Liechtenstein Changes Law So Women Can Become Ruler
Listen to the story
Liechtenstein, a small country in central Europe, has changed its rule about who can become ruler. Now women can ascend the throne.
Liechtenstein has a population of just 44,000 people. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe.
The country is ruled by a royal family. In the past, only men could become the ruler through a system called succession.
Succession means the order in which family members become the next ruler. Before this change, women were not allowed to rule.
The government made this declaration on Liechtenstein's national day. A national day is a special holiday when a country celebrates its identity.
This announcement means that daughters, as well as sons, can now become the next ruler of Liechtenstein.
Many other European countries have already made similar changes. They have updated old laws to allow women to rule.
This change shows that Liechtenstein is becoming more modern. Supporters say the new rule is more fair for everyone.
Even though Liechtenstein is very small, this change is an important moment in its history. People are discussing what it means for the future of the royal family.
Vocabulary10 words
- central Europe
- the middle area of Europe
- throne
- the position of being king or queen
- population
- the number of people in a place
- succession
- the order of who becomes the next ruler
- declaration
- an important public statement
- national day
- a special day for a whole country
- law
- an official rule in a country
- modern
- new and up to date
- fair
- right and equal for everyone
- royal family
- a family that rules a country
Quiz
Answer key
1. Women can now become ruler 2. On the national day 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Liechtenstein, a small country in central Europe, has changed its rule about who can become _____.
Liechtenstein has a population of just _____ people.
The country is ruled by a royal family. In the past, only men could become the ruler through a system called _____.
Succession means the order in which family members become the next _____.
The government made this declaration on Liechtenstein's _____ day.
This announcement means that daughters, as well as sons, can now become the next _____ of Liechtenstein.
Many other European countries have already made similar _____.
This change shows that Liechtenstein is becoming more _____.
Supporters say the new rule is more _____ for everyone.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Liechtenstein decided to change this old rule now?
- Do you think it is important for countries to update rules about royal succession? Why or why not?
- How might this change affect the royal family in the future?
- Do you know of other countries that have made similar changes? What happened there?
More Politics stories
Next story · Medium
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Placed on Injured List After Head Injury