Austria: Country Or State? Understanding Austria's Unique Status

Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous city and state. Austria is a member of the European Union and has a population of around 9 million.

Austria's history is long and complex, with the area now known as Austria having been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period. It was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries, until the fall of its Habsburg dynasty after World War One.

Austria's position at the heart of Europe has always been significant, and its neutral status during the Cold War maintained its strategic importance. It is now a member of the European Union, though not NATO, and hosts several international organisations in its capital, Vienna.

Austria's geography and landscape

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous city and state. The country occupies an area of 83,879 sq km (32,386 sq mi) and has a population of around 9 million.

Austria is bordered by Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The country extends roughly 360 miles (580 km) from east to west.

Mountains and forests give the Austrian landscape its character, although in the northeastern part of the country, the Danube River winds between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia in its journey toward the Hungarian Plain. Vienna lies in the area where the Danube emerges from between the mountains into the drier plains.

The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country. They may be subdivided into a northern and a southern limestone range, each composed of rugged mountains. These ranges are separated by a central range composed of crystalline rocks. The highest elevation is the Grossglockner, at 3,798 metres (12,460 feet). The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterised by the majestic mountains and magnificent scenery of the high Alps. This high Alpine character also extends to the western part of the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), to the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and to the Alpine blocks of the state of Steiermark (Styria).

North of the Alpine spur lies a hilly subalpine region, stretching between the northern Alps and the Danube and encompassing the northern portion of the state of Oberösterreich (Upper Austria). To the north of the river is a richly wooded foothill area that includes a portion of the Bohemian Massif, which extends across the Czech border into the state of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria). This part of Austria is furrowed by many valleys that for centuries served as passageways leading to the east and southeast of Europe and even to the Holy Land. The lowland area east of Vienna, together with the northern part of the state of Burgenland, may be regarded as a western extension of the Little Hungarian Plain.

Austria is a land of lakes, many of them a legacy of the Pleistocene Epoch, during which glacial erosion scooped out mountain lakes in the central Alpine district, notably around the Salzkammergut. The largest lakes—lying partly in the territory of neighbouring countries—are Lake Constance in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake in the east.

Austrian history

The history of Austria can be traced back to the Paleolithic period. The area that is now Austria was settled by the Celts around 400 BC and was annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. The area was then invaded by Germanic tribes during the Migration Period in the 6th century. In the 9th century, the Frankish Empire was established by the Germanic Franks, and the area that is now Austria fell under their control.

In 976, the area became a prefecture of Bavaria, and the name "Austria" was first recorded in the 12th century. In 996, the area was referred to as "Ostarrichi", a forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich". In 1156, Austria became a duchy, and in 1453, it was made an archduchy.

The House of Habsburg dominated Austria from 1273 to 1918, and during this period, Austria became a major imperial power in Central Europe. In 1804, Austria established its own empire, which became one of the largest states in Europe. However, the empire's defeat in wars in the 1860s led to the establishment of Austria-Hungary in 1867.

After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, Austria-Hungary entered World War I, which ended in defeat and the collapse of the empire. In 1918, the Republic of German-Austria was proclaimed, and in 1919, the First Austrian Republic was established. During the interwar period, an Austrofascist dictatorship was formed under Engelbert Dollfuss, and in 1938, Austria was annexed into Nazi Germany.

After World War II, Austria regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955. It became a member of the European Union in 1995.

Austrian politics

Austria is a federal semi-presidential republic, with a president serving as head of state and a chancellor as head of government. The country's politics reflect the dynamics of competition among multiple political parties.

The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) dominated politics and public life for decades after World War II. More recently, newer parties such as the Greens and the NEOS have gained prominence.

The country's head of state is the Federal President, who is elected by popular vote for a term of six years and is limited to two consecutive terms. The current president is Alexander Van der Bellen, who was first elected in 2016. The Federal Chancellor is appointed by the Federal President and is currently Karl Nehammer, who took office in 2021.

The Parliament of Austria consists of two chambers: the National Council, which has 183 members elected for a five-year term by proportional representation, and the Federal Council, which has 62 members selected by the state legislatures.

Austria's legal system allows for three different instruments of direct democracy: referendums, popular initiatives, and national opinion polls. Referendums are held if demanded by a majority of the National Council or by a resolution of the President. Popular initiatives can start a legislative process if signed by at least 100,000 registered voters, and national opinion polls are held before the National Council passes a law and are not legally binding.

Since 2020, Austria has been governed by a coalition of the conservative Austrian People's Party and the Greens, marking the first time the Greens have gained power.

Austrian economy

Austria is a highly developed industrialised country with a strong social focus, characterised by a free-market economy. It has a very high nominal GDP per capita, making it one of the fourteen richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.

