History of Liechtenstein in Timeline

Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked, semi-constitutional monarchy in the Central European Alps, bordered by Austria and Switzerland. It is headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein, currently Hans-Adam II. With an area of just over 160 square kilometers and a population of around 40,000, it's Europe's fourth-smallest country and the world's smallest to border two countries. Notably, Liechtenstein is also one of the few countries in the world with no national debt.

November 1918: Liechtenstein Putsch

In November 1918, popular unrest, stemming from the economic devastation caused by World War I, led to the Liechtenstein putsch. This event initiated the process of drafting a new constitution based on constitutional monarchy.

1921: New Constitution Introduced

In 1921, a new constitution based on constitutional monarchy was introduced in Liechtenstein, a direct result of popular unrest and the November 1918 Liechtenstein putsch.

1921: Anchoring Direct-Democratic Mechanisms in the Constitution

In 1921, strong direct-democratic and citizen-oriented decision-making mechanisms were anchored in the Constitution of Liechtenstein.

1921: Constitution of 1921

The 1921 constitution of Liechtenstein was amended in March 2003.

1923: Customs Treaty with Switzerland

In 1923, Liechtenstein concluded a Customs Treaty with Switzerland, which was followed by a range of other important bilateral treaties.

1927: Formation of Gampriner Seelein

In 1927, the Gampriner Seelein, the only naturally-formed lake in Liechtenstein, was created by a flooding of the Rhine River.

1929: Prince Franz I succeeds to the throne

In 1929, 75-year-old Prince Franz I acceded to the throne of Liechtenstein. He had recently married Elisabeth von Gutmann, a wealthy woman from Vienna.

March 1938: Franz names grandnephew regent

In March 1938, just after the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, Prince Franz I named his 31-year-old grandnephew, Prince Franz Joseph, as regent. Franz subsequently moved to Czechoslovakia.

March 1939: Attempted Coup

In March 1939, during Franz Joseph II's state visit to Berlin, a pro-Nazi movement within Liechtenstein's National Union party attempted a coup.

1939: Death of Andreas Kieber

In 1939, Andreas Kieber, the last soldier to serve under the colors of Liechtenstein, died at age 95.

1943: Inland Canal Built

In 1943, an inland canal was built in Liechtenstein, connecting to the Rhine River.

1944: Nazi Abandonment of Operation Tannenbaum

In 1944, the Nazis abandoned implementing Operation Tannenbaum, their plan for the conquest of Switzerland, which included Liechtenstein, sparing the country from Nazi occupation after the Allied invasion of France.

1950: Accession to the Statute of the International Court of Justice

In 1950, post-war economic reconstruction was followed by Liechtenstein's accession to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

1967: Sale of Ginevra de' Benci

In 1967, the Liechtenstein dynasty sold Leonardo da Vinci's "Ginevra de' Benci" to the National Gallery of Art of the United States for US$5 million, setting a record price for a painting at the time.

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1968: Referendum Rejected

In 1968, a referendum to grant women the right to vote was rejected in Liechtenstein.

1971: Referendum Rejected

In 1971, a referendum to grant women the right to vote was rejected in Liechtenstein.

1973: Rikky von Opel races in Formula One

In 1973, Rikky von Opel began racing under the flag of Liechtenstein in Formula One.

1973: Referendum Rejected

In 1973, a referendum to grant women the right to vote was rejected in Liechtenstein.

1974: Rikky von Opel races in Formula One

In 1974, Rikky von Opel continued racing under the flag of Liechtenstein in Formula One.

1975: Signing of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act

In 1975, Liechtenstein signed the CSCE Helsinki Final Act (today's OSCE) together with 34 other states.

1976: Hanni Wenzel won bronze medal

In 1976, Hanni Wenzel won a bronze medal in the Winter Olympics.

1976: Manfred Schurti finishes 4th in 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 1976, Manfred Schurti finished 4th overall in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a Porsche factory driver.

1978: Liechtenstein Joins Council of Europe

In 1978, Liechtenstein joined the Council of Europe.

1980: Hanni and Andreas Wenzel win Olympic medals

In the 1980 Winter Olympics, Hanni Wenzel won two gold medals and one silver medal, while her brother Andreas won one silver medal in alpine skiing.

July 1984: Women Granted Right to Vote

On July 1, 1984, Liechtenstein became the last country in Europe to grant women the right to vote, following a referendum that narrowly passed with 51.3% in favor.

1984: Andreas Wenzel wins bronze medal

In 1984, Andreas Wenzel won a bronze medal in the giant slalom event at the Winter Olympics.

1985: Swiss Army burns forest

In 1985, the Swiss Army mistakenly burned a patch of forest inside Liechtenstein during an exercise, an incident resolved "over a case of white wine".

