Hellebardius
Misty morning / Morgennebel
– Attention: The rights for this picture are at getty images! –
Liechtenstein: The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe. It is situated between Switzerland and Austria on the classical north-south route leading from Lake Constance via Chur to Italy. For the Principality of Liechtenstein the same immigration rules apply as for Switzerland.
Distances: Zurich 110 km, Geneva 400 km, Munich 250 km, Frankfurt 550 km, Vienna 670 km, Milan 300 km. The Liechtenstein bus network is very well developed and very inexpensive. There are good bus connections from the Sargans, Buchs/SG, and Feldkirch train stations to all municipalities in the Principality of Liechtenstein. A sticker is required to use the motorways in Switzerland and Austria. There are no customs between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The nearest airports are: Zurich-Kloten 115 km, Altenrhein 50 km, and Friedrichshafen 85 km. Liechtenstein does not have its own airport. Tourist Offices: www.tourismus.li. Area: 160 km² • Capital: Vaduz • approx. 35,000 inhabitants • Currency: Swiss franc • Neighboring countries: Switzerland, Austria • Official language: German • National Day: 15 August • System of State: constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis • Head of State: Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein • Ruling in his mission: Hereditary Prince Alois.
Diplomatic representations of Liechtenstein: Berlin (D), Geneva (CH), Washington (USA), Berne (CH), New York (USA), Vienna (A), Brussels, B) ,
Strasbourg (F). The structure of the State is characterized by the dualism of Prince and People. Neither the monarchic nor the democratic principle dominates. The Prince and the People stand at the same level.
Article 2 of the Liechtenstein Constitution states: “The Principality is a constitutional, hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis; the power of the State is embodied in the Reigning Prince and the People...” he Liechtenstein Parliament passes legislation (legislative power). The five-member collegial Government directs the affairs of State (executive power). Civil and criminal jurisdiction is exercised in the first instance by the Court of Justice, in the second instance by the Court of Appeal, and in the third and final instance by the Supreme Court (judicial power). The history of Liechtenstein as the Principality of Liechtenstein began in 1719, when Emperor Charles VI unified the Lordship of Schellenberg and the County of Vaduz and elevated them to an Imperial Principality by the name of Liechtenstein. In 1806, Liechtenstein became a member of the Confederation of the Rhine and obtained sovereignty, which it has maintained until today. In 2006, Liechtenstein has celebrated 200 Years of Sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The history of the House of Liechtenstein extends far back into the Middle Ages. The Family of Liechtenstein is one of the oldest Austrian noble families. In 1136, Hugo of Liechtenstein was the first bearer of the name to be mentioned in documents. The Princes of Liechtenstein have long been successful entrepreneurs and are active in diverse sectors such as banking, estate management, and forestry. In addition, the Princely House owns the largest private art collection in Europe. A small selection of exquisite works is displayed in the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Museum of Fine Arts) as part of thematic rotating exhibitions. Liechtenstein abolished its military in 1868 and stayed neutral in the First and Second World Wars. Liechtenstein pursues an independent and active foreign policy. The country maintains close bilateral relations with many States and engages in multilateral cooperation at the regional and global levels, especially through its membership in international organizations. The main responsibilities of Liechtenstein foreign policy are the defense of the independence and security of the country and the conduct of its relations under international law. The focus is on the cultivation of bilateral relations with other States and multilateral cooperation in international organizations. The guideposts of international cooperation are the representation of the country’s own interests, the protection of Liechtenstein citizens, and solidarity with the international community. Liechtenstein is therefore particularly engaged in human rights policy, the progressive development of international law, development cooperation, international humanitarian assistance including disaster assistance and assistance, and specific areas of international environmental policy. Liechtenstein is a member of the following international organizations (in chronological order, with the year of accession in parentheses): International Court of Justice in The Hague (1950), Universal Postal Union (1962), International Telecommunication Union (1963), International Atomic Energy Agency (1968), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975 signing of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act), Council of Europe (1978)
United Nations (1990), European Free Trade Association (1991), European Economic Area (1995), World Trade Organization (1995). Liechtenstein’s membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) – as a close link with Europe – is considered the optimal solution appropriate to Liechtenstein’s size. EU membership will therefore not be a topic for discussion in the medium term. The general tax burden in 2000 (i.e., the amount of tax revenue as a percentage of gross national product) in Liechtenstein was 22.9%, in comparison with 27.5% in Japan, 29.7% in the United States, and 42% in Europe. Liechtenstein pursues a liberal tax policy. The Liechtenstein legal and company system is committed to liberal economic activity and has designed the legal framework conditions in accordance with this principle. Liechtenstein tax policy is stable, predictable, and structured for the long term. Tax decisions are made in close coordination with citizens. By means of a popular vote, citizens may initiate or abolish any tax legislation. The spending policies of the country and the municipalities are transparent and carefully monitored. The Liechtenstein economy is greatly diversified, with a large number of small businesses. Many Liechtenstein businesses are specialized in research-intensive market niches and are worldwide market leaders. Manufacturing programs include instruments, electronic monitoring devices, fastening technology, precision tools, vacuum, heating technology, dental and pharmaceutical products, and foodstuffs. There are a total of 15 banks in Liechtenstein. As of the end of 2004, Liechtenstein banks managed about 107 thousand million Swiss francs of client assets. This corresponds to the client assets under management of a medium-sized Swiss bank. Sports and culture are very important in Liechtenstein and are generously supported by the State.
Liechtenstein’s culture and sports are both characterized by a vibrant club life. 15,000 Liechtenstein inhabitants are members of a sports club. This corresponds to 45% of the population. Every 240th Liechtenstein inhabitant is president of a sports club. A similar number of inhabitants are active in the numerous cultural associations.
