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Disability and Poverty in Liechtenstein

Disability and Poverty in Liechtenstein
In a world where approximately 15% of the population lives with some form of disability, the approach of smaller nations like Liechtenstein to this issue continues to draw attention. This article examines Liechtenstein’s efforts to empower individuals with disabilities through policy advancements, technological integration, awareness campaigns and international collaborations. Here is some information about the connection between disability and poverty in Liechtenstein.

About Disability and Poverty in Liechtenstein

The U.S. State Department’s 2020 and 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlight Liechtenstein’s ban on disability discrimination. However, recent reports have questioned the effectiveness of government regulations and programs in improving disability accessibility in employment, infrastructure, health care and education. 

Reports from the Liechtenstein Institute and the Liechtenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities indicate poor career and education integration for disabled people. Few disabled students attend public schools, and just one-third have accessibility measures. Liechtenstein provides social aid to people without social insurance or with income below a certain threshold. Specific individuals require government aid due to relative disadvantages.

Limited Integration, Economic Challenges and Data Gaps

Liechtenstein’s disabled population faces some challenges, including restricted workforce integration and educational inclusion. Despite existing legal frameworks, comprehensive employment and health accessibility remain uncertain. Economic disparities are evident, with higher unemployment rates and lower wages than the general population. Limited economic research further complicates the issue.

Societal perceptions impact the economic prospects for disabled individuals in Liechtenstein. Discrimination, limited educational access, biases and workplace hurdles all pose challenges. Biases hinder disabled individuals from finding employment, contributing to economic limitations.

Government and NGO Actions

Liechtenstein continues to make efforts to promote disability inclusion and alleviate poverty. Measures include the Disability Equality Act, accessibility initiatives, social assistance frameworks and addressing domestic abuse vulnerabilities. Inclusive education for disabled children is provided through specialized schools and the country’s remedial center.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of disabled individuals in Liechtenstein. These organizations offer support through counseling, awareness campaigns, collaborative services with social services and monitoring of disability-related programs. In addition, these organizations advocate for inclusive employment and leverage international cooperation.

Development of Inclusive Policies

Policies include the Disability Equality Act, emphasis on accessibility, safety nets, enhanced NGO partnerships and employment initiatives in collaboration with NGOs. Positive outcomes result from Liechtenstein’s effective policies, leading to disability empowerment and improved well-being. Procedures such as the Disability Equality Act, enhanced mobility and accessibility, economic security nets and strengthened NGO collaborations have transformative effects on disabled citizens’ lives.

Liechtenstein’s experience in disability inclusion provides a valuable example for other countries. Lessons include the impact of collective advocacy, collaborative partnerships between government and NGOs, focus on inclusive labor markets, prioritizing autonomy and respect and the value of persistent efforts in achieving positive transformations.

A Global Perspective

Liechtenstein’s global impact on disability inclusion is notable. Unique approaches to poverty dynamics, pioneering inclusiveness through legislation and mandates, government-NGO synergy, progressive legislation and advancements in accessibility are commendable. However, there’s room for even more progress.  

Liechtenstein is making meaningful progress in enhancing the well-being of its disabled citizens. Key strategies include consistent enforcement of disability laws to ensure equal opportunities in education and employment. Infrastructure upgrades are being made to improve accessibility in public spaces and transportation systems. Additionally, ongoing NGO partnerships provide specialized support and services. The country also prioritizes accessible education to foster a more inclusive environment. Finally, Liechtenstein wants to adopt international best practices to refine its disability policies.

– Roberto Gaziano
Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Rights In Liechtenstein

Women's Rights in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It is also the last country in Europe to grant women suffrage. On July 1, 1984, by a small majority (51.3%) at the all-male national referendum, women legally received the right to vote with the Constitution being amended to include women citizens older than the age of 20. More than 37 years later, women’s rights in Liechtenstein still need development in comparison to Liechtenstein’s neighboring European countries.

