Liechtenstein

The modern history of Liechtenstein dates from 1719, when the country formally acquired its present name and ruling family with the consolidation of the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg under the house of Liechtenstein. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was allied with the Habsburg monarchy of Austria. When that monarchy was abolished after World War I (1914-1918), Liechtenstein formed its present connection with Switzerland. Prince Franz Joseph II, who became sovereign in 1938, yielded executive authority in 1984 to his son and heir, Crown Prince Hans Adam, who succeeded his father in 1989. Also in 1984, a referendum granted women the right to vote in national elections. Liechtenstein joined the United Nations in 1990 and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as a full member in September 1991. In December 1992 voters approved Liechtenstein's membership in the European Economic Area (EEA). The election of February 1993 resulted in the formation of a coalition government of the Progressive Citizens' Party and the Patriotic Union. Markus Büchel was named head of government.