Liechtenstein is a tiny European state. How many people are in Liechtenstein? What features and traits are characteristic of it? We will talk about all this in an article.
Country history
The state of Liechtenstein on the map looks very small and belongs to dwarf countries along with Andorra, Vatican, San Marino and others. In the official version, the name sounds like the Principality of Liechtenstein. Its borders have been firmly entrenched since 1434, after the division of territories between the Holy Roman Empire and Switzerland along the Rhine River.
Previously, the state’s lands were part of the Roman province of Recy. In 536, they were captured by the ancient Germanic tribes - the Franks. Under their authority, the territories stayed until 911, and then broke up into small dukes. Some of them became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
In the XVI century, Vaduz get the right to sovereignty under the control of the Austrian prince of Liechtenstein. Later, he sold other lands that took shape in the principality, the first owner of which was Anton Florian. After the collapse of the empire, the principality turned into an independent state.
In World Wars, the principality tried to maintain neutrality, although its sympathies nevertheless tended to the Nazis. For this, during the Cold War, the population of Liechtenstein could not visit Czechoslovakia.
In the postwar years, the state experienced a financial crisis. However, over the course of a decade, it was able to solve the situation by reducing business taxes. So, the principality attracted significant investments, allowing it to flourish now.
Liechtenstein: population and area
The state is located in the western part of Europe. It borders with Austria and Switzerland. By area, it is at 189 positions in the world. Its territory is 160 km². The population of the state of Liechtenstein is only 36.8 million people. The density is 230 people per km².
Liechtenstein residents make up the majority of the population - approximately 65%. Almost 10% are Swiss, a large percentage are Azerbaijanis (7.6%). Turks, Germans, Austrians, Italians also live on the territory of the state.
Christianity has been firmly entrenched in these lands since the time of the Romans, so the majority of Liechtenstein's population are Catholics. There are 87% of them. Protestantism is less common. Muslims are only 3% of the population.
The annual population growth is 9.5%. Fertility is almost 5% higher than mortality. There is a tendency of an active increase in the population - in recent years it has increased by two and a half times. 70% of the population is between 15 and 64 years old. The population is predominantly young. The level of education is very high.
Economics and employment
The state has an industrial orientation. The provision of financial services is developing well. The standard of living is one of the highest in the world. In 2012, GDP amounted to 140 thousand dollars. The main population of Liechtenstein works in the service sector - 55%. In the industrial sector, 43% are involved, and about 2% in agriculture.
In the world, the state is famous for the production of precision instruments, vacuum equipment, various microprocessors, optics. The industry is developing metalworking, the production of textiles and ceramics, as well as pharmaceuticals. The main volume of products is exported.
The financial situation of the country is being improved by tourism and the sale of postage stamps, including very expensive collectibles. The banking system of the state is worthy of attention. Liechtenstein is a kind of refuge for those who try to avoid high taxes. Here they are extremely low, therefore, more than 70 thousand international companies and concerns are registered in the country.
Culture
The indigenous people - Liechtenstein - call themselves Liechtensteiner. Until 1866 they were attributed to the Germans. The distant ancestors of the locals are the Germanic tribes of Alemans and Rets, whose culture was influenced by the Austrians, Swiss and Bavarians.
The official language is German, but the local population of Liechtenstein communicates in everyday life in one of its dialects - the Alemannic. The dialect is widespread in the Austrian Voralberg, in the southern part of Germany, Switzerland and French Alsace.
Local cuisine also does not have unique features and has absorbed the habits of its immediate neighbors. Here they prefer vegetables, meat, all kinds of dairy products, especially cheese. Emmental cheese with spices and a raclette dish consisting of fried cheese, jacket potatoes and pickles are considered national. Local wines are of rather high quality, but not exported.
The traditional costume for men consists of a white shirt, pants on suspenders that are decorated with embroidery, and a red vest. White stockings and shoes with buckles are put on his feet. The headdress is represented by a felt or leather hat with small brim. Women's national clothing consists of a skirt with bright aprons and lace sweaters.
Holidays
Liechtenstein locals love fun celebrations. Traditional are the holidays of shepherds and winegrowers. The New Year, Epiphany (January 6), Labor Day (May 1), Day of gaining sovereignty (August 15), as well as some church holidays are officially celebrated.
Liechtenstein celebrates the first day after the end of the Catholic Lent. On the holiday of “sparkling Sunday”, residents bring dry brushwood directly to the central squares of cities, and then set it on fire. A scarecrow of a witch is placed at the top of the fire, and meanwhile they themselves march with lighted torches. Thus, residents drive away all evil spirits.
One of the most popular holidays is “return from pasture”. Liechtenstein people dress up in national costumes, tie ribbons and flowers on hats. Shepherds decorate their animals with ribbons and bells, and lead around the city. Everything is accompanied by noisy songs and fun.
To summarize
Liechtenstein is a small European country whose population comes from the ancient Germanic tribes of Allemans. A unique folk spirit has been preserved here, despite the influence of more powerful neighbors.
Locals speak the Allemanic dialect of the German language and call themselves indigenous Liechtenstein. For many centuries they have been honoring folk traditions and customs, which is reflected in various festivals and holidays.
The state has a high economic level, developing tourism, industry and the financial sector. Thanks to this, the country has one of the highest income levels in the world.