Lack of Women’s Rights

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy that observes a hereditary line of succession. This means the first-born male inherits the throne, excluding all female descendants. Criticism of this tradition has echoed throughout the country. However, it is unlikely a change will occur with this long-standing practice of the country.

Conducted by the U.S. Department of State, a 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices found gender-based discrimination in the workplace for women in Liechtenstein. Immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQIA+ and women with disabilities have come forward with their experiences of harassment in the labor market. The report identified that there were 32 cases of domestic violence against women in 2019. In addition, the country has only one women’s shelter, Frauenhaus, which housed just 13 women that year.

The report continues to also disclose that women in Liechtenstein face a significant pay difference in comparison to men. On top of the pay gap, women in Liechtenstein, specifically in private sector upper-level management, face underrepresentation with little-to-no opportunity for promotion.

Making a Change

Research on wage inequality in Liechtenstein in both private and public sectors shows that there is an average 16.5% pay gap between men and women. Analytics show that one cannot explain almost 7% of this pay gap by “objective characteristics” including training, professional status and qualifications. Reporting wages to the National Administration is one possible way to combat the gender pay gap. However, this initiative faced dismissal.

Groups like the Women’s Network argue that Liechtenstein’s government delegates the responsibility of gender equality policies to NGOs. However, political and social action to improve women’s rights in Liechtenstein is progressing. While the change has been slow, growth has been evident over the last few years.

Raising Awareness

Founded in 1997, the Women’s Section of the Liechtenstein Employees Association advocates for gender pay equality. The association does this by creating awareness campaigns, increasing national wage transparency and promoting equal pay between men and women across Liechtenstein. The economic empowerment of women is crucial in reducing any level of poverty and fighting the gender equality women in Liechtenstein face.

At the 23rd session for the United Nations General Assembly, Liechtenstein endorsed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This progressive plan works to advance women’s rights for decades across 189 countries. The Platform for Action focuses on closing the gender pay gap while enabling access to decent work for women, creating an end to violence against women, lowering maternal mortality rates and increasing women’s ability to participate in places of power in various industries across each country.

In 2016, Liechtenstein, along with all other 46 members of the European Union, signed the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, a treaty centered around the prevention and fight against violence and domestic abuse toward women. The Convention focuses on prevention, protection, prosecution and coordinated policies. Liechtenstein did not ratify the Convention until June 17, 2021, so it will not take effect until October 21, 2021. But, it is hopeful that progress regarding gender inequality will result from the enactment.

Seeing Results

In the country’s most recent election cycle, seven women will now serve in the parliament, setting a record of 28% female representation. During the government elections, Sabine Monauni set out to become Liechtenstein’s first female prime minister, but she will now serve as the Deputy Prime Minister. However, the totality of the newly sworn-in government is majority female with three women and two men.

As recently as a few months ago, a historic moment for women’s rights in Liechtenstein occurred. In April 2021, the Liechtenstein women’s football team competed in its first international match. While the team lost to Luxembourg, the match was a victory for the women of Liechtenstein.

The issue of women’s rights in Liechtenstein is an evolving topic and one that will hopefully continue to move in a forward motion over time. Liechtenstein is approaching four decades of women’s suffrage and systemic change is beginning to take real shape.

– Annaclaire Acosta
Photo: Flickr

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Homelessness in Liechtenstein

Homelessness in Liechtenstein
Homelessness is a global issue and perhaps surprisingly to some, it even occurs in developed countries. For instance, an estimated 500,000 people go homeless on any given night in the U.S. Homelessness is a difficult problem to tackle because it can arise as a result of many different and complex factors. These variables include housing affordability, drug use, racial or gender discrimination, domestic abuse, loss of jobs and more. With such a plethora of causes, it can seem daunting, if not impossible to handle.

However, some countries in the developed world (as well as undeveloped nations) have done a good job of reducing homelessness. Homelessness in Liechtenstein is virtually nonexistent. Liechtenstein is a small country in the mountains between Switzerland and Austria, spanning 25 kilometers and boasting a population of just less than 40,000. While there are hardly enough homeless shelters in the U.S., Liechtenstein had to shut one down due to its lack of use. Liechtenstein has taken several policy initiatives that help it achieve this level of success in eradicating homelessness.

