Liechtenstein

a principality lying between Austria and Switzerland. In 1806 it was a member of the Rhine Confederation. After the Napoleonic wars it formed a part of the German Confederation; but since the breakup in 1866 the principality has been theoretically independent. The legislature is a diet of fifteen members, three appointed by the prince, twelve selected by vote. Area, sixty-five square miles. Population, 9,650. The prince resides in Austria, where he has extensive estates. The largest town has 1,200 inhabitants. The inhabitants are engaged in rearing cattle. Other products of the country are corn, wine, fruit, and timber. The people are chiefly Roman Catholics. The principality is virtually a Swiss canton dependent on the Austrian empire.