LIECHTENSTEIN, one of the smallest independent sovereign States of Europe (see SAN MARINO and MONACO), 65 sq.m. in extent, and bounded by the right bank of the Rhine a few miles above Lake Constance. Westward lies the canton of St. Gallen (Switzerland). The eastern border marches with Austrian Vorarlberg, and southwards are the western crests of the Rhatikon, between Liechtenstein and Graubunden (Switzer land). The country, geographically, is more Austrian than Swiss—politically its interests have oscillated between both countries. The major physical divisions are : A small narrow strip along the Rhine valley, widening northwards into the tri angular lowland of the confluence of the Rhine and the Austrian Ill. (2) The much larger upland area, practically bisected by the Samina which feeds the Ill. The highest peaks lie southward, with Falkais (8,401 feet), central south, and Naafkopf (8,432 feet), south-east, at the meeting points of the three frontiers. The chief settlements are at the western foot of the uplands and not on the Rhine itself. In order from the south, they are Balzers, Triesen, Vaduz (capital and seat of government, pop. 1,405), Schaan and Nendeln. They are linked by the road joining Ragaz (Switzerland) with Feldkirch (Austria). Two small settle ments, Eschen and Mauern, lie in the northern triangular low land. Liechtenstein's only railway crosses the centre of the western frontier from Buchs (Switzerland) and then parallels the road through Schaan and Nendeln. Pop. (1930) 10,213, is
largely German in origin and speech, Roman Catholic in religion and agricultural in interest. Corn, wine and fruit are grown and cattle are reared. There are also small manufactures of cotton, leather and pottery.
The principality, founded in 1719, consisted of the lordships of Schellenburg and Vaduz, and formed part of the Holy Roman empire. From 1806-15 it was included in the Rhine Confedera tion, and from 1815-66 in the German Confederation. Since 1866 it has been independent. Prince Johann II. (184o-1929) suc ceeded his father in 1858. The Constitution has, since 1921, pro vided a Landtag of 15 members elected by direct vote; suffrage is universal. The standing army was abolished in 1868, and there is no national debt. Until 1919 Liechtenstein was closely allied with Austria; in 1921 it adopted Swiss currency, and since it has been included in the Swiss Customs Union. Switzerland administers its telegraph and postal services. Franz I 1938) succeeded his brother in 1929, and was in turn succeeded by his great-nephew, Franz Josef, in 1938.