Austria's Federal States: A Comprehensive Overview

Austria is divided into nine federal regions, or Bundesländer, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the grand capital city of Vienna to the westernmost province, known for its wooden architecture and mountain lakes, to Styria, the 'Green Heart of Austria', each region offers something different to visitors.

What is the capital of the federal state of Vorarlberg?

Austria is divided into nine federal states, one of which is Vorarlberg. Vorarlberg is the second smallest state in Austria in terms of both size and population. It borders Germany to the north, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west and south, and the Tyrol to the east. The capital of Vorarlberg is Bregenz, which has a population of 29,698. Bregenz is located between the shores of Lake Constance and the scenic Pfänder mountain. The city centre is largely a pedestrian zone, making it a great place to stroll around or go for a bike ride along the lake.

What is the population of the federal state of Upper Austria?

Austria is divided into nine federal states, one of which is Upper Austria. Upper Austria is the third-largest Austrian state by population, with 1.523 million inhabitants as of 2022. The majority of Upper Austrians are Christian, with 58.9% of the population identifying as Catholic and around 3% as members of the national Lutheran church as of 2022. In 2023, 800,000 of the 1.53 million inhabitants were Catholic, and 43,847 or almost 3% were Protestant.

What is the westernmost federal state?

Austria is divided into nine federal states, one of which is Vorarlberg, the westernmost of the nine. Vorarlberg is bounded on the north by Bavaria (Germany) and Lake Constance (Bodensee), on the west by Switzerland (across the Rhine River) and Liechtenstein, on the south by Switzerland, and on the east (over the Arlberg Pass) by Tirol. The state's road and rail communications with foreign countries are far more extensive than those with Tirol and the rest of Austria. Vorarlberg's Alpine tourist trade is of increasing economic importance, and its textile and clothing industries, as well as its output of hydroelectric power in the Ill and Bregenzer river valleys, constitute considerable percentages of Austria's national production for export. Watch and clock making, and metal, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries also contribute to the economy. Agriculture is dominated by grassland farming and cattle raising, particularly in the upper Ill Valley and the Bregenzer Forest area. Dairy farming is also extensive. Potatoes, corn (maize), wheat, and fruit are grown in the Rhine Valley, which also has some vineyards. Vorarlberg's capital, Bregenz, is beautifully located at Lake Constance, and offers a great cultural programme as well as many outdoor activities. The harmony between culture, nature, tradition, and modernity in Vorarlberg is truly inspiring.

Which federal state is known as the 'Green Heart of Austria'?

Austria is divided into nine federal states, also known as Bundesländer. One of these states, Styria, is known as the Green Heart of Austria. This is due to it having the highest forest coverage in the country, as well as its mild climate, which makes it a key wine-producing area. The region is also known for its warm hospitality and friendliness, which can be experienced in the traditional wine taverns (Buschenschanken) throughout the region. Styria is a gently hilly province, filled with apple trees, vineyards, and pumpkin fields. It attracts visitors with its natural beauty, artistic treasures, and the charming lifestyle of its people.

What is the capital of the federal state of Carinthia?

Austria is divided into nine federal states, including Carinthia. The capital of Carinthia is Klagenfurt, a city of more than 559,000 inhabitants. It is located in southern Austria, along the Glan River in a basin east of Wörther Lake and north of the Karawanken Mountains. Klagenfurt was founded in the 12th century and chartered in 1279, passing to the Habsburgs in 1335. The city was largely destroyed by a fire in 1514, so most of its notable buildings date from the 16th century and have Italian-influenced designs. Klagenfurt has been the capital of Carinthia since 1518 and is the seat of the prince-bishops of Gurk. Notable landmarks include the Dragon Fountain in the New Square, the 17th-century town hall, the Cathedral, the parish church, and the Landhaus, where the Diet of Kärnten sits.

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