Culture and Social Development
Additional Resources
http://www.tourismus.li/en/
This site provides cultural information as well as up-to-date activities and accommodations as it focuses on tourism. It offers cultural history, places to visit, and things to participate in. The site is maintained by the Liechtenstein Center in Liechtenstein.
This site provides cultural information as well as up-to-date activities and accommodations as it focuses on tourism. It offers cultural history, places to visit, and things to participate in. The site is maintained by the Liechtenstein Center in Liechtenstein.
http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/
This is the country's official website, it provides information about the cultural background of Liechtenstein as well as the cultural policy of the nation. It has the most accurate and detailed information on the art, music, theatre, dance, and traditions.
This is the country's official website, it provides information about the cultural background of Liechtenstein as well as the cultural policy of the nation. It has the most accurate and detailed information on the art, music, theatre, dance, and traditions.
Tourism is one of the greatest economic and social factors in Liechtenstein's success. Their cultural traditions, scenic hiking trails, and expansive winter sport programs are only a few of the attractions that bring tourists to the country every day. This map shows these attractions as well as the transportation routes available in Liechtenstein.
Statistics
- 100% literacy rate meaning that at age 10, every citizen can read and write
- There is no military force in Liechtenstein
- There is no record of HIV/AIDS in the country
- Liechtenstein is 160 square kilometers in size
- 94.5% of the population speaks German, the official language of the country
- Total life expectancy of 81.68 years
Graphs
Graphs below illustrate data on Switzerland due to the lack of information on Liechtenstein. Source: Gapminder.org
The history of Switzerland is marked by the growth of the educational system and the development of a government funded health industry. This improves the health of the nation and increases the population's life expectancy as shown in Figure 1. With increased education, the income per person increased as well but surprisingly, the percentage of salaried workers did not increase, as represented in Figure 3. This means that the jobs that became popular among the citizens were self-employment, industry jobs, agricultural jobs, or family jobs which is uncommon with the increase in education typically leading to higher-paying salary professions. Figure 1. also illustrates that in terms of life expectancy, there was not a dramatic change until the 1880's when industrialization really took off in Switzerland.
Religion
The Principality of Liechtenstein was created by the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 and eventually became a sovereign state in 1806 (Liechtenstein, n.d.). Even after it separated from the Holy Roman Empire, Liechtenstein remained dominantly Catholic. As the state religion, originally 85% of the country followed Roman Catholicism but with increased immigration, recently only 76% of the total population is Roman Catholic (Bureau of Democracy, 2014). The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, which allows for a small percentage of citizens to identify with other religions including Protestantism, Islam, Atheism, and Judaism (Liechtenstein, n.d.). The Jewish population consists of only about 26 people “who could have been part of the Jewish refugees who found safety in the country after fleeing the Nazi era” (Religious Beliefs, 2014). Out of the few Muslims in Liechtenstein, the “majority of Muslims are Sunni, predominately from Turkey and Bosnia- Herzegovina”(Bureau of Democracy, 2013).
Religion plays a role in the society in terms of the educational practices and celebrations. Catholic or Protestant curriculum, determined by the Catholic Church, is mandatory in all public primary schools and children are required to take either customary confessional education or non-confessional education courses when they enter the secondary school level (Office of Foreign Affairs, n.d.). Additionally, many of the country’s customs and celebrated holidays come from the Catholic religious calendar (Customs, 2014). “The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Epiphany, Candlemas/Groundhog Day, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, The Nativity of Mary, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Saint Stephen's Day.” As was popular in the past in other countries, Sunday remains a public holiday in Liechtenstein. On this day stores remain closed and work is generally not permitted (Office of Foreign Affairs, n.d.).
Liechtenstein is part of the worldwide Catholic Church under the spiritual leadership of the Pope. Originally, Liechtenstein was part of the Swiss diocese of Chur but the Pope created the Archdiocese of Vaduz in 1997 to include the entire country. Archbishop Wolfgang Haas leads the Archdiocese of Vaduz. “The archdiocese has the Holy Virgin Mary as its Patron and is composed of 12 parishes, including the Vaduz Cathedral that has had its cathedral status since 1997” (Religious Beliefs, 2014). Along with the Vaduz Cathedral, there are various other parish churches throughout the country including St. Joseph’s Parish Church in Triesenberg.
