Is Liechtenstein just a small dot on the map between Switzerland and Austria? Nope. It is 1 of the most different micro-nationals in Europe, which can be rather surprising. This text shows interesting, truly unobvious facts about Liechtenstein, useful not only as trivia, but besides as a background for planning a journey – even a short, “by the way”.
A country smaller than the average city
Liechtenstein has a surface area about 160 km2. It means little than many Polish cities under the laws of the county. The dimension of the country from north to south is about 25 km – in practice it can be driven by car in little than an hour, without rush.
Despite its size, it is simply a full functioning state: it has its own constitution, a prince, a government, courts and a way of membership in global organizations. It is not a unusual autonomous enclave, but a normal, very prosperous country, which has been premeditatedly small.
Liechtenstein is 1 of the fewer countries in the planet that lie entirely in the Alps and there is neither an airport nor a road nor a national railway.
No highway, no airport, but... space GDP
There is no Liechtenstein no highway. The main way is simply a simple way along the Rhine, with velocity limits, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings. The entry by car from Austria or Switzerland is trivial – there are no airport-style border controls, due to the fact that the country belongs to the Schengen area.
It's not here either. passenger airport. The nearest larger airports are Zurich, Friedrichshafen or Memmingen. It usually takes 1 to 2 hours to scope Vaduz (capital city). For individual accustomed to the network of connections in larger countries, it is rather exotic: a rich country without “own” heaven.
However, Liechtenstein is among the leaders erstwhile it comes to GDP per capita – is in the close planet top position. This is mainly due to:
- the financial sector (banks, funds, trust services),
- precision and technology industry,
- A liberal taxation strategy for companies.
It is besides amazing that the country is very industrialized – contrary to the thought of a "mountain village with a castle". In the valley, along the Rhine, there are factories of global brands, frequently not known to the average tourist, but key in their industries (e.g. tools, industrial components).
A Monarchy that residents can truly “disable”
Liechtenstein is principality, and its head is the prince of the Liechtenstein family, 1 of the richest aristocratic dynasty of Europe. Importantly, it is simply a monarchy with real power, not just a typical function.
A Constitution in which citizens may release the Prince
An crucial constitutional referendum was held in 2003 which strengthened the power of the Prince – including granting him the right to veto against the laws of Parliament. At the same time, however, the constitution allows citizens dismiss the prince in a national referendum. This is simply a alternatively different combination: a strong monarchy, but with a very specific, democratic fuse.
There is another interesting option – municipalities may leave Liechtenstein by referendum. In practice, they do not apply this, but the very fact of specified a provision shows how serious local autonomy is here. In a tiny country, specified solutions are of real importance.
This translates into a very local nature of politics for the tourist. In tiny towns, the mayor or councillors are actually “from the neighbourhood” and this is seen in the way in which space is planned: well-maintained towns, deficiency of aggressive construction, large emphasis on greenness and aesthetics.
No army and a very quiet story
Liechtenstein is gone My own army. The military was dissolved in the 19th century after maintaining the armed forces proved besides costly. Since then, the country has been based on neutrality and agreements with another countries, mainly Switzerland, which, among others, represents its diplomatic interests in many places in the world.
Last time Liechtenstein's soldiers returned from the war in more numbers than they set out for – an Austrian officer joined them along the way, who stated that he preferred to stay with them.
It is an anecdote repeated in different versions, but it shows the nature of this country: deficiency of military ambition, focus on the economy and interior stability. Throughout the 20th century, Liechtenstein avoided armed conflicts, which in Europe is an evenant.
Tax that draws companies from around the world
Word ‘tax haven’ regularly appears at Liechtenstein. Indeed, over the years the country has attracted capital through favourable regulation and advanced banking discretion. Currently, under global pressure, the rules are more transparent than they utilized to be, but the atmosphere of a "safe haven" for companies inactive persists.
Small country, large financial structures
In practice this means a large number of:
- holding companies,
- family and private foundations,
- asset management structures.
For the tourist, it can be seen more or little this way: an exceptionally large number of elegant offices, the office of companies with global names, financial institutions in relation to the number of inhabitants. There is no “golden splendor” on the street, but to feel that this is not a typical mountain town; alternatively the intersection of the vacation village with a discreet financial center.
Many residents work in a sector that practically functions quietly. Tourists usually come for a fewer hours, take pictures in Vaduz, while real money revolves around documents, servers, and conference rooms that most visitors will never see.
Currency, language and everyday life – mix of Switzerland and the Alps
Although Liechtenstein is simply a separate state, in many respects it functions likewise to Switzerland. Currency Swiss franc (CHF), and border control, customs policy and part of public services are carried out in cooperation with Switzerland.
Official language German, but in everyday usage is dominated by the Aleman dialect, more akin to the Swiss variety than to the "handbook" Hochdeutsch. For German learners it may be a small surprise – on the street frequently sounds different than in school.
With less than 40,000 inhabitants, Liechtenstein has 1 of the highest employment rates in Europe – respective 1000 people from Austria and Switzerland commute here all day.
In the country's regular image, this means small, peaceful localities that in the week "smelt" from outside workers, and in the evenings are quiet again. Touristly it works rather well: there is infrastructure, but there are no crowds known from large resorts.
Niche tourism: stamp in passports and routes in the Alps
Liechtenstein does not compete with its neighbours with the number of attractions, but has its niches. In Vaduz, for example, you can get your own commemorative stamp of Liechtenstein to the passport – this is simply a popular "memoir for border collectors". Technically, it is not a border crossing, but many people treat it as a trophy from a microstate.
For those who like mountains alternatively than offices, the another side of the country will be more interesting – trails in the Malbun and Triesenberg area. It's totally legal. Alpine trekking areasbut without the scale of mass tourism as in Tyrol or Swiss resorts. In the summertime and winter period you can:
- grow trekking and via ferrates,
- skiing in an intimate resort,
- use the views of the Alps.
For beginners, it is simply a good place to "check out" 1 more country, but at the same time to feel what a very wealthy and amazingly peaceful country is not deliberately chasing mass tourism.
