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Discover Liechtenstein: Top 11 Fun Facts About This Tiny European Gem

illustration of liechtenstein
Get ready to embark on a delightful journey through the intriguing microcosm of Liechtenstein, where you'll uncover an abundance of astonishing tidbits and charming curiosities.

1. Tooth Fairy's Dental Paradise

Before the Tooth Fairy took out her dental plan, she made sure to visit one tiny European nation, known as the "Oompa Loompa of the dental world" for its magical and mysterious tooth innovations: Liechtenstein is home to Ivoclar Vivadent, a leading dental technology company based in Schaan, which produces some of the world's most advanced dental implants, used by dentists and dental clinics worldwide to restore patients' teeth.
Source => tosomeplacenew.com

2. Sky-high Heights, No Flights

You know it's high time they had an airport when the country is reaching new heights - quite literally: Liechtenstein boasts the highest mountain in the Rätikon range of the Alps, Grauspitz, with an awe-inspiring elevation of 2,599 metres (8,527 ft) above sea level, yet remains mysteriously airplane-free.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Mighty Mini Health Superstar

Who knew that Liechtenstein, the nation smaller than many college campuses, was a healthcare powerhouse taking their residents' well-being more seriously than a competitive parent at a Little League game? The tiny size belies a mighty system: Liechtenstein has a universal healthcare system that encompasses treatment by specialists, hospitalization, prescriptions, pregnancy and childbirth, and rehabilitation, with numerous health centers and 24/7 on-call pharmacies scattered across the country.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Peaceful Neutrality Nation

If you're seeking world domination but lack the manpower, look no further than Liechtenstein: a nation that bid adieu to its army in 1868 and embraced neutrality like it was going out of fashion. Oddly enough, this tax haven hotspot draws in international corporations, while proudly trading in festive coins, fragile ceramics, and beeping electronics instead of those boring old postage stamps.
Source => postalmuseum.si.edu

Double Landlock Duo

5. Double Landlock Duo

In a twist that would make M.C. Escher's head spin, there's one teeny-tiny European nation that'll make you question your geography skills: Liechtenstein is one of only two countries in the world that are doubly landlocked, meaning it is completely surrounded by other landlocked countries - its landlocked buddy being Uzbekistan in Central Asia.
Source => nationsencyclopedia.com

6. Tiny Intellectual Powerhouse

Liechtenstein might be as small as finding a needle in a haystack, but it's got more intellectual muscle than a stadium full of Jeopardy winners: This tiny European nation boasts the highest number of registered patents per capita in the world, thanks to its relentless pursuit of research and development.
Source => statista.com

7. Coin Circulation Conundrum

Talk about a change purse conundrum: Liechtenstein had its own currency – the Liechtenstein franc – until 2012 when it switched to the Swiss franc, but it still retains the right to mint and circulate its own commemorative coins.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Fondue Language Fiesta

Liechtenstein, where the Tower of Babel meets a Swiss Miss fondue party: Foreigners, primarily Italians and Turks, make up about 14% of the population, adding the linguistic flavors of Italian and Turkish to this tiny nation's melting pot.
Source => familysearch.org

9. Population Face-Off

In a neck-and-neck race worthy of the tortoise and the hare, Liechtenstein's cities battle it out for the title of "largest population": Schaan overtakes the capital Vaduz by a whopping 583 residents!
Source => slowtours.com

Skiing Family Medalmania

10. Skiing Family Medalmania

In Liechtenstein, skiing is a family affair, and their Olympic medals might as well be considered family heirlooms: This tiny nation has won ten Olympic medals exclusively in alpine skiing, with seven claimed by members of the Wenzel and Frommelt families, giving them the highest medals per capita of any country.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Catholic Frat Party Celebration

When Liechtenstein parties, they go full-on Catholic frat house: On 15 August, the tiny alpine nation celebrates its National Day with grand festivities that includes a holy Mass, street party with a beer festival atmosphere, and culminating in a fireworks display, all set on a picturesque meadow near the Vaduz Castle.
Source => telegraph.co.uk

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