There is no distinct separation between church and state in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Laws and policies are in place to promote religious freedom and, in general, the government respects other religions within the country. As the state religion, Roman Catholicism “holds a guaranteed role in education and religious teaching in schools, and has a voice in the political and legal decision-making process.” Religious institutions receive funding from the municipalities and from the general budget, according to parliamentary or municipal decisions. In addition, the government provides Catholic and Protestant churches with annual contributions with respect to the church’s membership. “Smaller religious groups are eligible to apply for grants for associations of foreigners or specific projects. All religious groups have tax- exempt status” (Bureau of Democracy, 2013). Overall, the government has a large input in the religion in Liechtenstein.
The religion in Liechtenstein really can be attributed to the history of the country. The most prominent religion comes from the original creation of the nation and the additional religions present in the country have roots in the immigration patterns of the past. With no separation of church and state, the government continues to play a large role in the lives of the citizens, and therefore also in the religion. With compulsory religious education, the country is able to maintain the state religion while still accepting other religions through the legislation they have in place. Under the worldwide Catholic Church, the Catholic people of Liechtenstein are able to worship in the various churches throughout the country, while the other religions are making progress towards their own holy places within the nation.
Sources:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. (2013). Liechtenstein 2013 International Religious Freedom Report. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://photos.state.gov/libraries/switzerland/323264/reports/liechtenstein-2013-intl-religious-freedom-report.pdf
Customs of the Principality of Liechtenstein. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.about-liechtenstein.co.uk/history/geographic/people/customs.html
Liechtenstein. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.thearda.com/internationalData/Countries/Country_133_1.asp
Liechtensteiners. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Japan-to-Mali/Liechtensteiners.html
Office of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Liechtenstein. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/171704.pdf
Religious beliefs in Liechtenstein. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.studylands.com/guide/LI-religion.htm
Religion plays a role in the society in terms of the educational practices and celebrations. Catholic or Protestant curriculum, determined by the Catholic Church, is mandatory in all public primary schools and children are required to take either customary confessional education or non-confessional education courses when they enter the secondary school level (Office of Foreign Affairs, n.d.). Additionally, many of the country’s customs and celebrated holidays come from the Catholic religious calendar (Customs, 2014). “The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Epiphany, Candlemas/Groundhog Day, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, The Nativity of Mary, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Saint Stephen's Day.” As was popular in the past in other countries, Sunday remains a public holiday in Liechtenstein. On this day stores remain closed and work is generally not permitted (Office of Foreign Affairs, n.d.).
Liechtenstein is part of the worldwide Catholic Church under the spiritual leadership of the Pope. Originally, Liechtenstein was part of the Swiss diocese of Chur but the Pope created the Archdiocese of Vaduz in 1997 to include the entire country. Archbishop Wolfgang Haas leads the Archdiocese of Vaduz. “The archdiocese has the Holy Virgin Mary as its Patron and is composed of 12 parishes, including the Vaduz Cathedral that has had its cathedral status since 1997” (Religious Beliefs, 2014). Along with the Vaduz Cathedral, there are various other parish churches throughout the country including St. Joseph’s Parish Church in Triesenberg.
There is no distinct separation between church and state in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Laws and policies are in place to promote religious freedom and, in general, the government respects other religions within the country. As the state religion, Roman Catholicism “holds a guaranteed role in education and religious teaching in schools, and has a voice in the political and legal decision-making process.” Religious institutions receive funding from the municipalities and from the general budget, according to parliamentary or municipal decisions. In addition, the government provides Catholic and Protestant churches with annual contributions with respect to the church’s membership. “Smaller religious groups are eligible to apply for grants for associations of foreigners or specific projects. All religious groups have tax- exempt status” (Bureau of Democracy, 2013). Overall, the government has a large input in the religion in Liechtenstein.
The religion in Liechtenstein really can be attributed to the history of the country. The most prominent religion comes from the original creation of the nation and the additional religions present in the country have roots in the immigration patterns of the past. With no separation of church and state, the government continues to play a large role in the lives of the citizens, and therefore also in the religion. With compulsory religious education, the country is able to maintain the state religion while still accepting other religions through the legislation they have in place. Under the worldwide Catholic Church, the Catholic people of Liechtenstein are able to worship in the various churches throughout the country, while the other religions are making progress towards their own holy places within the nation.
