Liechtenstein is a tiny European state. How many people are in Liechtenstein? What features and traits are characteristic of him? We will talk about all this in the article.
History of the country
The State of Liechtenstein on the map looks very small and belongs to the dwarf countries along with Andorra, the Vatican, San Marino and others. In the official version, the name sounds like the Principality of Liechtenstein. Its borders have been firmly fixed since 1434, after the division of territories between the Holy Roman Empire and Switzerland along the Rhine River.
Earlier, the lands of the state were part of the Roman province of Rezia. In 536 they were captured by the ancient Germanic tribes - the Franks. Under their rule, the territories stayed until 911, and then broke up into small duchies. 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, other lands were sold to him, which 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 Warsthe principality tried to remain neutral, although its sympathies still leaned towards the Nazis. For this, during the Cold War, the population of Liechtenstein could not visit Czechoslovakia.
In the post-war years, the state experienced a financial crisis. However, within a decade, it was able to solve the situation by reducing taxes on business. Thus, the Principality has attracted significant investments, allowing it to flourish even now.
Liechtenstein: population and area
The state is located in the western part of Europe. It borders with Austria and Switzerland. In terms of area, it is in 189 position 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.
Liechtensteiners 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 securely entrenched in these lands since the time of the Romans, so the majority of the population of Liechtenstein are Catholics. There are 87% of them here. To a lesser extent, Protestantism is widespread. Only 3% of the population is Muslim.
Annual population growth 9.5%. The birth rate is almost 5% higher than the death rate. There is a trend of active increase in the number of population - in recent years it has increased by two and a half times. The age of 70% of the inhabitants is from 15 to 64 years. The population is predominantly young. The level of education is veryhigh.
Economy 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%. The industrial sector employs 43%, and about 2% in agriculture.
In the world, the state is famous for the production of precision instruments, vacuum technology, various microprocessors, optics. In industry, metalworking, the production of textiles and ceramics, as well as pharmaceuticals are developing. The main volume of production is provided for export.
The country's financial situation is improved by tourism and the sale of postage stamps, including very expensive collectibles. The banking system of the state also deserves attention. Liechtenstein is a kind of refuge for those who are trying to avoid high taxes. Here they are extremely low, so more than 70 thousand international companies and concerns are registered in the country.
Culture
Indigenous people - Liechtensteiners - call themselves Liechtensteiner. Until 1866 they were classified as Germans. The distant ancestors of the locals are the Germanic tribes of the 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 - Alemannic. The dialect is spoken in the Austrian Voralberg, in the southern part of Germany,Switzerland and French Alsace.
The local cuisine also does not have unique features and has absorbed the habits of its closest neighbors. Here they prefer vegetables, meat, all kinds of dairy products, especially cheese. Emmental cheese with spices and raclette dish consisting of fried cheese, jacket potatoes and pickles are considered national. Local wines are of fairly high quality but are not exported.
The traditional costume for men consists of a white shirt, embroidered suspenders, and a red vest. White stockings and shoes with buckles are put on the feet. The headdress is a small-brimmed felt or leather hat. Women's national dress consists of a skirt with aprons in bright colors and a lace sweater.
Holidays
The local people of Liechtenstein love to celebrate. The holidays of shepherds and winegrowers are traditional. The New Year, Epiphany (January 6), Labor Day (May 1), Sovereignty Day (August 15), as well as some church holidays are officially celebrated.
The first day after the end of the Catholic Lent, Liechtenstein celebrates brightly. On the holiday of “sparkling Sunday”, residents bring dry brushwood directly to the central squares of cities, and then set fire to it. A effigy of the witch is placed at the top of the fire, while they themselves arrange a march with lit torches. Thus, the inhabitants drive away all evil spirits.
One ofpopular holidays is the "return from the pastures". Liechtensteiners dress up in national costumes, tie ribbons and flowers to their hats. Shepherds decorate their animals with ribbons and bells and lead them through the city. Everything is accompanied by noisy songs and fun.
Summarize
Liechtenstein is a small European country whose population comes from the ancient Germanic tribes of the Alleman. The unique folk spirit has been preserved here, despite the influence of more powerful neighbors.
Locals speak the Alleman dialect of German and call themselves native Liechtensteiners. For many centuries they honor 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.
