Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, officially called the Principality of Liechtenstein, is entirely landlocked country microstate in Alpine Central Europe. It is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. The capital and largest city is Vaduz. With only about 38,000 people in roughly 62 square miles, Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest countries in the world. German is the country’s official language, however, most residents speak an Alemannic dialect that’s very different from standard German and is closer to Swiss Standard German.
Although it remained part of the Holy Roman Empire, the rise of the Liechtenstein dynasty in 1699 signaled a new era for the region. After the purchase the lordship of Schellenberg as well as Vaduz, the united territory was named Principality of Liechtenstein. In the 19th century Liechtenstein became a member of the German Confederation.
Liechtenstein has no army. In the last military engagement (1866), 80 men were sent out and 81 returned because they made an Italian friend. During the Second World War, Liechtenstein remained neutral and recieved aid from Switzerland.
The Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein is the highest order. It was founded on July 22, 1937 by Prince Franz I of Liechtenstein, to commemorate his eight-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Elisabeth von Gutmann, an Austrian noblewoman. Due to the size of the country and the small population, there are very few medals and decorations.
Barac, Borna. Reference Catalogue Orders, Medals and Decorations of the World, G-P.
“Law State Gazette No. 12 Princely hand writing from July 22 1937 concerning the foundation of the Princely Order of Merit and the Princely Print of Merit” Landesverwalktung Furstentum Liechtenstein. Verson June 21 1967. https://www.gesetze.li/konso/1937.012
“Luxarazzi 101: Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein and Princely Liechtenstein Medal of Merit.” Luxarazzi. August 16, 2015. http://www.luxarazzi.com/2015/08/luxarazzi-101-order-of-merit-of.html
“Prince Franz Josef II.” Unofficial Royalty. 2015. http://www.unofficialroyalty.com/franz-josef-ii-prince-of-liechtenstein/
“For Prince and Country: Awards and Medals of Liechtenstein by Antti Ruokonen.” Orders & Medals Society of America. March 30, 2017. http://www.omsa.org/forums/topic/for-prince-and-country-awards-and-medals-of-liechtenstein-by-antti-ruokonen/
20 results found
Filter By
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
