History of Liechtenstein in Timeline

Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked, German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps, bordered by Austria and Switzerland. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein, currently Hans-Adam II. As Europe's fourth-smallest country, it spans just over 160 square kilometers and has a population of around 40,000. Notably, it is the smallest country bordering two nations and boasts the distinction of being one of the world's few countries with no national debt.

November 1918: Liechtenstein putsch

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

1921: Introduction of new constitution

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

1921: Amended Constitution

In March 2003, the Constitution of Liechtenstein amended the 1921 constitution, giving the prince extensive veto powers, and the ability to dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree.

1921: Constitution of Liechtenstein

The Constitution of 1921, the foundation of Liechtenstein's foreign policy, anchored in strong direct-democratic and citizen-oriented decision-making mechanisms, is a critical instrument to preserve its sovereignty.

1923: Customs Treaty with Switzerland

In 1923, Liechtenstein entered into a Customs Treaty with Switzerland, followed by other significant bilateral treaties.

1927: Gampriner Seelein formed

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

1929: Prince Franz I ascended to the throne

In 1929, 75-year-old Prince Franz I succeeded to the throne of Liechtenstein. He had recently married Elisabeth von Gutmann.

March 1938: Franz named as regent

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

March 1939: Attempted coup

In March 1939, during Franz Joseph II's state visit to Berlin, an attempted coup occurred in Liechtenstein by pro-Nazi agitators.

1939: Death of Andreas Kieber

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

1943: Inland canal built

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

1944: Nazis abandoned Operation Tannenbaum

In 1944, the Nazis abandoned implementing Operation Tannenbaum (the Nazi plan for conquest of Switzerland, which also included Liechtenstein) after the Allied invasion of France. As a result, Liechtenstein was spared from Nazi occupation.

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

In 1950, Liechtenstein acceded to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

1967: Sale of Ginevra de' Benci

In 1967, the Liechtenstein dynasty sold Ginevra de' Benci by Leonardo da Vinci to the National Gallery of Art of the United States for US$5 million.

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1968: Referendum to grant women the right to vote rejected

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

1971: Referendum to grant women the right to vote rejected

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

1973: Rikky von Opel in Formula One

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

1973: Referendum to grant women the right to vote rejected

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

1974: Rikky von Opel in Formula One

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

1975: Liechtenstein signed 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 a bronze medal

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

1976: Manfred Schurti at 24 Hours of Le Mans

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

1978: Joined the Council of Europe

In 1978, Liechtenstein joined the Council of Europe.

1980: Hanni Wenzel's Olympic Medals

In the 1980 Winter Olympics, Hanni Wenzel won two gold medals and one silver medal.

July 1984: Women granted the right to vote

On 1 July 1984, Liechtenstein became the last country in Europe to grant women the right to vote, following three previous referendums which rejected it in 1968, 1971 and 1973.

1984: Andreas Wenzel's Bronze Medal

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

1985: Swiss Army Shells

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

September 1990: Liechtenstein admitted into the United Nations

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

September 18, 1990: Liechtenstein admitted to the United Nations

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

1991: Liechtenstein joined the European Free Trade Association

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

1992: Liechtenstein joins the Forum of Small States

Liechtenstein has been a member of the Forum of Small States, a group founded in 1992 by Singapore.

May 1995: Liechtenstein joins the EEA

In May 1995, Liechtenstein became a member of the European Economic Area (EEA).

1995: Joined EEA and WTO

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

1996: FC Vaduz Success in European Cup Winners' Cup

In 1996, FC Vaduz drew with and defeated FC Universitate Riga in the European Cup Winners' Cup before losing to Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

November 2000: Kunstmuseum Completion

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

2000: Switzerland appointed an ambassador to Liechtenstein

Since 2000, Switzerland has appointed an ambassador to Liechtenstein, though the ambassador resides in Bern.

2002: World Cup Qualifying Campaign

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

2002: Liechtenstein has a permanent ambassador in Berlin

Since 2002, Liechtenstein has had a permanent ambassador in Berlin.

March 2003: Adoption of the current Constitution of Liechtenstein

In March 2003, the current Constitution of Liechtenstein was adopted, amending the 1921 constitution, giving the prince extensive veto powers, and the ability to dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree.

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. This occurred after the monarch threatened to leave the country if the referendum failed.

2004: Radio Liechtenstein Established

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

2004: Draw with Portugal

In autumn 2004, Liechtenstein managed a 2–2 draw with Portugal, who had been the losing finalists in the European Championships.

