Liechtenstein History, Geography, Economy and Important Events

The oldest traces of human existence now date back to Liechtenstein to the Middle Palaeolithic Age. Neolithic farming settlements were initially established in valleys around 5300 BC. By the end of World War I, Liechtenstein was closely associated with the Austrian Empire first and later Austria-Hungary; The ruling princes continued to receive a lot of their wealth from estates in the Habsburg territories, and spent most of their time in their two palaces in Vienna.

The economic devastation caused by the war forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with its other neighbor, Switzerland. During the Cold War Liechtenstein citizens were prohibited from entering Czechoslovakia. Liechtenstein is not sharing international relations with the Czech Republic or Slovakia as a result of the recent controversial posthumous post-diplomatic conflict revolving around Beneš decrees. Diplomatic relations were established between Liechtenstein and the Czech Republic on 13 July 2009 and with Slovakia on 9 December 2009.

Despite its limited natural resources, Liechtenstein is one of the few countries in the world that has more registered companies than citizens; It has developed a prosperous, highly industrialized free-enterprise economy Liechtenstein participates in a customs union with Switzerland and employs the Swiss franc as the national currency. The country imports about 85% of its energy.

Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union) since May 1995. Industries include electronics, textiles, precision instruments, metal fabrication, power tools, anchor bolts, calculators, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Its most recognizable international company and largest employer is Hilty, a manufacturer of direct fastening systems and other high-end power equipment.

• Liechtenstein is officially called the Liechtenstein Monarchy. It is a small landlock country located in Western Europe.
• Liechtenstein borders Switzerland to the west and south, and Austria to the east.
• Liechtenstein has a total area of ​​160 sq km (62 sq mi).
• The official language of Liechtenstein is German.
• The currency of Liechtenstein is Swiss Franc.
• According to the World Bank, Liechtenstein had a total population of 37,666 in 2016.
• Liechtenstein is the only German-speaking Alpine country in the world, which is completely located on the Alps.
• Liechtenstein is the only German-speaking country in the world with no border with Germany.
• Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Organization, but not part of the European Union.
• Liechtenstein does not have an airport. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport, Switzerland (130 km / 80 mi by road).
• Liechtenstein has won a total of nine medals at the Winter Olympics, all for alpine skiing.
• Liechtenstein has never won a medal at the Summer Olympics and is the only country to have won the Winter Olympics medal but not the Summer Olympics.
• Liechtenstein is the largest manufacturer of false teeth in the world.
• Liechtenstein has the lowest crime rate in the world.
• The women residents of Liechtenstein were given the right to vote in the national elections in the year 1984.

• 23 January 1719 - Liechtenstein's principality was created within the Holy Roman Empire.