1. When was Liechtenstein founded, and where does its name come from? 
2. In what economic sectors is the Princely House of Liechtenstein active?
3. What is special about Liechtenstein’s Constitution?
4. Where can I obtain the texts of the Constitution and Liechtenstein laws?
5. May I use the coat of arms in publications?
6. Does Liechtenstein have a military?
7. Does Liechtenstein have the same public institutions as a large State?
8. What are the priorities of Liechtenstein foreign policy?
9. What international organizations does Liechtenstein belong to?
10. Is EU membership an option for Liechtenstein in the medium term?
1. When was Liechtenstein founded, and where does its name come from?
Answer: The history of Liechtenstein as the Principality of Liechtenstein began in 1719, when Emperor Charles VI unified the Lordship of Schellenberg and the County of Vaduz and elevated them to an Imperial Principality by the name of Liechtenstein. In 1806, Liechtenstein became a member of the Confederation of the Rhine and obtained sovereignty, which it has maintained until today. In 2006, Liechtenstein will celebrate 200 Years of Sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The history of the House of Liechtenstein extends far back into the Middle Ages. The Family of Liechtenstein is one of the oldest Austrian noble families. In 1136, Hugo of Liechtenstein was the first bearer of the name to be mentioned in documents.
Presentation "Princely House" (PDF, 554.56 KB) 
www.fuerstenhaus.li 
2. In what economic sectors is the Princely House of Liechtenstein active?
Answer: The Princes of Liechtenstein have long been successful entrepreneurs and are active in diverse sectors such as banking, estate management, and forestry. More information is available at www.fuerstenhaus.li
In addition, the Princely House owns the largest private art collection in Europe. A small selection of exquisite works is displayed in the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Museum of Fine Arts) as part of thematic rotating exhibitions.
Visit the Princely Collections and the Exhibitions on the Internet..
Presentation "Princely House" (PDF, 554.56 KB)
3. What is special about Liechtenstein’s Constitution?
Answer: The structure of the State is characterized by the dualism of Prince and People. Neither the monarchic nor the democratic principle dominates. The Prince and the People stand at the same level.
Article 2 of the Liechtenstein Constitution states: “The Principality is a constitutional, hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis; the power of the State is embodied in the Reigning Prince and the People...”
4. Where can I obtain the texts of the Constitution and Liechtenstein laws?
Answer: The Constitution and laws are available for download, in the official language German, free of charge at www.gesetze.li .The most important laws are also available as PDF files at www.llv.li-gesetze-a-z.htm .
5. May I use the coat of arms in publications?
Answer: The use of the coat of arms of the State is subject to a license. The Government Chancellery is responsible for granting licenses: Contact Office of Cabinet Affairs , tel. +423 236 60 36.
Information on the coat of arms of the State:
http://www.llv.li/amtsstellen/llv-rk-amtsgeschaefte-wappen_und_farben.htm
6. Does Liechtenstein have a military?
Answer: Liechtenstein abolished its military in 1868 and stayed neutral in the First and Second World Wars. Liechtenstein pursues an independent and active foreign policy.
The country maintains close bilateral relations with many States and engages in multilateral cooperation at the regional and global levels, especially through its membership in international organizations.
7. Does Liechtenstein have the same public institutions as a large State?
Answer: In principle, yes. The Liechtenstein Parliament passes legislation (legislative power). The five-member collegial Government directs the affairs of State (executive power). Civil and criminal jurisdiction is exercised in the first instance by the Court of Justice, in the second instance by the Court of Appeal, and in the third and final instance by the Supreme Court (judicial power).
8. What are the priorities of Liechtenstein foreign policy?
Answer: The main responsibilities of Liechtenstein foreign policy are the defense of the independence and security of the country and the conduct of its relations under international law. The focus is on the cultivation of bilateral relations with other States and multilateral cooperation in international organizations.
The guideposts of international cooperation are the representation of the country’s own interests, the protection of Liechtenstein citizens, and solidarity with the international community. Liechtenstein is therefore particularly engaged in human rights policy, the progressive development of international law, development cooperation, international humanitarian assistance including disaster assistance and assistance, and specific areas of international environmental policy.
9. What international organizations does Liechtenstein belong to?
Answer: Liechtenstein is a member of the following international organizations (in chronological order, with the year of accession in parentheses):
International Court of Justice in The Hague (1950)
Universal Postal Union (1962)
International Telecommunication Union (1963)
International Atomic Energy Agency (1968)
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975 signing of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act)
Council of Europe (1978)
United Nations (1990)
European Free Trade Association (1991)
European Economic Area (1995)
World Trade Organization (1995)
10. Is EU membership an option for Liechtenstein in the medium term?
Answer: Liechtenstein’s membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) – as a close link with Europe – is considered the optimal solution appropriate to Liechtenstein’s size. EU membership will therefore not be a topic for discussion in the medium term.
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