Addressing Homelessness in Liechtenstein

To prevent homelessness in Liechtenstein, the government provides housing subsidies to its citizens. The lack of affordable housing is perhaps the single greatest cause of homelessness, worldwide. With more and more people looking for housing, the value of land increases substantially. In this same vein, even the cost of renting a home has increased. This, in turn, creates a housing crisis for those with lower incomes. When these vulnerable populations are unable to afford a place to live, many consequently turn to the streets for shelter.

Notably, Liechtenstein mitigates this problem using several measures to ensure that everyone has access to housing. There are subsidies for the purchase of private homes and the construction and renovation of houses are also promoted by the government of Liechtenstein. For families whose income falls below a certain line, the government will provide financial alleviation in the form of rental subsidies.

Fighting Unemployment

Unemployment is another common cause of homelessness. Moreover, Liechtenstein has done a good job retaining high employment rates. Liechtenstein is a very small country; so small that the amount of jobs in the country is greater than its total population. Due to this, unemployment levels are perpetually low. The majority of jobs in Liechtenstein are in the financial and manufacturing sectors. This, in turn, makes the country an attractive place to work. Furthermore, Liechtenstein is one of the most industrialized countries in the world.

Homelessness in Liechtenstein does not exist for two main reasons: (1) low unemployment and (2) its government policies that make housing affordable for everyone. It is encouraging to see that there are places in the world today where homelessness does not exist and people are enabled to thrive. While each country has its unique issues to resolve and challenges to overcome, they will all strive to fight against poverty and eliminate homelessness within their borders. In that regard, the world can look toward Liechtenstein’s policies and practices as an example.

– Alison Ding
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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6 Facts About Healthcare in Liechtenstein

Healthcare in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small nation in Western Europe, between Switzerland and Austria. The country has a universal healthcare system that covers not only citizens but everyone residing within its borders. Moreover, the healthcare standard is high, well-developed and the citizens suffer from few communicable diseases. Here are six facts about healthcare in Liechtenstein.

6 Facts About Healthcare in Liechtenstein

  1. Liechtenstein is not a member of the World Health Organization. This is because membership in the WHO is expensive and with such a small amount of citizens and land — the country cannot afford to be a member. However, the country is a member of the United Nations and is committed to improving healthcare around the world. They have signatory and ratification status to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and have submitted Confidence Building Measures for the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
  2. There is only one hospital in Liechtenstein. Known as the National Hospital, it is located in the capital of Vaduz. The hospital provides basic services to the country’s citizens. However, for more advanced care, citizens must travel to nearby hospitals in Switzerland or Austria, which notably have agreements with the Liechtenstein government. Additionally, the country’s Federal Office of Public Health is responsible for monitoring the Liechtenstein healthcare system and communicating important information to the public.
  3. Although Liechtenstein has a well-developed healthcare system, it ranks average among other nations. According to the Global Health Security Index, the country is 60th in immunization, 161st in laboratory systems and 76th in risk communication. However, it is strong in other areas, as it ranks 36th in its epidemiology workforce, 6th in infection control practices and availability of equipment and 14th in capacity to test and approve new medical countermeasures.
  4. Everyone older than the age of 16 must have health insurance in Liechtenstein. The constitution guarantees a state-run, healthcare system. As a result, either private insurance, employers or the government provides health insurance.
  5. Liechtenstein has a strong history of establishing a state-run, healthcare system in the country. Starting in 1874, the country’s first healthcare law set out the duties of the national doctor and the national veterinarian. Additionally, the country’s constitution specifically enumerates fighting alcoholism and caring for the sick as significant responsibilities. Furthermore, multiple laws necessitate providing healthcare in schools.
  6. Currently, the top and most common health concerns in the country are complications from air pollution, COVID-19 and STDs. A less common health concern, though still important, is tick-borne encephalitis, which is prevalent in the area of Vaduz.