Sources:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. (2013). Liechtenstein 2013 International Religious Freedom Report. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://photos.state.gov/libraries/switzerland/323264/reports/liechtenstein-2013-intl-religious-freedom-report.pdf
Customs of the Principality of Liechtenstein. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.about-liechtenstein.co.uk/history/geographic/people/customs.html
Liechtenstein. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.thearda.com/internationalData/Countries/Country_133_1.asp
Liechtensteiners. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Japan-to-Mali/Liechtensteiners.html
Office of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Liechtenstein. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/171704.pdf
Religious beliefs in Liechtenstein. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.studylands.com/guide/LI-religion.htm
Food and Food Production
Typical Foods
Grains/Starches: wheat flour, corn maize, ribel
Dairy: Cow's milk, cheeses, butter
Meat/Fish/Eggs: pork products( smoked bacon and ham), sausage, chicken eggs, venison and wild boar(during hunting season), schnitzels
Fruits/Vegetables/Nuts: seasonal fruits and vegetables(grown in the country), potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, olives, pears, apples, asparagus
Condiments:sugar
Beverages: coffee, wine, whiskey, beer, cocoa, milk
Snacks/Desserts: apple sauce, fruit-filled pancakes, pastries
Sources: http://www.thetourexpert.eu/countries/lichtenstein/food-and-drink-of-liechtenstein/
http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Liechtensteiner_Cuisine
Popular Dish
Ribel', also called 'Rebl', is probably the most traditional dish in Liechtenstein. Filling and healthy, this cornmeal-based delicacy was very important part of the poor population's diet in years gone by.
Ingredients
Preparation
Place 1/3 water, 2/3 milk, a pinch of salt and a little butter or vegetale fat in a pan, bring to the boil and add the cornmeal. Stir the mixture, remove the pan from the heat, cover it and leave for around 15 minutes. Then, using enough butter, roast the Ribel in the same pan until it turns crumbly. Ribel is generally eaten with coffee, apple sauce, cooked cherries, elderberry sauce, compot or sour cheese.
History
Until reasonably recently - around 1970 - Ribel was a dish eaten primarily by poorer people and farmers' families. Ribel was generally eaten once for breakfast, but in times of need it could be served up to three times a day. Nowadays, Ribel is a welcome change to the many international dishes available in Liechtenstein. In fact, some restaurants still serve this traditional delicacy.
Source: http://www.tourismus.li/en/gastronomy-wine/gastronomy-restaurants/typical-dishes/Ribel.html
Religious Connections
Liechtensteiners celebrate Feast Day or the Nativity of the Virgin Mary as a public holiday. This holiday takes place on September 8th and is celebrated with delicious food and drink including Mother's Cake. It is an important feast because it prepares the way for the birth of Christ.
Source: http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/liechtenstein-feast-day/
Food Origins and Influences
Liechtenstein cuisine is very similar to French and Swiss cuisine. It contains a large amount of cheese and dairy products. Liechtenstein does produce a variety of food products that they consume in the country, including meat, vegetables, fruit, and wine. Pork, venison, and wild boar is hunted during the hunting season, Saukerkas, is a cheese produced locally in Liechtenstein, and besides the expansive vineyards that produce local wine, the country cultivates seasonal orchard fruits and vegetables like corn, potatoes, and garden produce. Liechtenstein does import processed foods from other countries.
Dietary Customs
Zmorga (breakfast) usually consists of one of many varieties of bread with jam and coffee. Zmittag (the main meal) is served at midday and includes a soup or salad, a main dish, and dessert. Znacht (dinner), usually served around 6 or 7 pm, is typically light and often consists of open-faced sandwiches with cheese and meat. When going out for dinner, people meet around 8 pm. The national dish, Rebel, is made of ground maize stirred in a frying pan with milk, water, and salt. It is often eaten with elderberry purée. Other traditional dishes are Käsknöpfle, a type of pasta with sharp cheese, and Rôschti, grated and fried potatoes.
The continental style of eating is used, with the fork in the left hand and the knife remaining in the right. It is considered polite to not leave any food on the plate, and accepting second helpings is interpreted as a compliment to the cook. When a person has finished eating, the cutlery is placed side by side on the plate. In restaurants, leftovers are not taken home. Most people drink bottled mineral water, wine, or beer with meals.
Toasting with alcoholic beverages is common. Whether in the home or at a restaurant, it is impolite to begin drinking before the host proposes the first toast. The host will not do this until everyone has a full glass. Once the first toast is made, all guests are free to take a drink and propose additional toasts. In a group, the glasses are lightly tapped simultaneously in pairs.
