Austria's Hemisphere: North Or South?

Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is predominantly mountainous, with the Alps occupying 60-70% of the country. Austria is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. So, is Austria in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere?

Austria is in the Northern Hemisphere

Austria is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The Central European country is predominantly mountainous, with approximately 60% of its territory occupied by the Eastern Alps. The country's latitude is 47.5162° N, placing it north of the equator.

Austria shares borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Its northernmost point is located in Neumühlbach, in the state of Lower Austria, with a coordinate of 49°01' N. The country's southernmost point is in the state of Carinthia, with a latitude of 46°23' N.

Austria's geographic position has made it a crossroads for trade routes between major European economic and cultural areas. The country is characterised by diverse topography, with three main geographical areas. The Lowlands in the east and southeast are the agricultural centre, while the Hill Country, north of the Danube River, features forested hills and lower mountains. The Alpine Region, covering about 70% of the country, includes several mountain ranges such as the Bavarian, Carnic, and Otztaler ranges.

The capital of Austria is Vienna, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the administrative, cultural, and economic centre of Austria.

Austria's neighbours to the north

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. To the north, Austria shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Germany and the Czech Republic are Austria's immediate neighbours to the north. Germany shares an 801 km (498 mi) border with Austria, while the Czech Republic shares a 402 km (249 mi) border. Slovakia, meanwhile, shares a 105 km (65 mi) border with Austria and sits to the northeast of the country.

Austria's northern neighbours play a significant role in its foreign policy. The country prioritises relations with its neighbouring states, especially in terms of historical links, geographical similarities, economic interrelations, and cultural exchange. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasised the importance of cooperation with neighbouring countries, leading to initiatives such as the "Central Five," which includes Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Neighbours to the south

Austria is located in Central Europe and shares its borders with eight countries. To the south of Austria lie Slovenia and Italy.

Slovenia borders Austria to the south and east, with a border of 330 km (210 mi) or 334 km (207 mi). The two countries have been bound by a close friendship ever since Austria supported Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The two countries also share a similar culture and language, with Slovene being closely related to Austrian German.

Austria's border with Italy is 404 km (251 mi) or 414 km (257 mi) long. Italy surrounds Austria to the south and west, and the two countries have a close relationship, with Italy being Austria's fifth-largest trading partner.

Both Slovenia and Italy surround Austria to the south, along with Hungary to the east.

Austria's geographical coordinates

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a latitude of 47.5162° N and a longitude of 14.5501° E. This means that the country is located in the northern hemisphere and the eastern hemisphere.

Austria's northernmost point is located in Neumühlbach, in the state of Lower Austria, with a coordinate of 49°01' N. Its southernmost point is in the state of Carinthia, with a latitude of 46°23' N. The easternmost point of Austria is in the state of Burgenland, the least populated state, with a longitude of 17°9'38" E. The westernmost point is in the state of Vorarlberg, on the European river Rhine, with a longitude of 9°31'51" E.

The country's landscape

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It is predominantly mountainous, with approximately 60% of its territory belonging to the Eastern Alps. The Austrian Alps have been inhabited for thousands of years and are a defining feature of the country's landscape.

The Eastern Alps are part of a large band of mountains that extends from the Riviera to Vienna. Geologically, these mountains were formed by the convergence of the Adriatic and Eurasian Plates, which crumpled and folded upwards as they moved together. The Alps continue under the basins in the east of the country, covered by sediments, before re-emerging in the Carpathians and Dinarides. The Northern Calcareous Alps, Central Alps, and Southern Calcareous Alps run west to east through Austria, with the Central Alps being the largest and highest range in the country.

In the west, the Alps shape the scenery with their grand peaks and wide alpine meadows. The nature and national parks in this region are known for their impressive biodiversity and unique outdoor experiences. The foothills of the Alps in the north and south are dotted with orchards and vineyards, blending tradition and nature harmoniously. The gentle hills of Styria and the vast spaces of Burgenland are ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape.

The Pannonian Plain stretches out in the east, featuring Lake Neusiedl, while the western third of the country consists of a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy. The rest of Austria lies to the east, with a maximum north-south width of 280 km (170 mi). The country measures almost 600 km (370 mi) in length, extending from Lake Constance on the Austrian-Swiss-German border in the west to Lake Neusiedl on the Austrian-Hungarian border in the east.

Austria's highest mountain is Grossglockner, standing at 3,797 m or 3,798 m (there are slight variations in sources). The country's largest lake is Lake Constance (538.5 km2, with 11% of its shoreline in Austria), and its longest river is the Danube (2,848 km, with 350 km flowing through Austria).

Austria's landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes to idyllic vineyards and rolling hills. The country's natural beauty and varied terrain offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to water sports and exploration of waterfalls and rivers.

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