A Semi-Outsourced System

As a whole, Liechtenstein has a sufficient healthcare system and resources to care for its citizens. However, because the country is so small and its reach is limited by the number of healthcare professionals in the country — Liechtenstein will continue to struggle to reach the success of other developed countries. Currently, the country has been successful in containing the new coronavirus with such a small population. Yet, for finding success in other medical areas, Liechtenstein has resorted to engaging with other governments like Switzerland and Austria through contracts to meet the needs of its citizens.

– Julia Canzano
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Top 10 Facts About Living Conditions in Liechtenstein

Top 10 Facts About Living Conditions in Lichtenstein

Liechtenstein is a little-known principality located between Austria and Switzerland. Despite its small size (roughly 38, 000 inhabitants) it has a growing economy, which allows for residents to have a high standard of living. Here are the top 10 facts about living conditions in Liechtenstein.

Top 10 Facts About Living Conditions in Liechtenstein

  1. Liechtenstein provides its workers with some of the highest wages in Europe – Because of the growing economy, citizens of Liechtenstein benefit from one of the highest wage levels across Europe. On average, citizens make about $92,000 annually. When compared to the average gross salary of Germany’s citizens, Liechtenstein’s citizens have a higher income by about $15,000.
  2. Living costs are high – While the country has high wage levels, it also has high living expenses. The average citizen spends about half their monthly income on their fixed costs, which usually include housing, utilities, transportation and health insurance. Despite the high living costs, Liechtenstein has a zero percent poverty rate with poverty being defined as those living at or below $5.50/day.
  3. The country offers universal health care – Health insurance is required and guaranteed to all people living or working in Liechtenstein. Individuals’ insurance is financed by their insurance holder and their employer as well as by state subsidies. Although there is no current data with regards to the increase in healthcare costs over time in Liechtenstein, in 2016, the government spent $188 million on social welfare programs such as healthcare.
  4. The government provides its residents with a high-quality education – Liechtenstein relies on its excellent education system to provide the economy with highly qualified workers. After completing the mandatory schooling period of 11 years (from primary school to high school), individuals are left with a range of options to pursue further education. These options include vocational training, higher education (college or university), and apprenticeships.
  5. A high percentage of Liechtenstein labor force commutes into work – The Feldkirch-Buchs railway connects Switzerland to Austria, passing through Liechtenstein on the way. This railway allows workers to commute into Liechtenstein. Since a majority of the country’s workers, (55 percent) are from neighboring countries, this system is crucial in maintaining Liechtenstein’s labor force. The reason behind the high number of commuters is because Liechtenstein’s economy has grown so quickly over the past years that its domestic labor force has not been able to keep up.
  6. Liechtenstein has a strong economy – Liechtenstein has one of the highest measures of GDP per capita in the world ($168,146.02) and a low inflation rate of 0.5 percent. Although not officially recognized by the European Union, it does receive some of the monetary and economic benefits of the organization because of its deal with Switzerland, which stipulates that they import a large percentage of their energy requirements from the Swiss and use the Swiss Franc as their national currency.
  7. Residents have religious freedom – Although an overwhelming majority of the population is Roman Catholic (the official state religion), there remain many individuals in the country who practice other religions or other forms of Christianity. The state is currently in the process of separating itself from the church, however, this is largely considered a symbolic move, as the current union does not appear to affect adherents of other religions. The government is pursuing this initiative by creating a provisional constitutional amendment to establish new regulations between the state and the religious communities. Additionally, there has been mention of providing more equitable funding for all the different religious organizations, rather than solely giving the Catholic church more funding.
  8. The country provides immigrants with good living conditions – Immigrants make up about 65 percent of the total population in Liechtenstein.  Many of these immigrants come from nearby countries such as Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Although the requirements for the naturalization process are quite lengthy, (an individual has to live in Liechtenstein for 30 years before beginning the process) immigrants receive all the same benefits that natural-born citizens receive.
  9. Liechtenstein has low unemployment – Liechtenstein has an unemployment rate of 1.9 percent. Most of its labor force is employed in the services and goods sectors, with only 0.6 percent being employed in the agriculture sector. About 40 percent of the workforce is employed in the industrial sector, which, combined with the manufacturing sector, make up about 40 percent of the country’s gross value added. Its economy is focused primarily on high-quality exports, services and goods such as machine and plant construction, as well as precision tools and dental instruments, among other items.
  10. Liechtenstein has had issues with spreadable diseases in the past – Some of the most common diseases include influenza, hepatitis B and tick-borne encephalitis. The country has since introduced several initiatives to address these issues, signing treaties with Switzerland and Austria in order to provide its citizens with better healthcare options.