September 1990: Liechtenstein Admitted to the United Nations

On September 20, 1990, Liechtenstein was admitted into the United Nations as the 160th member state, joining the United Nations General Assembly.

September 18, 1990: Admission to the United Nations

On September 18, 1990, Liechtenstein was admitted to the United Nations (UN).

1991: Joins European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

In 1991, Liechtenstein joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as a full member.

1992: Membership in Forum of Small States

Since 1992, Liechtenstein is a member of the Forum of Small States.

May 1995: Member of European Economic Area

In May 1995, Liechtenstein became a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union.

1995: Membership in the European Economic Area (EEA)

Since 1995, Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

1996: FC Vaduz's success in European Cup Winners' Cup

In 1996, FC Vaduz achieved their greatest success in the European Cup Winners' Cup, defeating FC Universitate Riga and advancing to face Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

November 2000: Completion of Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein

In November 2000, the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, designed by Swiss architects Morger, Degelo, and Kerez, was completed in Vaduz.

2000: Switzerland Appoints Ambassador to Liechtenstein

Since 2000, Switzerland has appointed an ambassador to Liechtenstein, but he resides in Bern.

2002: Book about unsuccessful qualifying campaign

In 2002, a book about Liechtenstein's unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the World Cup was written by British author Charlie Connelly.

2002: Permanent Ambassador in Berlin

Since 2002, Liechtenstein has had a permanent ambassador in Berlin, while the German embassy in Switzerland is also responsible for the Principality.

March 2003: Adoption of New Constitution

In March 2003, Liechtenstein adopted its current constitution, amending the 1921 constitution and granting the prince extensive veto powers and the ability to dismiss the government.

2003: Constitutional Referendum

In 2003, a constitutional referendum in Liechtenstein granted the monarch greater powers, including the ability to dismiss the government, nominate judges, and veto legislation, after he threatened to leave the country should the referendum fail.

2004: Establishment of Radio Liechtenstein

In 2004, Radio Liechtenstein was established along with the public-service broadcaster Liechtensteinischer Rundfunk (LRF).

2004: Draw with Portugal and win against Luxembourg

In autumn 2004, the Liechtenstein national football team drew 2–2 with Portugal and defeated Luxembourg 4–0 in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match.

2005: Investigation of Slave Labor

In 2005, a government-commissioned investigation revealed that Jewish slave laborers from the Strasshof concentration camp had worked on estates in Austria owned by Liechtenstein's Princely House, indicating responsibility, although no direct knowledge was found.

2006: World Cup qualifying match victory against Luxembourg

In 2006, the Liechtenstein national football team defeated Luxembourg 4-0 in a World Cup qualifying match.

2006: Education ranked 10th-best in the world

In 2006, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report ranked Liechtenstein's education as the 10th-best in the world.

2006: New Border Measurements

New surveys using more accurate measurements of Liechtenstein's borders in 2006 have set its area at 160 km (62 sq mi), with borders of 77.9 km (48.4 mi).

March 2007: Swiss Army incursion

In March 2007, a 170-man Swiss infantry unit inadvertently crossed 1.5 kilometers into Liechtenstein during a training exercise.

October 2007: Victory against Iceland

On 17 October 2007, Liechtenstein beat Iceland 3–0, marking one of the Icelandic national football team's most dramatic losses.

2007: Liechtenstein identified as uncooperative tax haven

In 2007, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development identified Liechtenstein as one of the remaining uncooperative tax havens, along with Andorra and Monaco.

February 2008: LGT Bank implicated in tax-fraud scandal

In February 2008, Liechtenstein's LGT Bank was implicated in a tax-fraud scandal in Germany, which strained the ruling family's relationship with the German government. Crown Prince Alois accused the German government of trafficking in stolen goods related to banking information.

2008: Tax Affair

In 2008, Liechtenstein faced a tax affair due to its reputation as a billionaire tax haven. The principality has since made significant efforts to shed this reputation.

2008: Joins Schengen/Dublin Agreement

In 2008, Liechtenstein joined the Schengen/Dublin Agreement together with Switzerland.

2008: Creation of 1FLTV

In 2008, the private channel 1FLTV was created in Liechtenstein with the goal of joining the European Broadcasting Union.

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2008: Unemployment rate at 1.5%

In 2008, the unemployment rate in Liechtenstein was reported to be 1.5%.

2008: Victory against Latvia

In the qualification stage of the European Championship in 2008, Liechtenstein beat Latvia 1–0, prompting the Latvian coach's resignation.

2008: Liechtenstein tax affair

The 2008 Liechtenstein tax affair involved numerous countries investigating potential tax evasion by their citizens using banks and trusts in Liechtenstein. It also aimed to pressure Liechtenstein, then considered one of the uncooperative tax havens.

