The population of Liechtenstein. How many people live in Liechtenstein? Culture and traditions of local people

Liechtenstein is a tiny European state. How many people live in Liechtenstein? What features and characteristics are typical for him? We'll talk about all this in the article.

History of the country

The state of Liechtenstein on the map looks very small and refers to dwarf countries along with Andorra, the Vatican, San Marino and others. In the official version, the name sounds like the Principality of Liechtenstein. Its borders were firmly established since 1434, after the division of territories between the Holy Roman Empire and Switzerland along the Rhine River.

Previously, the state's lands were part of the Roman province of Retsia. In 536 they were captured by the ancient Germanic tribes - the Franks. Under their authority, the territories remained until 911, and then disintegrated into small duchies. Some of them became part of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 16th century, Vaduz received the right to sovereignty under the control of the Austrian prince of Liechtenstein. Later he was sold to other lands, which took shape in the principality, the first owner of which was Anton Florian. After the collapse of the empire, the principality turned into an independent state.

In World Wars the princedom tried to maintain neutrality, although its sympathies still tended towards the Nazis. For this during the Cold War, the population of Liechtenstein could not visit Czechoslovakia.

In the postwar years, the state experienced a financial crisis. However, over the course of a decade, it was able to resolve the situation by reducing taxes on business. So, the principality attracted significant investments, allowing it to prosper even now.

Liechtenstein: population and area

The state is in the western part of Europe. It borders with Austria and Switzerland. By area, it is at 189 positions in the world. Its territory is 160 km ². The population of the state of Liechtenstein is only 36.8 million people. Density is 230 people per km².

Liechtenstein makes up a large part of the population - about 65%. Almost 10% are Swiss, a large percentage are Azerbaijanis (7.6%). On the territory of the state also live Turks, Germans, Austrians, Italians.

Christianity has reliably established itself on these lands since the time of the Romans, and therefore the population of Liechtenstein is mostly Catholics. They are 87% here. Protestantism is less common. Muslims are only 3% of the population.

The annual growth of the population is 9.5%. The birth rate is almost 5% higher than the death rate. There is a tendency for an active increase in the number of people - in recent years it has increased two and a half times. The age of 70% of residents is from 15 to 64 years. The population is mostly young. The level of education is very high.

Economics and employment of the population

The state has an industrial orientation. The provision of financial services is developing well. The standard of living is one of the highest in the world. In 2012, the GDP was 140 thousand dollars. The basic population of Liechtenstein works in the service sector - 55%. In the industrial sector, 43% are involved, and about 2% in agriculture.

In the world the state is famous for the production of precision instruments, vacuum technology, various microprocessors, optics. The industry is developing metal processing, the production of textiles and ceramics, as well as pharmaceuticals. The bulk of the products are exported.

The financial situation of the country is corrected by tourism and the sale of postage stamps, including very expensive collectible copies. The banking system of the state is also worthy of attention. Liechtenstein is a kind of refuge for those who try to avoid high taxes. Here they are extremely low, therefore, more than 70 thousand international companies and concerns are registered in the country.

Culture

Indigenous people - Liechtenstein - call themselves Liechtensteiner. Until 1866 they were referred to the Germans. The distant ancestors of the local inhabitants are the Germanic tribes of Alemann and Ret, whose culture was influenced by the Austrians, Swiss and Bavarians.

The official language is German, but the local population of Liechtenstein communicates in everyday life in one of its dialects - the Alemannic. Dialect is widespread in the Austrian Forarberg, in southern Germany, Switzerland and French Alsace.

Local cuisine also does not have unique features and absorbed the habits of its closest neighbors. They prefer vegetables, meat, all kinds of sour-milk products, especially cheese. National cheese is "emmental" with spices and a dish of "raclette", consisting of roasted cheese, potatoes in uniform and pickled cucumbers. Local wines have a fairly high quality, but are not exported.

The traditional costume for men consists of a white shirt, pants on suspenders that are decorated with embroidery, and a red vest. On the legs are put on white stockings and shoes with buckles. The headpiece is a felt or leather hat with small fields. Women's national clothes consist of a skirt with aprons of bright colors and lacy sweaters.

Holidays

Local residents of Liechtenstein love gay celebrations. The festivals of shepherds and wine growers are traditional. The New Year, the Epiphany (January 6), Labor Day (May 1), the Day of Sovereignty (August 15), and some church holidays are officially celebrated.

The first day after the end of the Catholic fast, Liechtenstein notes brightly. On the "sparkling Sunday" holiday, residents bring dry brushwood directly to the central square of the cities, and then set it on fire. At the top of the fire placed a stuffed witch, and in the meantime they arrange a march with lit torches. Thus, the inhabitants drive away all evil spirits.

One of the popular holidays is "returning from pasture". Liechtenstein dresses in national costumes, tied with ribbons and flowers on hats. The shepherds decorate their animals with ribbons and bells, and lead through the city. Everything is accompanied by noisy songs and fun.

Let's sum up the results

Liechtenstein is a small European country, whose population comes from the ancient Germanic tribes of allemens. Here there is a unique national spirit, despite the influence of more powerful neighbors.

Local residents speak the Allemanian dialect of the German language and call themselves native Liechtensteiners. For centuries, they have been honoring folk traditions and customs, which is reflected in various festivals and festivals.

The state has a high economic level, developing tourism, industry and the financial sector. Thanks to this, the country has one of the highest income levels in the world.