Austria's economy is dominated by the service sector, which constitutes approximately 70% of the gross value added (GVA). The largest service sector employers are in sales, hotel and restaurant services, as well as health and education. The secondary sector, including manufacturing, energy production and supply, and construction, makes up 28% of the GVA. The primary sector, including agriculture and forestry, makes up only 1.2% of the GVA, and only one in thirty Austrians are employed in this sector.

Austria has a strong labour movement, with labour unions having a large influence on labour politics and decisions related to the expansion of the economy. International tourism is also a vital part of the Austrian economy, accounting for around 10% of its GDP.

Austria has an abundance of natural resources, including iron ore, non-ferrous metals, important minerals and earths, as well as its own petroleum and natural gas resources. The country also has a strong focus on renewable energy sources, with more than half of its electricity produced by hydropower, and a constant expansion of hydroelectric power generation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the basis of the Austrian economy, making up 99.6% of all companies in the country. These SMEs are often highly specialised in their respective fields, with some being world leaders in their industries, such as Glock, Lenzing AG, and Red Bull.

Austria's economic system also features a well-established social partnership, which has traditionally played a strong and reconciliatory role in wage and price policies. The country has a highly efficient and robust social security system, with social expenditure standing at roughly 29.4% of GDP.

In recent years, privatisation has reduced state holdings in large industry firms to a level comparable to other European economies. Austria's membership in the European Union has also drawn an influx of foreign investors, attracted by its access to the European Single Market.

Austrian culture

Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, with a rich history and culture. It is officially known as the Republic of Austria and is divided into nine states, including the capital, Vienna. German is the official language, but each region also has its own dialect, and other languages like Turkish, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian are also spoken. The country has a strong Catholic tradition, and social cohesion and tolerance are highly valued. Austrians are known for their love of music, art, sports, and the outdoors. They also appreciate good food and drink, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, sausages, and apple strudel, and a historic coffeehouse culture.

People and Community

Austrians are known for their open-hearted and cautious nature, and they value hard work and a comfortable home life. Family mealtimes are important, and older children are expected to prepare their own lunches. Austrians also take pride in their country's beautiful landscape and work hard to preserve it.

Teenage Life

Austrian teenagers enjoy sports, music, and socialising. Soccer and biking are popular, but the country is most famous for its winter sports, like alpine skiing. Students spend a lot of time on homework and family, and often participate in youth and community activities or hang out in local cafes. Mozart's homeland, music is highly valued, and many teenagers play instruments or attend concerts.

Communication Styles

Austrians value punctuality, orderliness, and thoroughness, but they also enjoy social interactions and lively conversations. They are direct communicators and prefer to speak honestly and clearly. They may appear reserved at first, but they value eye contact and polite behaviour. Austrians generally dress well and take pride in their appearance.

Food and Drink

Austrian cuisine has been influenced by its neighbours, including Italy and Eastern Europe. Popular dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, sausages, and goulash, and desserts like apple strudel and Sachertorte. The country also has a strong coffeehouse culture, where people spend hours sipping hot drinks and socialising.

Social Structure and Egalitarianism

Austria has a strong sense of egalitarianism, with a low power distance score, indicating a preference for participative communication and equality. This is reflected in its extensive welfare system, which supports health, education, employment, and retirement needs. The country also has a high literacy rate and provides free education and resources for children. While class distinctions exist, there is a sizable middle class, and higher education is seen as a path to upward mobility.

Past Experiences and Current Attitudes

Austria's history, including its role in World War II and its annexation by Nazi Germany, has had a significant impact on its culture. The country experienced displacement, loss, and trauma, and many Austrians fled or suffered persecution during the war. Today, Austrians are open to discussing these events, and there is a sense of pride in the country's post-war neutrality and stability. Tolerance, cooperation, and consensus are important guiding principles for many Austrians.

Gemütlichkeit and Camaraderie

Gemütlichkeit, a feeling of friendliness, warmth, and happiness, is a common attitude in Austria. Socialising is often centred around outdoor activities, cafes, and restaurants. Austrians enjoy conversations, learning, and membership in local organisations. Sunday is a day for family time, especially in rural areas, where people may gather at pubs or wine bars. The arts, including music, writing, painting, and architecture, are highly valued, and efforts are made to instil an appreciation for them in younger generations.

Appreciation for Wealth

Austrians perceive themselves as wealthy in terms of natural landscapes, culture, and economic prosperity. They take pride in their country's beauty and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and skiing. Gardening is also popular, even in limited spaces. Austrians have endured hardships to rebuild their country and appreciate their current economic prosperity.

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