Best Liechtenstein History: brief history of Liechtenstein 2023

LINCHTENSTEIN HISTORY EUROPEAN MICROSTATES

The Liechtenstein history timeline: Western Europe, with a territorial extension of 10,365,456 km², is the second smallest continent in the world (behind Only Oceania). Its territory is home to 49 nations with very varied dimensions, some of them lower than those of several Brazilian cities. These small countries form the so-called microstates and, despite their size, have a high socioeconomic pattern.

The European microstates to be addressed are: Vatican, Monaco, Malta and Liechtenstein. Are we going to learn a little bit about these countries?
In today’s text, we will talk about Liechtenstein, a country with 160 km² of extension and a population of almost 35,5 inhabitants. Located in the Central Alps, between Austria and Switzerland, it is the sixth smallest country in the world. Its capital is the city of Vaduz, which has a population of only 429,<> inhabitants.

Facts on Liechtenstein History

Capital of Lichtenstein: Vaduz
Total Area of Lichtenstein: 160 km2
Currency of Lichtenstein: The Swiss franc
Continent of Lichtenstein: Europe

THE HISTORY OF LINCHTENSTEIN

Officially known as the Principality of Liechtenstein, this country is a tiny principality located in central Europe, wedged in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Its territory is ruled by the House of Liechtenstein since the fifteenth century.

In the past, the microstate of Liechtenstein has been integrated into several empires. The first of these was the Roman Empire, which annexed the region to its territory in the year 15 BC. A few centuries later, after being invaded by German peoples, Liechtenstein was integrated into the French Empire, also known as the Carolingian Empire, ruled by Charlemagne.

After the Emperor’s death, the Carolingian Empire went into decline and its territories, including Liechtenstein, were taken over by the Holy Roman Empire. From then on, the territory of Liechtenstein came to be ruled by the Habsburg family, regarded as one of the most important and influential in the history of Europe from the 13th to the 20th century.

Members of the Liechtenstein family, in turn, served for years as advisors to the Habsburgs, seeking land ownership to win a seat in the Reichstag (parliament) of the Empire. Thanks to their efforts, in 1699, the family was granted permission to acquire possession of Schellenberg and, in 1712, the county of Vaduz (now the capital).

In 1719, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, decreed the unification of these lands and elevated them to principality status, named Liechtenstein, in honor of the sovereign family. However, in 1806, the Empire was dissolved, and its territories passed into the control of France (ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte) and integrated into the Confederation of the Reno. Consequently, the principality of Liechtenstein became independent on 12 July of the same year, following the Treaty of Pressburg, signed by Prince Johann I Joseph.

How did Liechtenstein become a country?

During World War II, Liechtenstein remained officially neutral, seeking help and guidance from neighboring Switzerland. After the end of the war, the country faced serious financial difficulties. However, in the late 1970s, the government used its low corporate tax rates to attract many companies to the country, making it one of the richest countries in the world. The current prince of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adam II, is the sixth richest monarch in the world with an estimated wealth of $5 billion.

Culture and History of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein history: Historically, Liechtenstein was owned by the Holy Roman Empire and only became independent when this Empire was dissolved and divided into several other countries. The Liechtenstein family was responsible for uniting the County Schellenberg and the County Vaduz into one and transformed them into Liechtenstein.

Culturally, the population is quite adept at Buddhism and therefore is quite conservative in its customs. Moreover, because it is a small territory in the middle of Switzerland, Austria and Germany, many customs of cultural Liechtenstein come from these countries, including the language spoken there, which has been German for a long time.

Why is Liechtenstein a country?

Formation of Liechtenstein acquired Schellenberg and in the vintage Vaduz. On 23 January 1719, a diploma from Emperor Charles VI united the County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg and elevated the area to an imperial principality with the name Liechtenstein. Three countries share Lake Constance and Lake Constance region: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. While there is a recognized border between Germany and Switzerland in the Untersee, a border has never been mutually agreed upon by the states bordering the Obersee.

Which countries border Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein is located in the Alps. In the west, the Rhine forms the natural border with Switzerland. Liechtenstein’s other neighbour is Austria. The largest cities in the country are Vaduz and Schaan.

Why is Liechtenstein not part of Switzerland?

Switzerland-Liechtenstein history: Due to Liechtenstein’s geographical, economic, political, cultural and social proximity to Switzerland, relations between the two countries are extremely close. The Principality has been part of the Swiss customs territory since 1923.

How much tax do you pay in Liechtenstein?

The amount of income tax deduction is determined by the tax administration. The marginal tax rate ranges from 3% (for incomes above the basic tax-free allowance) to a maximum of 24%. In addition, the Liechtensteiner completes an annual tax return for the definitive settlement of taxes.

Does Liechtenstein have an army?

Along with Costa Rica, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, Liechtenstein is one of the four countries that can do without a military at all. It is exactly 150 years ago since Prince Johann II abolished the army on 12 February 1868.

THE LINCHTENSTEIN HISTORY TIMELINE

1342 Formation of the County of Vaduz.
1396 The County of Vaduz becomes subject to the Emperor’s direct authority.
1699 Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchases the lands of Schellenberg.
1712 Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchases the County of Vaduz.
1719 Liechtenstein becomes independent principality under Holy Roman Empire.
1806 Sovereignty through membership of the Rhine Confederation.
1815 Membership of the German Confederation.
1852 Customs Treaty with Austria.
1862 New constitution comes into force.
1868 Abolishment of the army of Liechtenstein.
1919 Abolishment of the Customs Treaty with Austria.
1921 New constitution comes into force.
1924 Customs Treaty with Switzerland, introduction of the Swiss franc.
1938 Princely Family takes up residence in the Castle of Vaduz.
1950 Member of the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
1975 Member of the CSCE (today OSCE).
1978 Member of the Council of Europe.
1990 160th member of the UN.
1991 Member of EFTA.
1995 Accession to the European Economic Area (EEA).
1995 Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
1997 Establishment of the Archdiocese Vaduz.
1999 300 years Unterland.
2003 New constitution enters into force.
2004 Hereditary Prince Alois is appointed representative of Prince Hans-Adam II.
2006 200 years of sovereignty.
2012 300 years Oberland.
2019 300 years Principality of Liechtenstein.
history of Liechtenstein