These top 10 facts about living conditions in Liechtenstein demonstrate the quality of life with which residents of Liechtenstein experience on a daily basis. While the country certainly has some very positive trends going for it (namely, unemployment, wages, GDP, and its education system) it also has some things to improve upon, such as reducing living costs, which make it hard for many individuals to live in the country. Nevertheless, Liechtenstein appears to be in a good state presently, as it provides many services and freedoms that make it a desirable place to live.

– Laura Rogers
Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Liechtenstein: Prosperity for Now

Poverty in LiechtensteinPoverty in Liechtenstein does not seem to be a serious issue. Liechtenstein is a small nation with limited resources, which reduces its ability to have geoeconomic clout on the world stage. Nevertheless, there are signs of prosperity in Liechtenstein such as its per capita income, which is the third-highest in the world. The revenue that flows into Liechtenstein stems from the companies and corporations that maintain an office in the country for tax purposes, as Liechtenstein has long-established convenient low-tax rules and regulations in order to incentivize businesses.

The increase in business and funds have benefited Liechtenstein. Unfortunately, money laundering, though somewhat of a taboo subject in Liechtenstein, is a risk: Liechtenstein is known for being an offshore financial center and tax haven.

The unemployment rates in Liechtenstein are also relatively low at 3.4 percent in recent years. The GDP per capita is around $89,400, which is fairly high. Since the population of Liechtenstein is only about 32,000, small changes have the potential to significantly affect such a small group of people.

In short, the risk of poverty in Liechtenstein seems to fairly low at the moment. This may also be a result of its magnificent educational system. Liechtenstein has several opportunities for its students to pursue both higher education in the country itself or abroad in other European nations and beyond. There is a strong tradition of providing vocational training to many students in Liechtenstein. These smart policies contribute to its stability as a nation and the low unemployment and poverty rates in general.

There are other factors as well that point to Liechtenstein’s stability and low poverty, such as its national budget. The revenues for Liechtenstein were listed $995.3 million while its expenditures were listed as $890.4 million, indicating that since the latter is less than the former, Liechtenstein essentially is without debt. More succinctly, the budget surplus of Liechtenstein is about 2.1 percent of GDP, which is also a healthy and positive sign of growth for the nation.

All in all, Liechtenstein seems to be relatively well-off: whether the status quo will be the same in the future remains to be seen.

– Mohammad Hasan Javed

Photo: Flickr

 

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Inequality: Causes of Poverty in Liechtenstein

Immigrant In-Equality: Causes of Poverty in Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a country located in Europe that is landlocked between Switzerland and Austria. It is a relatively wealthy country, containing one of the highest measures of GDP per capita in the world, a low inflation rate and the benefits of a monetary and economic union with Switzerland. It therefore has one of the highest standards of living across the globe, although it comes with the trade-off of an extremely high cost of living.

Much of the country’s wealth can be attributed to its status as a tax haven, though it has taken steps in recent years to regulate and rid itself of this image and to reposition itself as a legitimate financial center. Despite the country’s economic successes, there is still poverty to be found here.