Source: http://www.yeuanhvan.com/customs-habits/6075-customs-of-liechtenstein
Grains/Starches: wheat flour, corn maize, ribel
Dairy: Cow's milk, cheeses, butter
Meat/Fish/Eggs: pork products( smoked bacon and ham), sausage, chicken eggs, venison and wild boar(during hunting season), schnitzels
Fruits/Vegetables/Nuts: seasonal fruits and vegetables(grown in the country), potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, olives, pears, apples, asparagus
Condiments:sugar
Beverages: coffee, wine, whiskey, beer, cocoa, milk
Snacks/Desserts: apple sauce, fruit-filled pancakes, pastries
Sources: http://www.thetourexpert.eu/countries/lichtenstein/food-and-drink-of-liechtenstein/
http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Liechtensteiner_Cuisine
Popular Dish
Ribel', also called 'Rebl', is probably the most traditional dish in Liechtenstein. Filling and healthy, this cornmeal-based delicacy was very important part of the poor population's diet in years gone by.
Ingredients
- Approximately 600g cornmeal
- 1l milk
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1-2 spoons of butter and vegetable fat
Preparation
Place 1/3 water, 2/3 milk, a pinch of salt and a little butter or vegetale fat in a pan, bring to the boil and add the cornmeal. Stir the mixture, remove the pan from the heat, cover it and leave for around 15 minutes. Then, using enough butter, roast the Ribel in the same pan until it turns crumbly. Ribel is generally eaten with coffee, apple sauce, cooked cherries, elderberry sauce, compot or sour cheese.
History
Until reasonably recently - around 1970 - Ribel was a dish eaten primarily by poorer people and farmers' families. Ribel was generally eaten once for breakfast, but in times of need it could be served up to three times a day. Nowadays, Ribel is a welcome change to the many international dishes available in Liechtenstein. In fact, some restaurants still serve this traditional delicacy.
Source: http://www.tourismus.li/en/gastronomy-wine/gastronomy-restaurants/typical-dishes/Ribel.html
Religious Connections
Liechtensteiners celebrate Feast Day or the Nativity of the Virgin Mary as a public holiday. This holiday takes place on September 8th and is celebrated with delicious food and drink including Mother's Cake. It is an important feast because it prepares the way for the birth of Christ.
Source: http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/liechtenstein-feast-day/
Food Origins and Influences
Liechtenstein cuisine is very similar to French and Swiss cuisine. It contains a large amount of cheese and dairy products. Liechtenstein does produce a variety of food products that they consume in the country, including meat, vegetables, fruit, and wine. Pork, venison, and wild boar is hunted during the hunting season, Saukerkas, is a cheese produced locally in Liechtenstein, and besides the expansive vineyards that produce local wine, the country cultivates seasonal orchard fruits and vegetables like corn, potatoes, and garden produce. Liechtenstein does import processed foods from other countries.
Dietary Customs
Zmorga (breakfast) usually consists of one of many varieties of bread with jam and coffee. Zmittag (the main meal) is served at midday and includes a soup or salad, a main dish, and dessert. Znacht (dinner), usually served around 6 or 7 pm, is typically light and often consists of open-faced sandwiches with cheese and meat. When going out for dinner, people meet around 8 pm. The national dish, Rebel, is made of ground maize stirred in a frying pan with milk, water, and salt. It is often eaten with elderberry purée. Other traditional dishes are Käsknöpfle, a type of pasta with sharp cheese, and Rôschti, grated and fried potatoes.
The continental style of eating is used, with the fork in the left hand and the knife remaining in the right. It is considered polite to not leave any food on the plate, and accepting second helpings is interpreted as a compliment to the cook. When a person has finished eating, the cutlery is placed side by side on the plate. In restaurants, leftovers are not taken home. Most people drink bottled mineral water, wine, or beer with meals.
Toasting with alcoholic beverages is common. Whether in the home or at a restaurant, it is impolite to begin drinking before the host proposes the first toast. The host will not do this until everyone has a full glass. Once the first toast is made, all guests are free to take a drink and propose additional toasts. In a group, the glasses are lightly tapped simultaneously in pairs.
Source: http://www.yeuanhvan.com/customs-habits/6075-customs-of-liechtenstein