Liechtenstein, Microstate between Switzerland and Austria
Liechtenstein is a principality in Central Europe between Switzerland and Austria, extending over 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) along the Rhine Valley. Alpine summits rise above 8,200 feet (2,500 meters), while eleven municipalities range from valley floors to mountain zones.
The County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg were united as a principality in 1719. Following the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the territory joined the Confederation of the Rhine until the customs union with Austria ended in 1919, leading to agreements with Switzerland in 1924.
The name comes from the Austrian noble family Liechtenstein, which acquired the territory in the early 18th century. Village festivals combine alphorn tradition with modern events, while dialects show closeness to Alemannic speech patterns.
Zurich lies roughly 75 miles (120 kilometers) to the west, accessible via Swiss roads and rail connections. Public buses link municipalities regularly, while hiking trails lead into alpine elevations and postal buses serve smaller settlements.
The territory ranks among just two nations worldwide surrounded exclusively by other landlocked countries. Despite its limited area, it maintains diplomatic representations in several countries and holds memberships in international organizations without belonging to the European Union.
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