If you drive in the rain around Liechtenstein, as we did, you may easily miss that you crossed the border. Nothing separates in spirit and looks the tiny principality of its larger neighbor, Switzerland.

Furstentum Liechtenstein had its ties in the  Austro-Hungarian Empire, where the original dynastic family owned large tracts of lands. Later following the annexation of Austria at the beginning of World War II, Liechtenstein lost part of its small territory to Czechoslovakia. As a result, the tension grew during the Cold War, the diplomatic severed, and the citizens of Liechtenstein could not travel to Czechoslovakia. The diplomatic relation was reestablished only in 2009.

The principality is ruled by Prince Hans Adam II, who has large popular support while ranked as the world’s sixth wealthiest leader. (Vaduz, Schar)