In english: www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_...
Misty morning / Morgennebel
– Attention: The rights for this picture are at getty images! –
Liechtenstein: The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe. It is situated between Switzerland and Austria on the classical north-south route leading from Lake Constance via Chur to Italy. For the Principality of Liechtenstein the same immigration rules apply as for Switzerland.
Distances: Zurich 110 km, Geneva 400 km, Munich 250 km, Frankfurt 550 km, Vienna 670 km, Milan 300 km. The Liechtenstein bus network is very well developed and very inexpensive. There are good bus connections from the Sargans, Buchs/SG, and Feldkirch train stations to all municipalities in the Principality of Liechtenstein. A sticker is required to use the motorways in Switzerland and Austria. There are no customs between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The nearest airports are: Zurich-Kloten 115 km, Altenrhein 50 km, and Friedrichshafen 85 km. Liechtenstein does not have its own airport. Tourist Offices: www.tourismus.li. Area: 160 km² • Capital: Vaduz • approx. 35,000 inhabitants • Currency: Swiss franc • Neighboring countries: Switzerland, Austria • Official language: German • National Day: 15 August • System of State: constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis • Head of State: Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein • Ruling in his mission: Hereditary Prince Alois.
Diplomatic representations of Liechtenstein: Berlin (D), Geneva (CH), Washington (USA), Berne (CH), New York (USA), Vienna (A), Brussels, B) ,
Strasbourg (F). The structure of the State is characterized by the dualism of Prince and People. Neither the monarchic nor the democratic principle dominates. The Prince and the People stand at the same level.
Article 2 of the Liechtenstein Constitution states: “The Principality is a constitutional, hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis; the power of the State is embodied in the Reigning Prince and the People...” he Liechtenstein Parliament passes legislation (legislative power). The five-member collegial Government directs the affairs of State (executive power). Civil and criminal jurisdiction is exercised in the first instance by the Court of Justice, in the second instance by the Court of Appeal, and in the third and final instance by the Supreme Court (judicial power). The history of Liechtenstein as the Principality of Liechtenstein began in 1719, when Emperor Charles VI unified the Lordship of Schellenberg and the County of Vaduz and elevated them to an Imperial Principality by the name of Liechtenstein. In 1806, Liechtenstein became a member of the Confederation of the Rhine and obtained sovereignty, which it has maintained until today. In 2006, Liechtenstein has celebrated 200 Years of Sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The history of the House of Liechtenstein extends far back into the Middle Ages. The Family of Liechtenstein is one of the oldest Austrian noble families. In 1136, Hugo of Liechtenstein was the first bearer of the name to be mentioned in documents. The Princes of Liechtenstein have long been successful entrepreneurs and are active in diverse sectors such as banking, estate management, and forestry. In addition, the Princely House owns the largest private art collection in Europe. A small selection of exquisite works is displayed in the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Museum of Fine Arts) as part of thematic rotating exhibitions. Liechtenstein abolished its military in 1868 and stayed neutral in the First and Second World Wars. Liechtenstein pursues an independent and active foreign policy. The country maintains close bilateral relations with many States and engages in multilateral cooperation at the regional and global levels, especially through its membership in international organizations. The main responsibilities of Liechtenstein foreign policy are the defense of the independence and security of the country and the conduct of its relations under international law. The focus is on the cultivation of bilateral relations with other States and multilateral cooperation in international organizations. The guideposts of international cooperation are the representation of the country’s own interests, the protection of Liechtenstein citizens, and solidarity with the international community. Liechtenstein is therefore particularly engaged in human rights policy, the progressive development of international law, development cooperation, international humanitarian assistance including disaster assistance and assistance, and specific areas of international environmental policy. Liechtenstein is a member of the following international organizations (in chronological order, with the year of accession in parentheses): International Court of Justice in The Hague (1950), Universal Postal Union (1962), International Telecommunication Union (1963), International Atomic Energy Agency (1968), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975 signing of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act), Council of Europe (1978)
United Nations (1990), European Free Trade Association (1991), European Economic Area (1995), World Trade Organization (1995). Liechtenstein’s membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) – as a close link with Europe – is considered the optimal solution appropriate to Liechtenstein’s size. EU membership will therefore not be a topic for discussion in the medium term. The general tax burden in 2000 (i.e., the amount of tax revenue as a percentage of gross national product) in Liechtenstein was 22.9%, in comparison with 27.5% in Japan, 29.7% in the United States, and 42% in Europe. Liechtenstein pursues a liberal tax policy. The Liechtenstein legal and company system is committed to liberal economic activity and has designed the legal framework conditions in accordance with this principle. Liechtenstein tax policy is stable, predictable, and structured for the long term. Tax decisions are made in close coordination with citizens. By means of a popular vote, citizens may initiate or abolish any tax legislation. The spending policies of the country and the municipalities are transparent and carefully monitored. The Liechtenstein economy is greatly diversified, with a large number of small businesses. Many Liechtenstein businesses are specialized in research-intensive market niches and are worldwide market leaders. Manufacturing programs include instruments, electronic monitoring devices, fastening technology, precision tools, vacuum, heating technology, dental and pharmaceutical products, and foodstuffs. There are a total of 15 banks in Liechtenstein. As of the end of 2004, Liechtenstein banks managed about 107 thousand million Swiss francs of client assets. This corresponds to the client assets under management of a medium-sized Swiss bank. Sports and culture are very important in Liechtenstein and are generously supported by the State.
Liechtenstein’s culture and sports are both characterized by a vibrant club life. 15,000 Liechtenstein inhabitants are members of a sports club. This corresponds to 45% of the population. Every 240th Liechtenstein inhabitant is president of a sports club. A similar number of inhabitants are active in the numerous cultural associations.
In english: www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_...