Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country located in the heart of Europe, between Switzerland and Austria. It is a principality, ruled by the House of Liechtenstein since 1719. The history of Liechtenstein is closely intertwined with that of its neighbor, the Swiss canton of Gais.
The area of Liechtenstein and Gais has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the Roman Empire, the area was part of the province of Raetia. In the 6th century, the area was conquered by the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe, and was part of the Frankish Empire. In the 13th century, the area was divided between the Counts of Werdenberg and the Counts of Montfort.
In the late 14th century, the Counts of Werdenberg sold their portion of the region to the Counts of Montfort, who established the County of Vaduz. In 1434, the County of Vaduz became a part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Counts of Montfort also acquired the County of Gais in 1499, and the two counties were united in 1712.
In 1719, the Counts of Vaduz and Gais were elevated to the rank of Princes of Liechtenstein by the Emperor Charles VI. The House of Liechtenstein has ruled the principality ever since. In 1806, Liechtenstein became a sovereign state and joined the German Confederation.
In the 19th century, Liechtenstein and Gais were closely linked economically and politically. The principality was a member of the Swiss Customs Union from 1852 to 1919, and the two territories were both part of the Swiss Confederation from 1815 to 1866. The two territories also shared a common currency, the Swiss Franc, until the introduction of the Liechtenstein Franc in 1924.
In the 20th century, Liechtenstein and Gais continued to have close ties. Liechtenstein joined the League of Nations in 1920, and in 1923, the two territories formed the Liechtenstein-Gais Economic Union. This union allowed for the free movement of goods, services, and people between the two territories.
Today, Liechtenstein and Gais are still closely linked. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Association, and the two territories share a common currency, the Swiss Franc. The two territories also share a common border, and the principality is represented in the Swiss Federal Assembly by a representative from Gais.
Despite their close ties, Liechtenstein and Gais remain distinct and separate entities. The principality is a sovereign state, while Gais is a canton of Switzerland. Liechtenstein is ruled by the House of Liechtenstein, while Gais is governed by the Swiss Federal Assembly. Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations, while Gais is not.