2005: Investigation revealed Jewish 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.

2006: Victory over Luxembourg

In 2006, Liechtenstein defeated Luxembourg 4–0 in a World Cup qualifying match.

2006: PISA Report Ranking

In the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment report, coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Liechtenstein's education was ranked as the 10th-best in the world.

2006: New surveys set area

New surveys using more accurate measurements of the country'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: Accidental Swiss Army Incursion

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

October 2007: Victory over Iceland

On 17 October 2007, Liechtenstein beat Iceland 3–0, which is considered one of the most dramatic losses of the Icelandic national football team.

2007: OECD tax haven list

In 2007, Liechtenstein, along with Andorra and Monaco, was identified by the OECD as one of the remaining uncooperative tax havens.

February 2008: LGT Bank Tax-Fraud Scandal

In February 2008, Liechtenstein's LGT Bank was implicated in a tax-fraud scandal in Germany, straining relations between the ruling family and the German government. Crown Prince Alois accused Germany of trafficking in stolen goods by purchasing private banking information from a former LGT Group employee.

2008: Liechtenstein joined the Schengen/Dublin Agreement

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

2008: Tax Affair

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

2008: Unemployment rate

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

2008: Victory over Latvia

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

2008: Liechtenstein tax affair

The 2008 Liechtenstein tax affair involved tax investigations in multiple countries suspecting citizens evaded tax obligations using Liechtenstein banks and trusts, initiating the biggest tax evasion investigation in Germany.

2008: Creation of 1FLTV

The private television channel 1FLTV was created in 2008 with the goal of joining the European Broadcasting Union.

May 2009: Liechtenstein Removed from OECD Blacklist

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

July 2009: Diplomatic relations established with the Czech Republic

On 13 July 2009, Liechtenstein and the Czech Republic established diplomatic relations, resolving a conflict related to the postwar Beneš decrees.

August 2009: Information Exchange Agreement

In August 2009, the British government department HM Revenue & Customs agreed with Liechtenstein to start exchanging information about British investors with accounts and trusts in the country.

September 2009: Liechtenstein and Germany signed agreement on cooperation

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

December 2009: Diplomatic relations established with Slovakia

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

September 2010: Near Draw Against Scotland

On 7 September 2010, Liechtenstein came within seconds of a 1–1 draw against Scotland in Glasgow, but lost 2–1.

2010: Religious Demographics

According to the 2010 census, 85.8% of Liechtenstein's total population were Christian, with 75.9% adhering to the Catholic faith.

2010: Agreement provides for an exchange of information on tax matters

As of the 2010 tax year, the agreement between Liechtenstein and Germany provides for an exchange of information on tax matters upon request.

June 2011: Victory over Lithuania

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

2012: Highest PISA Scores

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

2013: Schaanwald station closed

In 2013, Schaanwald railway station in Liechtenstein was closed.

November 2014: Victory over Moldova

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

2014: GDP Estimation

As of 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: EU and Liechtenstein Tax Agreement

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: Summer Olympics Representation

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

2016: Data Collection Begins

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

September 2017: Liechtenstein Signs UN Treaty

On 20 September 2017, Liechtenstein signed the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2018: Life Expectancy Estimates

In 2018, Liechtenstein had an average life expectancy at birth of 82.0 years, with 79.8 years for males and 84.8 years for females.

2018: Tina Weirather's Bronze Medal

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

September 2019: Prince of Liechtenstein is the world's fifth wealthiest monarch

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 off digital terrestrial television network

Since Switzerland shut off its digital terrestrial television network in 2019, the only free television signals available in Liechtenstein are German and Austrian channels from the Sender Pfänder in Bregenz.

March 2020: Electric Motorcycle World Record

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

2020: Official Language Statistics

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

2020: Rail upgrade referendum halted

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

December 2021: Population of Liechtenstein

As of 31 December 2021, Liechtenstein had a population of 39,315, making it Europe's fourth-smallest country.

2021: GDP per capita estimate

As of 2021, the estimate for Liechtenstein's gross domestic product per capita was $184,083.

2021: Tourism Statistics

In 2021, there were nearly 80,000 tourists in Liechtenstein, highlighting the significant role of tourism in the country's economy.

2023: World Record Status

As of 2023, the electric motorcycle distance world record set in Liechtenstein in March 2020 still stands.

October 2024: Liechtenstein became member of the International Monetary Fund

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