, west and north - with Switzerland.

The relief of the country is sublime. In the east of the country lie the medium-high spurs of the Lechtal and Tyrolean Alps ( highest point- Mount Grauspitz, 2599 m). To the west, the landscape gradually descends to the Rhine valley (430 meters above sea level), forming natural border with Switzerland.

The total area of ​​the country is 160 sq. km (one of the smallest states in the world - the size of the country does not exceed 6.5x24 km).

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In the flat areas of the country, agricultural lands extend, in the north of the country marshy landscapes have been preserved, and unplowed territories are occupied by heaths and meadow vegetation. On the slopes of the mountains at an altitude of 800 to 1800 m above sea level, forests of oak, beech, maple, linden, ash and elm are common, spruce forests begin a little higher. The forest belt is replaced by forb subalpine and alpine meadows.

Animal world

In the mountain forests there are chamois, roe deer, red deer, mountain goats, raccoons, weasels, stone martens, on the plains you can see hares, foxes, and otters near water bodies. Of the birds on the territory of Liechtenstein, hazel grouses, partridges, quails, cranes, woodcocks, snipe, herons, bitterns, wild geese, black grouse, jays, wood pigeons, blackbirds and eagles live. Trout, grayling, chub, carp are bred in reservoirs.

Attractions

This unique European country, which occupies less space on the map than many capitals of other countries, nevertheless has unique story and unique natural conditions. Even on such a tiny territory, one can find three geographic regions quite different in nature and relief - the fertile Rhine valley in the west, the alpine folding region in the southeast and the picturesque northern lowland.

Surprisingly, Liechtenstein's vast forested areas cover more than one-fifth of the country's territory. While the rest of the country is occupied by extremely picturesque alternating pastures, vineyards, crop fields and small, as if toy, towns. The spurs of the low Tyrolean Alps form quite picturesque massifs here, partially overgrown with forest and vineyards. The Rhine Valley is the location of most of the country's settlements, an area of ​​many old buildings, colorful stone bridges, vineyards and charming architectural structures. Hundreds of small, tiled houses in a characteristic alpine style- pointed red roofs with wide, overhanging cornices, balconies and verandas with forged metal bars and small front gardens - usually concentrated around the town hall into small cozy villages. Capital Vaduz - ancient city With rich history. For centuries, the princes of Liechtenstein fought for the independence of their tiny country, for centuries defensive structures and strong houses of wild stone were built here. Therefore, a significant part of the country's attractions is concentrated in the capital. Definitely worth a visit" Old city"between Stadtle and Oleshtrasse streets, the prince's castle (IX century, access is limited), the Gothic Chapel (XV century), old hotel Gasthof-Leuven (1388, still in operation) with her vineyard, the Vaduz Winery, famous both for its wines and for the architecture of its buildings and the park laid out around. National Museum (Landesmuseum) with an excellent collection of coins, weapons, expositions of folklore and historical subjects, unique Museum postage stamps (all kinds of stamps and everything related to them since 1912 are presented), the world-famous Art Museum on the Stadtle street with a luxurious collection of paintings by the "old masters", the original Museum of calculating machines on Reberastraße, the Ski Museum, as well as many small houses in a characteristic local style, giving the capital a characteristic provincial look, which only enhances its charm. From the prince's castle, you can admire the majestic panorama of the nearby Lake Constance and the Rhine valley. You can go up the road just above the capital and visit the town of Triesenberg, which is famous for its domed church, magnificent landscape and the Museum of the Walser ethnic commune. Ethnic Swiss have lived here for many centuries, having moved here in the 13th century. and still speaking the characteristic Walser dialect.

Banks and currency

Useful information for tourists