Liechtenstein

1719 (January 23, Saturday) – Principality of Liechtenstein officially recognized as a sovereign state

1806 (July 12, Saturday) – Liechtenstein becomes a member of the Confederation of the Rhine, under Napoleon

1866 (June 25, Monday) – Liechtenstein leaves the German Confederation following the Austro-Prussian War

1921 (October 5, Wednesday) – Constitution of Liechtenstein enacted

1939–1945 (September 1, Friday) – World War II; Liechtenstein maintains neutrality

1989 (January 1, Sunday) – Liechtenstein joins the United Nations

2003 (March 16, Sunday) – Constitutional reforms increase the power of the monarch

2004 (March 1, Monday) – Introduction of the Euro alongside the Swiss Franc

January 2012 (Saturday) – Elections to the Landtag result in a shift towards political reforms

August 5, 2015 (Wednesday) – Flooding due to heavy rainfall affects Vaduz and surrounding areas

November 17, 2020 (Tuesday) – COVID-19 pandemic reaches Liechtenstein; lockdown measures initiated

December 5, 2022 (Monday) – Alpine avalanche in the Malbun ski resort, minor damage

September 13, 2024 (Friday) – Severe flooding from heavy rains affects southern regions of Liechtenstein

Continent: Europe
Location: Central Europe, between Switzerland and Austria
Capital: Vaduz
Language: German (official)
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Population: ~39,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2 in summer)

Borders: Switzerland, Austria
Landscape: Alpine mountains, valleys, and small plains
Major Rivers: Rhine River
Major Mountains: The Alps (Säntis, Malbun, and others)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: The Grauspitz – 2,599 m (8,527 ft)
Lowest Point: Rhine River – 430 m (1,411 ft)
Climate: Continental climate with cold winters, mild summers
Geological Features: Alpine rock formations, glacial valleys, limestone ridges

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Liechtensteinian, with a small minority of Swiss, Austrian, and other European nationals
Religion: Roman Catholic (approx. 77%), Protestant (approx. 7%), other religious minorities
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~20% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Alpine beauty, principality government, finance, and banking
Cuisine: Käsknöpfle (cheese noodles), Rösti, sausages, and fondue
Arts: Traditional alpine music, art galleries, and cultural festivals
Sports: Skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and football (soccer)

Economy Type: Advanced, highly industrialized with a strong financial sector
GDP: Approx. $6.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Finance, insurance, manufacturing, high-tech industries
Key Exports: Machinery, jewelry, chemicals, financial services
Unemployment Rate: ~1.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Financial services in the capital, industrial zones near the Swiss border

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Prince Hans-Adam II (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Daniel Risch (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament
Constitution: Effective since 1921, with a revised version in 2003

Vaduz: Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein National Museum, Kunstmuseum
Balzers: Gutenberg Castle
Malbun: Ski resort, hiking trails, and Alpine views
Schaan: Largest municipality, cultural and commercial center
Triesenberg: Mountain village with a stunning view of the Alps
Gutenberg Castle: Historic site in Balzers