May 2009: OECD removes Liechtenstein from blacklist

On 27 May 2009, the OECD removed Liechtenstein from the blacklist of uncooperative countries.

July 2009: Diplomatic Relations with Czech Republic Established

On July 13, 2009, Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic after a prolonged conflict over the postwar Beneš decrees had prevented such relations.

August 2009: Agreement with HM Revenue & Customs

In August 2009, the British government department HM Revenue & Customs agreed with Liechtenstein to start exchanging information regarding British investors' deposits.

September 2009: Agreement on Cooperation and Exchange of Information in Tax Matters

On September 2, 2009, Liechtenstein and Germany signed an agreement on cooperation and the exchange of information in tax matters.

December 2009: Diplomatic Relations with Slovakia Established

On December 9, 2009, Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations with Slovakia, resolving a long-standing conflict related to the postwar Beneš decrees.

September 2010: Near draw against Scotland

On 7 September 2010, Liechtenstein nearly drew 1–1 against Scotland in Glasgow but lost 2–1 due to a late goal.

2010: Religion statistics

According to the 2010 census, 85.8% of Liechtenstein's total population were Christian, with the majority adhering to the Catholic faith. Islam represented the largest minority religion at 5.4%.

2010: Exchange of Tax Information

The agreement signed in September 2009 between Liechtenstein and Germany provides for an exchange of information on tax matters upon request as of the 2010 tax year.

June 2011: Victory against Lithuania

On 3 June 2011, Liechtenstein defeated Lithuania 2–0.

2012: Highest PISA scores in Europe

In 2012, Liechtenstein had the highest PISA scores of any European country.

2013: Closure of Schaanwald railway station

In 2013, Schaanwald, one of the four railway stations in Liechtenstein, was closed.

November 2014: Victory against Moldova

On 15 November 2014, Liechtenstein defeated Moldova 0–1 with Franz Burgmeier's late free kick goal in Chișinău.

2014: GDP Estimate

In 2014, the CIA World Factbook estimated Liechtenstein's gross domestic product (GDP) on a purchasing power parity basis to be $4.978 billion.

October 2015: Tax agreement with the European Union

In October 2015, the European Union and Liechtenstein signed a tax agreement to ensure the automatic exchange of financial information in case of tax disputes.

2016: Liechtenstein at the Summer Olympics

In 2016, Julia Hassler and Christoph Meier represented Liechtenstein at the Summer Olympics, with Julia Hassler serving as the nation's flag bearer.

2016: Start of data collection for tax agreement

In 2016, the collection of data started as part of the tax agreement between the European Union and Liechtenstein.

September 2017: Liechtenstein signs UN treaty

In September 2017, Liechtenstein signed the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2018: Tina Weirather wins bronze medal

In 2018, Tina Weirather won a bronze medal in the Super-G at the Winter Olympics.

2018: Life expectancy at birth

In 2018, the average life expectancy at birth in Liechtenstein was estimated to be 82.0 years, with 79.8 years for males and 84.8 years for females.

September 2019: Prince of Liechtenstein Wealth

As of September 2019, the Prince of Liechtenstein is the world's fifth wealthiest monarch, with an estimated wealth of US$3.5 billion.

2019: Switzerland shuts down digital terrestrial television network

In 2019, Switzerland shut down its digital terrestrial television network, leaving only German and Austrian channels available as free television signals in Liechtenstein.

March 2020: Electric motorcycle distance world record

In March 2020, the distance world record for electric motorcycles was set in Liechtenstein. Artist Michel von Tell drove over 1,000 miles within 24 hours on an electric Harley-Davidson.

2020: German spoken by 92% of the population

In 2020, German was spoken by 92% of Liechtenstein's population as their main language.

2020: Referendum halts rail upgrade plans

In 2020, plans to upgrade the railway line and increase rail traffic in Liechtenstein were halted by a referendum.

2021: GDP per capita estimate

In 2021, the estimate for Liechtenstein's GDP per capita was $184,083.

2023: Liechtenstein population

As of 2023, Liechtenstein's population was 41,232, making it Europe's fourth-smallest country by population.

2023: Guest Arrivals and Overnight Stays in Accommodation Establishments

In 2023, Liechtenstein's accommodation establishments recorded a total of 116,759 guest arrivals and 222,266 overnight stays, highlighting tourism's significant role in the economy.

2023: Record still current

In 2023, the electric motorcycle distance world record set in March 2020 in Liechtenstein is still current.

October 2024: Member of the International Monetary Fund

Liechtenstein became a member of the International Monetary Fund during the annual meeting of the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 2024.