Exploring Austria's Neighboring Countries: How Many Are There?

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe that shares its borders with eight other countries. These are Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country has a federal parliamentary representative democratic form of government and a population of about 8.6 million people.

Austria borders eight countries

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight other countries. To the north, Austria borders Germany and the Czech Republic. To the northeast lies Slovakia, with Hungary to the east, and Slovenia and Italy to the south. To the west, Austria is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Austria's landscape is largely mountainous, with the Alps dominating the western and southern regions. The country's highest point is Grossglockner, at 3,798 metres (12,461 feet) above sea level. Approximately 60% of Austrian territory is mountainous, with the Eastern Alps, the Bohemian Massif, and the Granite and Gneiss Plateau being notable features.

The country's total border length is 2,706 kilometres, with individual borders ranging from 34 kilometres with Liechtenstein to 801 kilometres with Germany. Except for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, all of Austria's neighbouring countries are part of the European Union.

Austria's geographical position has long made it a crossroads for trade routes between major European economic and cultural areas. The country's capital, Vienna, is located in the area where the Danube River emerges from the mountains into the drier plains.

The longest border is with Germany

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a total of eight bordering countries. The longest border is with Germany, stretching 497 miles (801 kilometres) from east to west.

The border between Germany and Austria runs from the eastern meeting point of the two countries with the Czech Republic, near the village of Schwarzenberg-am-Bohmerwald, to the western tripoint of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The westernmost third of Austria is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, which is between 20 and 37 miles wide (32 to 60 kilometres). This corridor is part of the Tyrol region of Austria, which borders Germany's Bavaria state. One of the border crossings between the two countries is the Ammer Saddle mountain pass in the Alps.

Germany covers an area of about 137,988 square miles (357,916 square kilometres). In comparison, Austria is much smaller, with a total area of 32,385 square miles (83,879 square kilometres). Germany is also the most populous country in the European Union, with over 83 million people, while Austria has a population of about 8.6 million.

Austria's second-longest border is with Italy, at 251 miles (404 kilometres). The border between these two countries is characterised by numerous mountain passes, including Birnlucke, which forms the boundary between the valleys of Ahrntal and Krimmler Achental in South Tyrol, Italy, and Salzburg in Austria. Other passes include Timmelsjoch, Staller Saddle, Reschen Pass, Plocken pass, and Hochjoch.

Austria shares borders with two non-EU countries

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of about 8.6 million people. It shares borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Austria's landscape is dominated by mountains, including the Alps, the Central Eastern Alps, the Northern Limestone Alps, and the Southern Limestone Alps. The country has a total area of 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 sq mi).

Of the countries that border Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not members of the European Union. Switzerland, located to the west of Austria, is geographically split between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps. It occupies an area of about 15,940 square miles and has a population of over 8,401,120 residents. The Austria-Switzerland border is 158 kilometres (98 miles) long and is divided by Liechtenstein, with the shortest stretch of the border running through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance.

Liechtenstein is a double-landlocked country bordered by Austria to the north and east and Switzerland to the south and west. It is the fourth-smallest European state, with an area of about 62 square miles and a population of approximately 37,877. The Austria-Liechtenstein border is 34 kilometres (21 miles) long.

Thus, Austria shares borders with two non-EU countries, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, both of which are located to the west of Austria and have mountainous terrain.

The shortest border is with Liechtenstein

Austria shares its shortest border with Liechtenstein. The two countries share a border of 34-35 km (21-22 mi).

Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 40,023. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country and the world's smallest country to border two nations. To the east and north of Liechtenstein is Austria, and to the west and south is Switzerland.

The majority of Liechtenstein's population is found in the western half of the country, along the Rhine River. The country's capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan.

Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein, from the House of Liechtenstein, which is currently led by Hans-Adam II. The country has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. It has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz and is a popular winter sports destination.

Liechtenstein's only naturally formed lake is the Gampriner Seelein, which was formed in 1927 when a flood caused by the Rhine River led to enormous erosion.

The border with Italy is 251 miles long

Austria is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country's total border length is 2,706 km, with the border shared with Italy stretching 404 km (approximately 251 miles).

Austria's border with Italy is situated in the south of the country, with the majority of the border crossings located in the Alps. One of the most notable border passes is Birnlucke, which is situated between the Zillertal Alp and Venediger Group mountain ranges. Birnlucke forms the boundary between the valleys of Ahrntal and Krimmler Achental in Italy, and South Tyrol and Salzburg in Austria.

Another important border crossing is the Brenner Pass, which is located on the Austrian-Italian border in Tyrol. The Brenner Pass is one of the lowest Alpine passes at 1,370 m and has historically been a convenient route for transit between Germany and Italy. It provides the most direct route between northern Italy and Germany, which are two of Europe's most industrialized regions.

In addition to Birnlucke and Brenner Pass, there are several other mountain passes along the Austrian-Italian border, including Timmelsjoch, Staller Saddle, Reschen Pass, Plocken Pass, and Hochjoch. The border between Italy and Austria is approximately 251 miles long and is characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous passes.

Frequently asked questions