The last three remaining Principalities in the World
European microstates of Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco are ruled by Princes, not Kings or Queens. They all are members of the United Nations but not the European Union.
Photo: All three remaining Principalities are in Continental Europe.
It’s the year 2020. There are about 200 countries in the World, and one-fifth of them still have a monarch as Head of state. From the mighty United Kingdom’s much loved British Royal Family to the tiny Vatican City’s powerful Papacy, they all are lead by different monarchies. Some of them are absolute, and others are constitutional or semi-constitutional. Most of these Heads have the title of King or Queen. Though, three countries are governed by Princes and have Principality in their official names. They are the European microstates of Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco.
There was a time in history, the Middle Ages when there were many Principalities in Europe and other parts of the World, but eventually, they were conquered by their neighbours or great powers. Some were dissolved into a different form of government.
Now, all three remaining Principalities are sovereign and have monarchs with the title of Prince. Andorra’s Co-Princes mostly have a ceremonial role, but Princes of Liechtenstein and Monaco hold high power, influence and wealth to their title.
Principality of Andorra | Flag: 🇦🇩
Co-Princes: Emmanuel Macron and Joan Enric Vives i Sicília
Capital: Andorra la Vella | Population: 77,260
Reasons to travel: Ski resorts and duty-free shopping
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron is one of the two current Co-Princes of Andorra.
Andorra is a small landlocked country sandwiched between France and Spain. Catalan is the official language of Andorra.
Interestingly, this Principality is headed by not an Andorran but two foreigners: a Frenchman and a Spaniard. The French President and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain serve as two Co-Princes of Andorra. This unique arrangement is a result of a 13th- century row between Spanish and French rulers of the time. For centuries, both the rulers received payments from Andorrans to run their country. In 1993, the new constitution reduced the powers of the Co- Princes and established independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government.
Photo: Andorra is popular with tourists for many of its ski resorts.
Andorra is not a member of the European Union. It is also not in the Schengen Area. A country without an airport, it does not have any visa requirements, but the visitors can only enter the country by road or helicopter through France or Spain, two members of the Schengen Area. So practically, visitors of Andorra need to fulfil the entry requirements of the Schengen Area.
Principality of Lichtenstein | Flag: 🇱🇮
Prince: Hans-Adam II
Capital: Vaduz | Population: 38,124
Reasons to travel: Hiking and road cycling
Photo: Vaduz Castle is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Just like Andorra, Lichtenstein is a small landlocked country sandwiched between two countries, here, Switzerland and Austria. Like its neighbours, Lichtenstein is a majorly German-speaking country.
The princely family after which the Principality was named in 1719 have been ruling the country for more than 300 years. The family still follows the old rule of only first-born males to inherit the throne. The powers of current Prince Hans-Adam II are equivalent to those of a President. He is the wealthiest monarch in Europe with a net worth of € 4.5 billion.
Lichtenstein is not a member of the European Union but participates in the Schengen Area. The country does not have an airport but thrives on paved roadways and the well-connected railway and bus networks.
Principality of Monaco | Flag: 🇲🇨
Prince: Albert II
Largest Quartier: Monte Carlo | Population: 39,231
Reasons to travel: Gambling and yacht tours
Photo: The iconic Monte Carlo Casino, shot on my iPhone SE on 27 Septemeber 2018.
Monaco, a city-state on the French Riveria is the World’s second-smallest country with an area of 2.02 square kilometres. French is the official language of the country, but some citizens and residents also speak the native Monégasque dialect of Ligurian language.
Francesco Grimaldi, who took over Monaco in 1297, founded the House of Grimaldi. His descendants still rule Monaco with current Prince Albert II reigning since 2005. The Prince is the son of Prince Rainier III and the legendary actress Grace Kelly. The Prince’s enormous wealth is a result of his shares in Société des Bains de Mer which runs the famous Monte Carlo Casino and other properties in the Principality.
Monaco is not a member of the European Union but is a de facto member of the Schengen Area. Similar to Andorra and Lichtenstein, it does not have an airport. Its busy seaport is open to the Mediterranean Sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo: I visited Principality of Monaco on my birthday in 2018 and got my passport stamped at the official tourist office.
Note: There have been some micronations (not to be confused with microstates) like Principality of Freedonia in existence. But such “countries” are just self- proclaimed entities with no recognition or acknowledgement from any sovereign states or intergovernmental organisations.
Further reading:
i. Official website of Andorra Tourism: https://visitandorra.com/en
ii. Official website of Lichtenstein Tourism: https://tourismus.li/en
iii. Official website of Monaco Tourism: https://www.visitmonaco.com/en
iv. Rick Steves’ Europe: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/little-europe
v. The Economist: https://www.economist.com/international/2019/04/27/how-monarchies-survive-modernity
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