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LIECHTENSTEIN.
The Principality of Liechtenstein, lying between the Austrian Land of Vorarlberg and the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Graubiinden, is a sovereign State consisting of Schellenberg and Vaduz (formerly immediate fiefs of the Roman Empire). The former in 1699 and the latter in 1712 came into the possession of the house of Liechtenstein and, by diploma of January 23, 1719, granted by the Emperor Karl VI., the two lordships were consti- tuted as the Principality of Liechtenstein. After the break-up of the Empire in 1806 the Principality was incorporated in the Rhine Confederation ; from 1815 to 1866 it formed part of the German Confederation, since the break-up of which it has joined no similar union.
The Reigning Prince is John II. , born October 5, 1840; succeeded his father, November 12, 1858. The reigning family originated in the twelfth century, and traces its descent through free barons who in 1608 became princes of Liechtenstein. The monarchy is hereditary in the male line. The constitution provides for a Diet of 15 members elected for four years by direct vote on the basis of universal suffrage and proportional representation. The capital and seat of Government is Vaduz (pop. 1,142). Formerly the principality was practically a dependency of Austria, but on November 7, 1918, the Diet resolved to establish the complete independence of Liech- tenstein. The principality has a High Court. In 1920 negotiations were opened with Switzerland with a view to a Customs Treaty to include the ad- ministration by Switzerland of the posts and telegraphs of Liechtenstein, and early in 1921 Switzerland agreed.
Area, 65 square miles ; population, of German origin and nearly all Catholic, 1912, 10,716 (5,266 males and 5,450 females). There is no public debt. The inhabitants of Liechtenstein since 1867 have not been liable to military service. The population is in great part agricultural, the chief products of the country being corn, wine, fruit, and timber. The rearing of cattle, for which the fine Alpine pastures are well suited, is highly developed. The industries of the Principality, except the textile indus- tries, are not important. The Principality has no army (since 1868).
Administrator, appointed by the Prince. — Joseph Oxpelt (April, 1921).
Books of Reference.
Falke (J. von), Gesehichte des furstlichea Hauses Liechtenstein. 3 vols. Vunn.i. 1868-1882.
Helboek (Adolf), Quellen zur Gesehichte Vorarlbergs uud Liechtenstein. Vol. I. Bern, 1920.
Inder Maur (K. von), Verfassung und Verwaltung im Ftirstentum Liechtenstein. Vienna, 1907.
Kratzl (F.), Das Ftirstentum Liechtenstein und der geeamte Fiirst Johann von und B Lieehtenstein'sehe Giiterbesitz. Briinn, 1913.
