Liechtenstein

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Liechtenstein
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Land and Climate

• Liechtenstein covers only 61.8 square miles (163
  square kilometers)
• Average temperatures range from 30F (-1C) in
  January to 70F (21C) in July
• Avalanches remain a potential danger
• debris slides (Rüfen) coming down from the
  mountains have been enclosed and rendered
  harmless

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History

• Liechtenstein has been inhabited continuously
  since 3000 B.C.
• In 15 B.C., the Romans conquered the territory
• In the 5th century, the Alemanni settled it, and
  in the 12th century, the German language
  established an exclusive foothold
• In 1806, Napoleon made the nation and 15 other
  regions part of the Rhine Confederation, granting
  each independence in exchange for loyalty
• From 1852 to 1919, it formed a customs union with
  Austria-Hungary
• 1924, Liechtenstein has benefited from an
  economic union with Switzerland and has used the
  Swiss franc as its currency
• The Constitution of 1921, which is still in force
  today, established a constitutional, hereditary
  monarchy upon a democratic and parliamentary
  basis.

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The People

• The Population of Liechtenstein is about 33,700
  and is growing around 0.8 percent annually. It
  expanded rapidly after World War II because of an
  increased demand for imported labor
• The language spoken in Liechtenstein is German.
  High German is taught at school and is used as a
  written language, but people speak an Alemannic
  dialect
• The constitution guarantees religious freedom.
  Most of the people of Liechtenstein (76 percent)
  are Roman Catholic
• Liechtensteiners are proud of their high standard
  of living and modern achievements, but they
  cherish tradition as well. They value hard work
  and a good sense of humor.
• People in Liechtenstein generally dress neatly.
  They prefer modern European fashions that tend to
  be more colorful than those in the United States
  

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Customs and Courtesies

• A handshake is usually the appropriate form of
  greeting. To wave or nod to somebody across the
  street is acceptable
• The traditional terms to address strangers are
  either the Swiss German Grüezi! or the Grüss Gott
• Liechtensteiners do not use their hands much
  during conversation, but they consider talking
  with their hands in the pockets impolite. People
  remove gloves before shaking hands. Pointing the
  index finger to someones head is an insult
• For business meetings, punctuality is important.
  Dinner guests are expected to arrive no more than
  a quarter of an hour late
• Lunch typically is eaten at noon, and dinner is
  eaten around 6 or 7 p.m. When going out for
  dinner, people meet at about 8 p.m.
  Liechtensteiners eat in the continental style,
  with the fork in the left hand and the knife in
  the right

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Lifestyle 1

• The nuclear family is the most important social
  unit in Liechtenstein society. Family bonds play
  an important role. The father generally is the
  head of the household. Both men and women train
  for careers, and an increasing number of married
  women work outside the home. The size of the
  average family has decreased to one or two
  children.
• Dating practices differ from those in the United
  States in fact, there is no German word that
  precisely means dating. Either person may
  suggest an activity, and they each expect to pay
  for their own entertainment. Couples usually
  marry in their late twenties. They consider it
  important to enjoy their independence prior to
  marriage, securing a good education and financial
  security

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Lifestyle 2

• Zmorga (breakfast) usually consists of coffee and
  bread with jam
• Zmittag (lunch) is the main meal it is served at
  midday and includes a soup or salad, a main dish,
  and a dessert.
• Znacht (dinner) is typically light and often
  consists of open-faced sandwiches with cheese and
  meat. Full meals are served for dinner
  invitations and in restaurants
• People in Liechtenstein love nature and outdoor
  activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing
• Among the most popular team activities are
  soccer, gymnastics, music bands, and choirs.
• Eighty percent of youth are involved in sports
  75 percent belong to a club or youth group
• One of the country's great cultural attractions
  is the princes' art collection. The culmination
  of 400 years of collecting by the royal family,
  this assortment of art includes world-famous
  sculptures and paintings

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Lifestyle 3

• Liechtenstein recognizes many Catholic holidays
  as public holidays Epiphany (6 Jan.), Candlemas
  (2 Feb.), Feast of St. Joseph (19 Mar.), Easter
  (Good FridayEaster Monday), Ascension,
  Whitmonday, Corpus Christi, Nativity of Our Lady
  (8 Sept.), All Saints' Day (1 Nov.), Immaculate
  Conception (8 Dec.), and Christmas (2426 Dec.).
• In addition to these religious holidays, New
  Year's Day and Labor Day (1 May) are public
  holidays. The national holiday (15 Aug.) is
  celebrated with festivities, speeches, and
  fireworks. Mother's Day is celebrated on the
  second Sunday in May. Funkasunntig (Bonfire
  Sunday) and Fasnacht (Carnival), both ancient
  holidays with roots in paganism, continue to be
  celebrated
• Business hours may vary, but on weekdays they are
  usually from 8 a.m. to noon, when everything
  closes for lunch, and from 130 to 630 p.m. On
  Saturdays, stores close at 4 p.m., and some shops
  are closed Monday morning

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Society

• Liechtenstein is divided into 11 communes that
  uphold their traditional autonomy
• Landtag (the parliament) has 25 members, who are
  elected for four years. The Regierungschef (prime
  minister), who is recommended by the parliament
  and appointed by the prince, serves as head of
  government
• Despite a lack of natural resources,
  Liechtenstein has a strong, modern economy. It
  enjoys one of the highest standards of living in
  the world. There are no budget deficits.
  Unemployment and inflation are low
• Liechtenstein's road network is well developed.
  Private cars are the most important means of
  transport. Public transportation is provided at
  low cost by postal buses

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