Austria: A Country Defying Erasure

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federal parliamentary republic with a population of around 9 million. The country is a member of the European Union and has been since 1995. Austria's history as a nation dates back to 976 when Leopold von Babenberg became the ruler of much of present-day Austria. The country was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries until the fall of its Habsburg dynasty after World War One. It is now a neutral country, strategically positioned at the geographic heart of Europe.

Austria's geography and borders

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. 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 occupies an area of 83,879 square kilometres (32,386 sq mi) and has a population of around 9 million.

The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country. They may be subdivided into a northern and a southern limestone range, each of which is composed of rugged mountains. These two ranges are separated by a central range that is softer in form and outline and composed of crystalline rocks. The Alpine landscape offers a complex geologic and topographical pattern, with the highest elevation being Grossglockner (3,798 metres or 12,460 feet) rising toward the west. 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 massive 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 Alföld (Little Hungarian Plain).

Austria is a land of lakes, many of which are 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 (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east.

Nearly all Austrian territory drains into the Danube River system. The main watershed between the Black Sea and the North Sea runs across northern Austria, in some places lying only about 35 kilometres from the Danube, while to the west, the watershed between the Danube and the river systems emptying into the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coincides with the western political boundary of Austria. In the south, the Julian and Carnic Alps and, farther to the west, the main Alpine range mark the watershed of the region draining into the Po River of northern Italy.

Austrian history

The history of Austria can be traced back to the Paleolithic period, when the area was inhabited by various Celtic tribes. In the 2nd century BC, a Celtic state called Noricum developed in the region, centred around the ironworks. The Romans arrived in 200 BC and by 15 BC, they had conquered the entire area, making it a province called Noricum.

In the 5th century AD, various Germanic tribes began to extend their territory, making devastating incursions into Roman territories. By the mid-500s, the Bavarians controlled the territory between the eastern Alps and the Wienerwald region.

In 800, Charlemagne, the king of the Franks, established a territory in the Danube valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March). In 996, the Ostmark was first referred to as "Ostarrichi", a forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich" (Austria).

In 1156, Austria became a duchy, and in 1453, it was made an archduchy. The Habsburgs began to accumulate other provinces in the vicinity, and from the 13th century onwards, Austria was the heartland of the Habsburg monarchy.

In the 16th century, Vienna became the administrative capital of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1804, Austria established its own empire, which became a great power and one of the largest states in Europe. However, the empire's defeat in wars and loss of territories 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 ultimately led to 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, anti-parliamentarian sentiments led to the formation of an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934. In 1938, Austria was annexed into Nazi Germany by Adolf Hitler, and it became a sub-national division. After World War II, Austria regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955, becoming a member of the European Union in 1995.

Austrian politics

Austria is a federal semi-presidential representative democracy with a popularly elected president as head of state and a chancellor as head of government and chief executive. The country consists of nine states (Bundesländer), and both regional and federal governments exercise executive power.

Austria's parliament consists of two chambers: the National Council (Nationalrat) and the Federal Council (Bundesrat). The National Council is the dominant chamber, with 183 members elected for a five-year term by proportional representation. The Federal Council has 62 members, who are selected by the state legislatures.

The Austrian political landscape is characterised by competition among multiple political parties. The conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) dominated politics and public life for decades after World War II. However, more recently, the pattern of two-party dominance has diminished with the rise of newer parties, such as the Greens and the NEOS.

In January 2020, a Conservative-Green coalition government was formed for the first time, with Sebastian Kurz of the ÖVP as chancellor. However, Kurz resigned in October 2021 due to a corruption scandal, and he was succeeded by Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Schallenberg himself resigned after less than two months, and Karl Nehammer was sworn in as chancellor in December 2021.

In January 2025, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) was asked to form a government after winning the September 2024 election. The party's leader, Herbert Kickl, was tasked with forming a coalition government with the ÖVP. This development caused concern among some, as the FPÖ has been described as targeting Muslims, immigrants, and the European Union with its nationalist rhetoric.

Austrian economy

Austria is a highly developed industrialized country with a strong social focus. It has a free-market economy, with the service sector being the most important part of the national economy, constituting 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.

Austria's industrial and commercial sectors are characterized by a high proportion of medium-sized companies. Important industries include food and luxury commodities, mechanical engineering and steel construction, chemicals, and vehicle manufacturing. The country also has a strong arts and crafts sector, with fine handcrafted items, customized jewellery, ceramics, and glassware.

Austria has abundant natural resources, including iron ore, non-ferrous metals, important minerals and earths, petroleum, and natural gas. The country is also a leader in the European Union in the field of hydroelectric power.

Tourism is an essential pillar of the Austrian economy, with the country being a popular destination for winter sports and boasting one of the largest natural land reserves in Central Europe.

In terms of GDP per capita, Austria ranks fifth in the European Union, with €46,200, well above the EU average of €37,600. It has the 13th highest nominal GDP per capita and high standards of living.

Austria has a highly efficient and strong social security system, with social expenditure standing at roughly 29.4% of GDP. The country has also witnessed significant activity in mergers and acquisitions, with companies and investors actively engaging in such transactions.

Overall, Austria's economy is stable and prosperous, offering ideal conditions for investors and a high quality of life for its citizens.

Austrian culture

History and Geography

Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordering eight other European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country is divided into nine states (called "Bundesländer"), with Vienna, its capital, being one of them. Austria's landscape is characterised by its mountains and forests, particularly the Alps, which cover a significant portion of the country. The country's geography has influenced the development of distinct regional identities and cultural variations across its states.

Language

German is the official language of Austria, and Austrian German has some unique vocabulary and dialectal differences compared to German spoken in Germany. However, each region also has its own distinct dialect. Other recognised languages in Austria include Croatian, Slovenian, Hungarian, and several other minority languages.

Values and Lifestyle

Austrians value cooperation, formality, and "Gemütlichkeit," which refers to a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and happiness. They appreciate rich food and drinks, with a strong coffee culture and a love for traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel. Austrians also value their beautiful natural environment and work hard to preserve it. They enjoy outdoor activities, sports, and taking leisurely walks ("Spaziergänge").

Social Structure and Equality

Austria places a strong emphasis on egalitarianism and social cohesion. The country has a well-developed social welfare system, and education is highly valued, with compulsory and free education for all children. Austrians tend to be direct and honest in their communication, and they value punctuality, orderliness, and thoroughness.

Arts and Music

Austria has a deep appreciation for the arts, including music, writing, painting, and architecture. Vienna, in particular, is associated with the operetta and waltz music genres. The country has a rich history of classical music and has produced renowned composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert.

Religion

Austria has been influenced by its centuries-long Catholic tradition, although daily life and legislation are strictly secular. The country guarantees religious freedom, and while a significant portion of the population is Roman Catholic, there are also Protestants, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and those without religious faith.

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