Austria's Unique Identity Among Neighbors

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with eight neighbouring countries. To the north, Austria shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic; to the east, Slovakia and Hungary; to the south, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland; and to the west, Liechtenstein. Austria's relationships with its neighbours are characterised by longstanding historical links, common borders, geographical similarities, intense economic interrelations and close cultural exchanges. In this article, we will explore how Austria differs from its neighbours.

Austria's northern neighbours are Germany and the Czech Republic

Austria's landscape is diverse, ranging from the Alps in the west and south to the Pannonian plain in the east and the Bohemian Forest in the north. The country is landlocked and has a total of eight neighbouring countries. To the east, it borders Slovakia and Hungary. In the south, it is bordered by Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. Finally, to the west, it shares a border with Liechtenstein.

Austria's eastern neighbours are Hungary and Slovakia

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with eight neighbouring countries. To the east, Austria borders Hungary and Slovakia.

Austria's eastern neighbours are markedly different from Austria in terms of their landscapes. While Austria is known for its diverse topography, including the Alps in the west and south, the Pannonian plain in the east, and the Bohemian Forest in the north, Hungary is characterised by its flat plains and low-lying hills. Slovakia, on the other hand, is home to the High Tatras mountain range, which forms a natural border with Poland.

In addition to geographical differences, Austria and its eastern neighbours also differ in terms of their history and culture. Austria has longstanding historical links and close cultural exchanges with its northern neighbours, Germany and the Czech Republic. The relationship between Austria and Germany, in particular, is rooted in deep historical connections, cultural ties, and lively economic interactions. By contrast, Austria's relationships with its eastern neighbours are marked by their relative newness, as these countries were formerly part of the communist bloc. Since the major EU enlargement of 2004, however, Austria's bilateral relations with these countries have reached an entirely new quality, characterised by close cooperation and daily interchange.

Austria's southern neighbours are Slovenia and Italy

Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe, characterised by its diverse topography, including the European Alps, the Dinaric Alps, and the Pannonian and Danubian lowlands. It has a population of around 2 million people and is known for its picturesque landscapes, such as Lake Bled. The border between Austria and Slovenia stretches 330km.

Italy shares a 404km border with Austria. The relationship between the two countries is marked by geographical similarities and close economic and political ties.

Austria's relationships with its northern neighbours are a regional priority of its foreign policy. The country pays special attention to its immediate neighbours, with whom it has longstanding historical links, common borders, geographical similarities, intense economic interrelations, and close cultural exchanges.

Austria's western neighbour is Liechtenstein

Austria's landscape is diverse, ranging from the Alps in the west and south to the Pannonian plain in the east and the Bohemian Forest in the north. The Alpine and Danube regions are particularly important in terms of neighbourly cooperation, with trade between Austria and its neighbours accounting for more than half of its trade flows.

Austria's Alpine and Danube regions are geographically similar to those of its neighbours

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with eight neighbouring countries. To the north, Austria shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic. To the east, it borders Slovakia and Hungary. In the south, it is bordered by Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. Finally, to the west, it shares a border with Liechtenstein.

Austria's northern neighbours, Germany and the Czech Republic, also share geographical similarities with Austria. The Bohemian Forest in the north of Austria stretches into the Czech Republic.

Austria's relationships with its northern neighbours are a regional priority of its foreign policy. The country pays special attention to its immediate neighbours, with whom it has longstanding historical links, common borders, geographical similarities, intense economic interrelations, and close cultural exchanges.

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