Program 112:

Liechtenstein and the Other Little Lands



There are five tiny independent nations within Europe, and on this episode, I highlight the little lands. I visit Liechtenstein, just 160 square miles—about the size of Washington, DC—and nestled in the Alps. It is connected to Austria on one side and separated from Switzerland on the other side by the Rhine, which is much narrower by the time it reaches this area. Above the small capital city of Vaduz is the princely palace, home of the ruler of the principality. The regal family spends much of its time here but also has extensive holdings in and near Vienna. People come to play here at the very top of the principality, skiing near the town of Malbun on a dozen trails almost a mile above sea level.
Majestic scenes abound in Vaduz...
Others visit, and walk, the miles of hiking trails that snake through the mountains and low-lying areas. Businesses come here for the favorable financial climate. You’ll also find a handful of wineries, including one owned by the prince himself. Given its ties to Switzerland, Liechtenstein accepts Swiss francs but merchants also take euros.
Another little land is Andorra, a principality in the Pyrenees, on the border between France and Spain. It is larger than Liechtenstein and another place pursuing tourists and their money. This is a land of duty-free shopping and superb ski slopes, mostly in the western part of the nation. The currency of choice is euros.
Along the Mediterranean coast lies the principality of Monaco, on the eastern edge of France. It is the second smallest land in Europe but rolling in money. One of its two towns, Monte Carlo, is home to the world-famous casino. The current facility is actually the second casino here. The original was constructed in 1862; it brought visitors from around the world, who luxuriated in Monaco's spectacular climate, berthed their behemoths at the marina, and stayed at fashionable hotels and resorts. This first casino still exists, but today it is a tourist attraction where you can play slot machines only. Spend euros here.
The smallest of the five is Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is home to the pope and 900 or so other religious men and women. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most venerable and remarkable churches in the world. And this enclave within the city of Rome has no trouble attracting visitors. Millions pour into St. Peter’s Square each year to visit the Basilica and the renowned Sistine Chapel, to await a papal blessing on certain holy days, or to attend services canonizing new saints of the Catholic Church. Spend euros here, too.
San Marino is small but stoic...


The lesser-known small nation of Italy is north of the Vatican. San Marino is the third smallest state in Europe and claims to be the oldest republic in the world. The mountainous land was founded in A.D. 301 by a stonemason called Marinus. Three million people cross the Italian line to visit San Marino each year—indeed, tourism is responsible for 50 percent of the country’s revenue. San Marino’s appeal: rugged mountains, fantastic local cuisine, and centuries-old structures in the center of San Marino City, the capital. And by all means, spend euros here as well.
The five little lands of Europe are worth a visit, especially if you have been to most places on the Continent but have somehow missed these tiny ones.
Here's how you contact them for additional information:


Liechtenstein can be reached at www.tourismus.li
Andorra is at www.andorra.ad
Monaco is on the Web at www.visitmonaco.com
San Marino is online at www.sanmarinosite.com
For Vatican City, I'd contact the Italian Government Tourist Office in the U.S. at
212-245-4822 or go to the Web, www.italiantourism.com