About Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south, and Austria to the east and north. It's one of the smallest countries in the world, with an area of just about 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and a population of around 40,000 people.

Liechtenstein

History
Early History
i) Prehistoric Times:
Evidence of human settlement in the area dates back to the Stone Age, with archaeological finds from the Bronze and Iron Ages.
ii) Roman Era:
Around the 1st century AD, the area became part of the Roman province of Raetia. Roman roads and settlements were established.

Middle Ages
i) After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region came under Alemanni control in the 5th century and later became part of the Frankish Empire.
ii) During the Holy Roman Empire, the land was divided into various small feudal territories, including the County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg.

Creation of Liechtenstein (1719)
i) In 1699, Prince Johann Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein purchased the Lordship of Schellenberg, and in 1712, he acquired the County of Vaduz.
ii) On January 23, 1719, Emperor Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire united both territories and declared them the Principality of Liechtenstein, granting the name from the Liechtenstein noble family.
iii) Interestingly, the Liechtenstein family ruled but didn’t actually live there until the 19th century.

19th Century: Napoleonic Era and Independence
i) Liechtenstein became part of the Confederation of the Rhine under Napoleon in 1806, gaining full sovereignty.
ii) After Napoleon’s fall, Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation in 1815.
iii) In 1866, the Confederation dissolved, and Liechtenstein became truly independent.

20th Century: Neutrality and Economic Transformation
i) World War I & II:
Liechtenstein remained neutral during both world wars.
ii) Post-WWI, it formed a customs and monetary union with Switzerland, stabilizing its economy.
iii) In WWII, Liechtenstein remained unoccupied and continued neutrality.
iv) The country shifted from an agricultural society to a highly industrialized and financial hub in the post-war era.

Modern Era
i) In the 1980s–2000s, Liechtenstein became known for its banking secrecy laws, although more transparency has been implemented in recent years.
ii) The country has a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Hans-Adam II and later his son Prince Alois (acting regent) playing significant political roles.
iii) It joined the United Nations in 1990 and the European Economic Area in 1995.

Interesting Facts
i) It's one of the world’s smallest countries (about 160 km²).
ii) Liechtenstein has no military, relying on Switzerland for defense.
iii) It’s one of the wealthiest countries per capita.
iv) The country is a direct democracy, with regular referendums.
v) It’s also one of the few countries named after a family, not a region.

Economy
Liechtenstein has a highly developed and diversified economy. It is known for its financial services, including banking and investment, which make up a significant portion of its GDP. The country also has a strong industrial sector, with firms specializing in precision instruments, electronics, and machinery.