Imagine, the year is 1969. NASA is preparing for the Apollo 11 mission. But what does this have to do with Tschitscherschlößchen? Well indirectly quite a lot actually.
The company from Balzers in Liechtenstein supported NASA during this important mission. They researched how materials change when they leave Earth’s atmosphere. The company even made a protective coating for the rocket.
As a thank you, NASA gave Liechtenstein a national flag. This flag had been to the moon. They also gifted real moon rocks. You can see these souvenirs in the Liechtensteinische SchatzKammer museum in Vaduz. While not directly linked to Tschitscherschlößchen, this shows the innovation Liechtenstein is capable of.
Liechtenstein may be small. Yet it plays a big role on the world stage. With a land area of only 160 km2, it is the fourth smallest state in Europe. It is also the sixth smallest in the world. Only 11 percent of this area is used for settlements.
Now consider this. Every sixth frozen pizza eaten in Germany comes from Liechtenstein. Who would have thought? Liechtenstein is also a world leader in making dentures. These surprising facts highlight the diversity of Liechtenstein’s economy. This is especially true given its small size.
Liechtenstein is a double-landlocked country. Its neighbors Austria and Switzerland do not border a sea. Only Uzbekistan shares this characteristic. Even though the sea is far away, the Alps are close.
Many people commute to work in Liechtenstein. They come from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. In fact, there are more jobs than residents in Liechtenstein.
Though you cannot fly directly to Liechtenstein, it has much to offer. The nearest airport is in Zurich. But Liechtenstein has its own university. And of course, there is the Princely Castle.
German is the official language. However, most people speak an Alemannic dialect. This dialect is very different from standard German. Locals often call the country “Lieachtaschta” rather than Liechtenstein.
The State Holiday on August 15 is a big event. It is the occasion for the Prince’s Festival. Prince Hans-Adam II and Hereditary Prince Alois invite everyone. They celebrate in the garden of Vaduz Castle.
Liechtenstein has a very low crime rate. You can leave your bicycle unlocked without worry. Theft is rare here.
Liechtensteiners are often on a first-name basis. Using formal speech might make you seem like an outsider. This likely comes from the close-knit nature of the country.
Liechtenstein became an absolute monarchy after a vote in 2003. The Prince has significant power. He can dismiss the government and nominate judges. He can also veto laws.
During tough times, the ruling family sold priceless artworks. This helped keep the country afloat. For example, they sold Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. bought it. It was the most expensive painting ever sold at that time.
Economic reforms in the 1970s brought growth. Corporate taxes were sharply cut. Today, Liechtenstein has more registered companies than citizens.
Liechtenstein has no army and no airport. It tops the world in GDP per capita. That is about US$139100 a year per person.
Vaduz, the capital, is small. You can walk through downtown in about 20 minutes. So grab a coffee and enjoy the sights. Also admire Tschitscherschlößchen as part of this tour.