Jim Ferguson, age 13, of Buffalo Grove, I11., for his question:
WHERE IS LIECHTENSTEIN?
The tiny European country of Liechtenstein has a flag made up of two stripes. The upper one is blue, for the sky, and the lower one is red, for the glow of evening fires. A gold crown appears in the upper left hand corner, and this represents the unity between the royal family which rules the country and the people who live there.
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world. It lies in a small valley in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. Its area is less than that of Washington, D.C., and its estimated population of 22,000 is less than that of most American suburbs.
A prince rules Liechtenstein, with a prime minister directing the government. The throne usually goes to the prince's oldest son.
Only men can vote in the country. A parliament called the Landtag is made up of 15 members, with each member serving a four year term. The Landtag establishes a national budget, passes laws and sets tax rates.
The country was settled about 400 A.D. by a Germanic tribe. Through the years the country's leading industry has been farming. In 1852 Liechtenstein formed an economic union with Austria Hungary, but this ended after World War I. A similar agreement was signed in 1924 with Switzerland.
Over 5,000 business firms from other countries have established headquarters in Liechtenstein. The government collects money by taxing these foreign businesses, but the tax rate is very low. A great deal of money is also made by the government through the sale of postage stamps. Collectors from all parts of the world prize the stamps, many of which are reproductions of famous paintings from the prince's art collection.
German is spoken in Liechtenstein, but with a Swiss dialect. Swiss money is used in the country, and Switzerland also operates its postal, telegraph and telephone systems. Neighbor Switzerland also represents Liechtenstein in trade and diplomatic relations.
Liechtenstein has not fought in a war since 1866. It has been independent since 1806. Its official name is Furstentum Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein's capital and largest city is Vaduz. The city has a population of about 4,300.
The Rhine River flows along the country's western border with high, snow capped mountains found on the south and east. Total area of the country is 61 square miles.
There's a bit of manufacturing in the country, specifically precision instruments, cotton textiles and handicrafts.