Austria: A Country, Not A Continent

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, with Vienna, the most populous city, as its capital. Austria is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country covers an area of 83,879 square kilometres (32,386 sq mi) and has a population of around 9 million.

Austria is a member of the European Union and has a semi-presidential representative democracy. It is a highly industrialised country with a well-developed social market economy. German is the official language, and the country has a rich cultural history, including being the birthplace of classical music.

Austria is not a continent.

Is Austria a member of the European Union?

Austria is a member of the European Union. It joined on 1 January 1995, following a referendum in which 66.58% of the Austrian population voted in favour of accession.

Austria's membership in the EU has had a significant impact on its foreign and European policy, allowing it to advocate for its interests within the EU's decision-making structures. Austria's economy has also benefited from its membership, particularly through its involvement in the growing single market.

Austria has held the Presidency of the Council of the EU on three occasions: in 1998, 2006, and 2018. It has 20 representatives in the European Parliament and 12 representatives on both the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions.

Austria's membership in the EU provides it with opportunities to strengthen its position in the world and actively contribute to maintaining international peace and security. It also enables the country to foster the integration of neighbouring states in Eastern and Central Europe and the Western Balkans.

What is the population of Austria?

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, with a population of around 9 million. The capital, Vienna, is the most populous city and state. The population of the capital exceeds 2 million, representing about a quarter of the country's population. It is known for its cultural offerings and high standard of living.

The population of Austria was estimated to be 9,170,647 as of April 2024. The population density is 111 per square kilometre, and the median age is 43.6 years. The total fertility rate is 1.52 children per woman, and the life expectancy is 81.5 years. The population is expected to grow to 10.55 million by 2080 due to immigration.

The official language of Austria is German, and the country is predominantly Catholic, with 50% of the population identifying as such. However, the number of adherents and churchgoers has been declining, with only 3.7% of the population attending church in 2015.

The largest ethnic minority in Austria is Turks, who make up about 3% of the population. Other significant minorities include Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Macedonians, and Slovenes, who together makeup about 5.1% of the population.

What is the geography of Austria like?

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is predominantly mountainous, with 60% of its territory belonging to the Eastern Alps. The country is divided into nine federal states, with Vienna being the capital and a state in its own right.

Austria's landscape is characterised by its mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The Alps can be divided into three main ranges: the Northern Calcareous Alps, the Central Alps, and the Southern Calcareous Alps. The Central Alps are the largest and highest of the three ranges, consisting largely of granite and including areas of permanent glaciation. The Northern and Southern Calcareous Alps are predominantly composed of limestone and dolomite. The highest mountain in Austria is Großglockner, which rises to 3,797 or 3,798 metres.

Outside of the Alps, Austria's landscape includes the Bohemian Forest, a low mountain range with bare, windswept plateaus and a harsh climate. The country also has several large lakes, including Lake Constance in the west and the Neusiedler See on the Hungarian border in the east.

Austria's climate is influenced by its position in Central Europe and its mountainous terrain. The country experiences a mix of maritime and continental climates, with damp westerly winds in the west and north, and hotter summers and colder winters in the northeast and east. The Alps act as a watershed for Europe's three major weather systems: the Atlantic maritime climate, the continental climate, and the Mediterranean high-pressure systems. The Atlantic maritime climate brings mild air and precipitation, while the continental climate brings cold, dry air in winter and low-pressure fronts with precipitation in summer. The Mediterranean systems bring warm air and few clouds.

Austria's geography has made it an important crossroads for trade routes between major European economic and cultural areas. The country's rivers, particularly the Danube, have served as important transportation routes, and the Alps have historically made the country difficult to invade.

What is the history of Austria?

The area of today's Austria has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period. Around 400 BC, it was inhabited by the Celts and then annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. Christianization in the region began in the 4th and 5th centuries, during the late Roman period, followed by the arrival of numerous Germanic tribes during the Migration Period.

Austria, as a unified state, emerged from the remnants of the Eastern and Hungarian March at the end of the first millennium, first as a frontier march of the Holy Roman Empire, it then developed into a Duchy in 1156, and was made an Archduchy in 1453. Being the heartland of the Habsburg monarchy since the late 13th century, Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries and from the 16th century, Vienna was also serving as the Holy Roman Empire's administrative capital.

After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, Emperor Franz Joseph declared war on Serbia, which ultimately escalated into World War I. The empire's defeat and subsequent collapse led to the proclamation of the Republic of German-Austria in 1918 and the First Austrian Republic in 1919. During the interwar period, anti-parliamentarian sentiments culminated in the formation of an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934. A year before the outbreak of World War II, Austria was annexed into Nazi Germany by Adolf Hitler, and it became a sub-national division. After its liberation in 1945 and a decade of Allied occupation, the country regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955.

What is the culture of Austria like?

Austria is a country with a rich culture influenced by its history and geography. Located in Central Europe, it has been a meeting place for various peoples, including the Celts, Romans, Slavs, and Germanic tribes. This diverse cultural background is reflected in the country's architecture, music, literature, sports, and cuisine.

Music and Literature

Austria is particularly known for its classical music and has a long history of musical innovation. Vienna, the capital, has been a centre of European musical life, attracting composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss Jr with the patronage of the Habsburgs. The First and Second Viennese Schools are notable in the country's musical history, and the Vienna Philharmonic is considered one of the finest orchestras in the world. The country also has a vibrant folk music tradition, including the popular Viennese Schrammelmusik.

Complementing its musical prowess, Austria has a strong literary tradition. It has been home to renowned writers and poets such as Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig, and Franz Grillparzer.

Architecture and Art

Austria boasts stunning architecture, with castles, palaces, and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg. The Historic Centres of Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is also known for its Baroque architecture and the artistic movement known as the Vienna Secession, which includes notable figures like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Sports

Austria's mountainous terrain makes it a prime location for winter sports, particularly alpine skiing. The country has produced several renowned skiers, including Annemarie Moser-Proll and Franz Klammer. Football (soccer) is also a popular sport, with a long tradition in the country.

Cuisine and Coffee Culture

Austrian cuisine is influenced by the diverse cultures of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, incorporating elements from Hungarian, Czech, Jewish, and Italian traditions. Wiener Schnitzel, sausages, and goulash are popular dishes. The country is also known for its pastries, cakes, and apple strudel. Vienna, in particular, has a unique culinary culture, with dishes like Tafelspitz and Beuschel. Coffeehouses, or kaffeehaus, are an integral part of Austrian culture, offering a space for socialising and relaxation.

Social Life and Values

Austrians value Gemutlichkeit, a characteristic way of enjoying life that includes social gatherings, music, and walks (Spaziergänge). They are known for their hard work and pride in creating a comfortable home. Punctuality, orderliness, and direct communication are important aspects of their social interactions. Austrians also highly regard their country's beautiful landscape and work to preserve it.

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