Nestled between Austria and Switzerland along the banks of the Rhine is the tiny pricipality of Liechtenstein. Created by Napoleon in 1806, the miniscule country will be celebrating its bicentennial beginning this week. Much like its neighbor Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a money-laundering Mecca, and has prospered since World War II as a banking center. But the reason I like Liechtenstein the most is that a mere 3 years ago, the constitution was amended to give the monarch (Currently Hans-Adam von und zu Liechtenstein II) amazing control of the legislative and judicial systems with little to no responsibility. Below is a picture of the royal abode. From it, one can see nearly the entirety of the country. Here's to you, Liechtenstein... May you have 200 more! Because your name is really fun to say!
(AP Photo/Thomasz Surdel)
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