Principality of Liechtenstein: area, population, language, climate

All tourists can be divided into two groups. Some are eager to spend a vacation without excess fuss on the seashore, while others are trying to discover new cities and countries, see as many sights. Those who love to learn about other people's history and culture, it is worth to visit the Principality of Liechtenstein. This small state is stretched for 28 kilometers along the right bank of the Rhine. Curious tourists will be able to find here a lot of interesting information.

Basic information

The total area of the principality is about 160 square kilometers. The capital is the second largest city in the city of Vaduz. No more than 37 thousand people live in the state of Liechtenstein. Time here is the same as in the nearest countries - in Switzerland and Austria (UTC + 1). The main currency is the Swiss franc.

Most of the population speaks German with a small local dialect. Therefore, the easiest way here is for tourists from Germany. However, others will learn a lot of interesting things in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Language is not a problem. You can always use the online translator.

A bit of history of Liechtenstein

On the territory of the present state, evidence was found for the people of the Stone Age. In 15 BC, the Romans lived here. However, as early as the 5th century AD, native inhabitants during the confrontation were forced to cede territory to German tribes. In the Middle Ages, several peoples lived here at once. The area of Liechtenstein was densely populated by the Swiss, the Germans and the Austrians. At the end of the 15th century these territories were purchased by Prince Johann Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein. It is thanks to this historical personality that the state received its name.

The history of Liechtenstein is full of interesting events. For a long time territories were not recognized as a separate state. For several centuries, the principality fought for its sovereignty. And only in 1806, thanks to the participation in the Rhine Union, Liechtenstein was recognized as a separate country. In 1921, a constitution was signed, according to which the inhabitants of the state began to enjoy all democratic rights. After the Second World War, the state made a huge leap in its economic development. If before, almost no one knew where Liechtenstein is located, today this terrain is sought by every advanced tourist.

Today Liechtenstein is one of the most developed principalities of Europe, which officially belongs to the German-speaking countries. In addition to the native inhabitants, the Austrians, Swiss and French live here. The majority of the population are Catholics. To other denominations, local residents are loyal and welcome tourists from Muslim and Christian countries.

Nature and climate

Despite the fact that the state of Liechtenstein lies in the mountain alpine belt, its climate is rather mild. South wind prevails here, and the average annual temperature is +10 degrees Celsius. In winter, there is rarely snow, locals do not know the severe frosts. In winter, the air temperature rarely falls below 0 degrees Celsius. But in the summer days there is no heat. Normal for July is a temperature of +19 degrees.

The real landmark of the country is the River Rhine, which flows right across the border. It has a fast current and glacial feeding. Therefore, tourists only have to luxuriate under the soft rays of the sun or travel on kayaks. After all, swimming in cool water is solved by few. The river has a width of about 50 meters and is a real decoration of the principality of Liechtenstein.

The country is considered one of the most picturesque in all of Europe. More than 35 percent of the entire territory is covered with forests. Fir and oak predominate among tree species. Tourists who come here for the first time, impresses with unusually clean air. About 15 percent of the whole principality is occupied by pastures with thick grasses. The most common are mammals such as roe deer, deer, mountain goats. Also on the territory you can find raccoons, foxes, otters and hares. Birds have also chosen the Principality of Liechtenstein. Most often you can find partridges, quails, wild geese, cranes and thrushes.

Local population

Several ethnic groups live in the territory of the state today. The Germans are predominant. At the end of December 2012, the country's population was about 37 thousand people. Only ten years ago this figure did not reach even 35 thousand. According to statistics, the average population density is 220 people per square kilometer. Today, the birth rate in the region is much higher than the death rate. These data can not but rejoice.

The population is increasing every year thanks to emigrants. Many seek to leave their native lands and move to a picturesque economically developed country. Especially popular here is business emigration. Strict laws on disclosure of bank secrecy attract foreigners . In addition, there are some types of taxes. All this is a favorable ground for the development of their own business. Perhaps, it is thanks to this approach that the princedom significantly increased economically in a short period of time.

Although the population of Liechtenstein is small today, local residents have already formed their own habits and traditions. The official language here is German. However, the Alemannic dialect is more often used in everyday life. Most of the locals profess Catholicism. Also here you can meet Christians and Muslims. About 7 percent of the local population professes Protestantism.

The state of Liechtenstein has clear boundaries on the map. There are five largest settlements: Eshen, Shan, Triesen, Vaduz, Balzers. The second largest Vaduz is the capital of a small state.

A bit about the capital

Vaduz as a city with a rich history and many attractions will certainly be of interest to foreign tourists. Today it has more than five thousand inhabitants. According to official data, the city was founded in the 13th century. Its founder is the Count of Verdenburg.

