Fact 1: The Smallest German-Speaking Country
Did you know that Liechtenstein is the smallest German-speaking country in the world? It's true! This small yet mighty landlocked country tucked in Central Europe is surrounded by two countries only, Switzerland to the west, and Austria to the east, where the principal language spoken is German.
Fact 2: A Double-Landlocked Nation
Liechtenstein is one of only two countries in the world that are considered to be 'double landlocked'. This means that not only is Liechtenstein landlocked itself, but the countries it is landlocked by, Austria and Switzerland, are also landlocked, making Liechtenstein doubly so.
Fact 3: Liechtensteiners Love their Wine
Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has a buzzing wine industry. Vineyards make up nearly a fifth of the country's agricultural land, and it produces approximately 60,000 bottles of wine each year. These are mostly consumed domestically, so if you ever find yourself with a bottle of Liechtenstein wine, know that it's a rare treat!
Fact 4: Compound Name Origins
Liechtenstein translates to "bright stone" in English. This name is derived from the dynasty/Castle of Liechtenstein located in Lower Austria that was purchased by Prince Johann Adam Andreas I in 1699.
Fact 5: No Airport, No Problem
Believe it or not, Liechtenstein doesn't have an airport! The nearest airport to Liechtenstein is Zurich Airport in Switzerland, which is roughly a one-hour drive away. It does boast a heliport, and the country is easily accessible by road and train services from neighboring countries.
Fact 6: Sports Enthusiasm
Liechtenstein holds the record of being the country to have won the most Olympic medals per capita. The country, made up of a population of about 38,000 people, has won ten medals at the Winter Olympics to date, all in alpine skiing.
Fact 7: The World's Biggest False Teeth Producer
If you've ever wondered where the world's largest manufacturer of false teeth is, look no further than Liechtenstein! The company Ivoclar Vivadent, located in Schaan, Liechtenstein, produces around 60 million "chompers" a year.
Fact 8: The National Treasure - Princely Hat
A 300-year-old fur cap – known as the 'Princely Hat' – is one of Liechtenstein's most cherished national treasures. It's part of the national emblem featured in the country's coat of arms.
Fact 9: Birthday Celebrations for Everyone
In Liechtenstein, when the reigning Prince's birthday is celebrated, every citizen is invited. A party is thrown in Vaduz, the capital city, and residents enjoy a feast with beer and entertainment.
Fact 10: Liechtenstein's Military Past
In 1868, Liechtenstein disbanded its military. In fact, the country’s last military engagement was during the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. They sent 80 soldiers and returned with 81, including a new Italian "friend."
Fact 11: More Businesses than People
Liechtenstein has more corporations than people! Its appealing financial conditions have led to the foundation of over 38,000 companies in a country with a population of roughly 38,000 inhabitants.
Fact 12: The Monarchical System
Liechtenstein is known as a ‘constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis’, indicating that they have a monarch with powers limited by a constitution and the laws of a parliament.
Fact 13: A Country You Can Rent
In a bizarre but true fact, Liechtenstein can be rented out for $70,000 a night. This unusual scheme, offered by Airbnb, includes accommodation for 150 people, a temporary currency, and even the ability to rename the streets!
Fact 14: Their Own Mobile Network
Up until 2007, Liechtenstein didn't have its own mobile phone network, and used Switzerland's instead. Now it has its own network called Telecom Liechtenstein which operates within the country and Switzerland.
Fact 15: A Capital Without Traffic Lights
The capital city of Vaduz doesn’t have a single traffic light. With only approximately 5,000 residents, the traffic is manageable enough to go without.
Fact 16: Highest Wealth per Capita
Liechtenstein holds the rank as the country with the highest gross domestic product per person in the world when adjusted by purchasing power parity.
Fact 17: No Show Rain or Snow
Contrary to popular belief, Liechtenstein's postal service, despite being in snowy central Europe, does not have a motto about delivering "in rain or snow." In fact, they have no official motto at all!
Fact 18: Noellbäumle - The Oslo Christmas Tree
A fun holiday fact, them Noellbäumle, the Oslo Christmas Tree, standing in Trafalgar Square every year in London, has its origins in a forest in Liechtenstein.
Fact 19: The Last Remnant of the Holy Roman Empire
Liechtenstein is known to be the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire. None of the empire's other territories have the same prince-prince status that still exists in Liechtenstein today.
Fact 20: The National Anthem’s Melody Match
You might find Liechtenstein’s national anthem tune familiar. This is because it shares the exact same melody with ‘God Save The Queen’, the national anthem of the United Kingdom. The Lyrics are different, of course!