The causes of poverty in Liechtenstein become evident when analyzing the immigration policies put in place by the country’s government. In 2013, many media outlets in Europe began to report that the growing immigrant population was composed of many low-income families. This is mainly due to the increased share of the population that are immigrants, with the incomes earned by these immigrants being lower than those of the native population. This has caused the overall income growth of Liechtenstein to be subjected to downward pressure in recent years.

The unemployment rate of immigrants in Liechtenstein is approximately twice as large as it is for national citizens that have lived in Liechtenstein for their entire lives. In terms of how this applies in practice, one in two unemployed persons living in Liechtenstein is an immigrant. Despite these concerns, compared to other European countries, Liechtenstein remains in a prosperous position and the unemployment rate in general is at a very low level. As of 2012, the average unemployment rate faced by the country was 2.4 percent, with the unemployment for national citizens being 1.7 percent, compared to immigrants, who had an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent.

This is the result of a restrictive immigration policy based on bilateral agreements and clear economic considerations, combined with the insatiable job demand of Liechtenstein’s economy. One of the essential guidelines for immigrants is that there is a requirement for the person immigrating to have the ability to support one’s own cost of living when applying for residence. This means that the onset of poverty usually occurs sometime after having immigrated, with the main reasons for poverty ultimately being unemployment, illnesses, death of an employed family member and excessive indebtedness.

A relevant quote by economist John Kenneth Galbraith rings true with poverty in Liechtenstein, in which he writes, “people are poverty-stricken when their income, even if adequate for survival, falls markedly behind that of the community.” This is one of the main causes of poverty in Liechtenstein and it illustrates an area that can be improved upon, leading to a greater equality of wealth between national citizens and immigrants and less poverty overall.

– Drew Fox

Photo: Flickr

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Superior Water Quality in Liechtenstein

Water Quality in LiechtensteinThe principality of Liechtenstein, located between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its grand castles, alpine landscapes and beautiful views overlooking the Rhine. The Rhine makes up 27 kilometers of the country’s western border with Switzerland.

However, it is just one of the many rivers that flow through Liechtenstein. Because of this, water is incredibly important to the country, not only as a drinking and sanitation source but as a source of power for Liechtenstein’s several hydroelectric dams. Consequently, the water quality in Liechtenstein is among the best in the world.

In 2003, Liechtenstein adopted the Water Protection Act and the ordinances that went along with it. This included several regulations to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of groundwater. Among these regulations were spatial planning measures, ensuring that there are designated groundwater protection zones and clear rules as to the protection and use of said groundwater.

These ordinances also clearly detail the protocol if any water was to become polluted. This makes it easy to identify and solve any contamination issues as soon as they arise.

These regulations ensure the healthy exchange between groundwater and surface waters, which is crucial to the continued availability of drinking water and the many attractive recreational water sites that Liechtenstein boasts.

As part of the most recent Convention on Biodiversity, revisions to the initial Water Protection Act included aims to strengthen biodiversity in the area. Firstly, Liechtenstein clearly defines its “water spaces,” which allows for planning backup in the case of flooding and makes for better maintenance of ecological integrity. It also makes sure that these spaces are not used for agriculture or other building projects, which could seriously damage the water quality in Liechtenstein as a whole.

Clearly, Liechtenstein has demonstrated its commitment not only to preserving water quality but also to preserving biodiversity and the natural beauty of its many water sources. In this, Liechtenstein serves as a role model for all of Europe and, by extension, the world, by challenging us all to make water quality and conservation a priority.

– Audrey Palzkill

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Liechtenstein Virtually Nonexistent

Hunger in LiechtensteinWhen looking at countries that are suffering from hunger, it is easy to equate the hunger with nationwide poverty. In the case of high-income countries, such as the U.S., such a generalization might lead one far astray from reality.

Liechtenstein is a small country bordering Switzerland on the west side and Austria on the east side. Its GDP is the highest in the world, with people living there making an equivalent average of about $139,100 per year.

Note that the cost of living in Liechtenstein is only 33 percent higher than in the United States, even though they make on average 2.4 times as much as American citizens do. It is unimaginable that poverty can exist in such a wealthy country. However, we must ask, does poverty– or even hunger– in Liechtenstein exist?

