Liechtenstein
Landlocked country in W central Europe, bounded E by Austria and W
by Switzerland.
Government
The 1921 constitution established a hereditary principality with a
single- chamber parliament, the Landtag. The prince is formal and constitutional
head of state. The Landtag has 25 members, 15 from the Upper Country
and 10 from the Lower Country, elected for a four- year term through
a system of proportional representation. The Landtag elects five people,
a prime minister and four councillors, to form the government for its
duration.
History
Liechtenstein's history as a sovereign state began 1342; its boundaries
have been unchanged since 1434, and it has been known by its present
name since 1719. It formed part of the Holy Roman Empire until 1806,
and was a member of the German Confederation 1815-66, when it left to
become a fully independent principality. Prince Franz Joseph II came
to power 1938, and although he retained the title, he passed the duties
of prince to his heir, Hans Adam, 1984. Franz Joseph II died Oct 1989
and Hans Adam II immediately began to press strongly for the country
to consider applying for full membership of the United Nations (UN).
Despite the growing indications of change, Liechtenstein's political
system remained innately conservative. Women did not achieve the right
to vote in national elections until 1984 and were debarred from voting
in three of the principality's 11 communes until 1986. Because of its
small population (fewer than 30,000), Liechtenstein has associated itself
with larger nations in international matters. For example, in 1923 it
formed a customs union with Switzerland, which also represented it abroad
1919-90. Before this Austria undertook its diplomatic representation.
Liechtenstein was admitted to the United Nations Sept 1990. In 1991,
it became the seventh member of the European Free Trade Association.
Previously it had held associate status through its customs union with
Switzerland, but had had no vote. In 1993 28-year-old Mario Frick was
elected prime minister by parliament, becoming the youngest head of
government in Europe. The ruling Patriotic Union (VU) and Progressive
Citizens' Party (FBP), led by Prime Minister Frick, remained in power
after a general election Jan-Feb 1997.
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