Although Vaduz is considered the capital, but it is not the largest city in the state. Shan is more densely populated, which is considered a major railway center. The trains of railway branches of Switzerland and Austria stop here. In the capital, bus traffic is well developed. Tourists from CIS countries note the high quality of city roads and country roads. Traveling here on your own car is a pleasure.

The visiting card of the city is the prince's castle, which rests comfortably between two wide streets. A beautiful building can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The large flag of Liechtenstein decorates the facade of the castle. Not far from the main attraction is the Cathedral of St. Florin, built in the Neo-Gothic style. Also decorates the city with the government house and the mayoralty. It is easy to see the versatility of local architecture. Modern buildings come into contrast with mysterious gothic.

The Principality of Liechtenstein has long attracted philatelists from around the world. Annually, the local post produces about 10,000 new rare brands, which are mostly distributed to subscribers. The sale of stamps is considered a very large income item of the principality.

Work in Liechtenstein

Residents of the countries of the European Economic Area can safely cross the frontier of the principality and live on its territory. Citizens of other states have to obtain a work permit to stay legally in Liechtenstein. The influx of Austrian and Swiss citizens is most frequent. Any foreigners upon arrival must register within 10 calendar days. Exceptions are tourists who have a ticket and tickets with a return date on their hands.

Without problems, you can obtain a work permit for a person who has a sought-after specialization, as well as senior staff. Preference is given to people who plan to stay in Liechtenstein for more than a year. A short-term permit is issued only to those persons who can prove their financial security. Social assistance to foreigners is not provided.

Education

The Principality of Liechtenstein is famous for only one higher educational institution. Graduate School in recent times has been transformed into a university. It is to this educational institution that the educational system of the principality is attached. And the diplomas received by graduates correspond to all European requirements. Students who receive an education here can well expect prestigious work abroad.

Training is conducted in a few ways. The most popular are computer science, architecture and economics. This is simply explained. It is these spheres of life that are the most highly paid in many states. Foreign students also come to Liechtenstein. The country participates in several exchange programs. The training is conducted in German. Requirements in the university are the same as in similar institutions of other countries. Applicants who have reached the age of 17 years are admitted, as well as having a certificate of secondary education.

Culture of the State

A small area of Liechtenstein played a decisive role in the issue of local culture. Neighboring countries exerted enormous influence on the principality. Especially it was observed by the German-speaking countries, located on the south side. Visiting the local culture, foreign tourists can thanks to the art museum of Liechtenstein. This institution stores in its walls the evidence of various eras. Some of the exhibits are imported from other countries. That is why the museum has international status.

The National Museum will also be interesting for tourists. In the main hall flaunts the bright flag of Liechtenstein. Expositions in the institution are constantly changing, art and photo exhibitions are being held. Arriving in Liechtenstein, it is also worth visiting the ski museum and print museum.

Theaters and music are considered an important part of the local culture. One of the largest organizations is the Liechtenstein Music Company. Every year, the state celebrates International Guitar Day. In two main theaters you can regularly see famous performances. Most of the visitors to the theaters are local residents of middle and old age. Young people are more interested in modern music.

Economy

Liechtenstein is one of the richest states. The nominal of GDP today exceeds 5 billion dollars. If we calculate this figure per capita, it turns out that each local resident has more than 145 thousand dollars of annual income. Such wealth of the state was formed due to numerous foreign companies. Today there are more than 70 thousand of them.

Liechtenstein has a very low unemployment rate. Only 2% of the adult local population does not work for one reason or another.

National holidays

The state of Liechtenstein has its own traditions, formed over the years. The main holiday of the principality is celebrated on March 15. On this day many years ago a small country was able to regain its sovereignty. Despite the small population of Liechtenstein, the people of the principality are highly patriotic. Both adults and children know perfectly well what the flag of the state looks like, they are familiar with the basic historical facts.

Most of the local residents are Catholics. Therefore, Christmas in Liechtenstein is celebrated on December 25. It is considered a family holiday. People gather in the circle of relatives and friends and cover a chic table. As in other countries, the obligatory attribute of the festive evening is a decorated spruce. The New Year is traditionally celebrated on January 1.

How to get to Liechtenstein?

There are no airports in the country. The Principality is integrated into the Swiss transport system. Where is Liechtenstein, every advanced tourist should know. The most convenient way to visit the principality is through Zurich. Here there is a large airport, which can be reached from anywhere in the world. You can see Liechtenstein in advance on the map of highways. Much cheaper to get from Zurich hitchhiking.

The international trains also run through the principality. However, many of them do not even stop in the territory of a small country. Get on a suburban train.