Ten things you never knew about... Liechtenstein

August 15 has been celebrated as the National Day of the Principality of Liechtenstein since 1940, though it only became the official National Day in 1990. 1. Liechtenstein, Monaco and Andorra are the world’s only independent countries that are ruled by princes. Andorra has two joint princes.

2. Liechtenstein has been a principality for 300 years, since becoming independent in 1718.

3. Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the world’s sixth smallest country by area and the smallest bordering two countries.

4. There are no airports in Liechtenstein. Zurich is the nearest international airport.

5. The population of Liechtenstein is 37,877, which is less than that of Rutland.

6. On their National Day, all the inhabitants of Liechtenstein are invited for a beer in the garden of Vaduz Castle, residence of Prince Hans-Adam II.

7. Liechtenstein is the leading manufacturer of false teeth in the world.

8. It produces 60 million sets a year, which is about 20 per cent of the world total.

9. Liechtenstein’s national anthem is sung to the same tune as God Save The Queen.

10. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only countries that are doubly landlocked: their only neighbours are themselves landlocked.