Liechtenstein is an independent nation in Western Europe. With the capital city of Vaduz, Liechtenstein 2020 population is estimated at 38,139 according to countryaah. The county of Liechtenstein was formed in 1719 when an Austrian prince family named Liechtenstein bought two counties that were merged. The area was part of the vast German-Roman Empire. The country became fully independent in 1866. From the mid-1800s, Liechtenstein had close contacts with Austria, but from the 1920s Switzerland has been its closest partner.
Liechtenstein belonged during ancient times to the Roman province of Rhaetia. During the migration period in the 400s AD, Germanic Alemans settled in the area. Eventually, the area that constitutes today’s Liechtenstein became part of the German-Roman Empire, which spread across central Europe 962-1806.
- AbbreviationFinder.org: Comprehensive guide to and popular abbreviations of Liechtenstein, covering history, economy, and social conditions.
In 1342, Count Hartman III became ruler of the county of Vaduz, which expanded during the following century. The Austrian prince family Liechtenstein bought the county of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1713. The two counties were merged in 1719 under the name of Liechtenstein. For Liechtenstein political system, please check computerminus.
When the German-Roman Empire collapsed in 1806, Liechtenstein became a sovereign state which was first included in the Rhine League and then in the German League in 1815-1866. When it was also dissolved, Liechtenstein became a completely independent state.
A parliamentary rule was introduced with a constitution that was adopted a few years before independence in 1866. A few years later the army was abolished.
Liechtenstein had close contacts and a monetary union with Austria at independence. This union lasted until the end of the First World War when the Austrian currency lost value and Liechtenstein looked for a new partner.
Liechtenstein is included in cooperation with Switzerland
In the 1920s, Liechtenstein entered into a currency, postal and customs union with Switzerland and since then the countries have worked closely together. In 1921, the country was given a new constitution which meant strengthening democratic rights, with power shared between the prince and parliament.
During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, but after the war, the princely family lost their castles and large estates in Czechoslovakia. This was a consequence of the so-called Benes decrees, which were mainly aimed at the Germans (see also Foreign Policy and Defense).