The answer is: essentially, no. It is not hunger in the traditional sense, where people are starving or going hungry. In the case of Liechtenstein, there are some people who are not making enough money to have “disposable” income.

In the U.S., this is taken for granted. There are an estimated 45 million Americans living under the poverty line (2013), with 58 million Americans working for minimum wage. However, Liechtenstein doesn’t seem to have any people living under the poverty line, mainly because it has strong social services that tackle the problems of poverty or hunger before they even arise.

A 2008 estimate of households living in conditions that are called “Einkommensschwach,” which literally translates to “weak income” (low-income), is at 11 percent. This is about 3,000 people out of its population of 37,000.

Note that “Einkommensschwach” does not mean “living under the poverty line,” it just means a low-income household. Thus, these numbers convey people’s income even after social services have come into effect. The limit to be considered “Einkommenschwach” is about the equivalent of $28,000 per year.

However, social services in Liechtenstein are so powerful, it basically eradicates all hunger in Liechtenstein, as well as true poverty. During a meeting, the social minister in Liechtenstein even asked the question “With such high incomes, can we really speak about poverty? Wouldn’t this even be unethical to make such a comparison with other countries?”

In other words, not only is hunger in Liechtenstein not a considerable issue, it is even questionable if one can talk about poverty in Liechtenstein at all.

– Michal Burgunder

Photo: Pixabay

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The Top Diseases In Liechtenstein

The Top Diseases In LiechtensteinUntil the end of World War 1, Liechtenstein was under control of the Austrian Empire and then later was controlled by Austria-Hungary. The princes in the country maintained control until the end of the war, in which economic devastation caused the country to create a monetary union with Switzerland. The country has since regained total independence and has struggled to grow its economy since. The top diseases in Liechtenstein are mostly preventable with proper healthcare.

The poor state of health care in Liechtenstein has led to there being little access to health care for many citizens. This article hopes to highlight the top diseases in the nation.

Hepatitis B
One of the top diseases in Liechtenstein is hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is primarily spread through bodily fluids. The citizens of this country often contract this disease unknowingly through sexual contact or medical treatment. Although medical care is a necessity in the country when a citizen is going through a medical concern, many avoid going to the hospital to avoid getting sicker by contracting this disease.

Influenza
Although influenza may seem like a disease that is not dangerous to many in the developed world, influenza is one of the top diseases in Liechtenstein. The flu season usually runs from November to April and is caused by a virus spread from person to person.

The poor economic state of the country coupled with the poor infrastructure in the region has created the perfect conditions for influenza to be a major killer in Liechtenstein. The winters of the country are frigid due to its location and this combined with a lack of access to heated environments allows the flu to spread quickly in the nation.

Furthermore, many citizens avoid going to the hospital because of inadequate medical standards in the country. The prevalence of influenza on top of many people not treating it properly have continued to allow this easily treatable disease to be a major killer in the country.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is a disease present in some areas of Liechtenstein and has become one of the country’s most dangerous diseases. The disease is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system which soon leads to death once a person contracts the illness. The condition usually gets caught when a person consumes unpasteurized milk products.

Due to the lack of food regulations in the country, tick-borne encephalitis has become rampant in regions of Liechtenstein that rely heavily on dairy products. Although vaccinations are available for citizens in Liechtenstein, they are too expensive for many people causing them to catch the illness.

The top diseases in Liechtenstein are issues that people in developed nations do not struggle to avoid. Proper health care, alongside food and sanitation standards, would allow the country to avoid having its citizens catch these illnesses

Supporting organizations such as the Red Cross and other nongovernmental organizations will allow the vaccines needed for the people of Liechtenstein to avoid catching these diseases. Support could take the form of a donation or even volunteering one’s time. The best part is the top diseases in Liechtenstein are easily preventable. All it takes is a little effort from groups of people who care to make a change.

– Nick Beauchamp
Photo: Flickr