Austria's Landlocked Geography: A Unique Challenge

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of around 9 million people. It is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country is largely mountainous due to the presence of the Alps, with only 32% of the country below 500 metres (1,640 ft) in altitude. The capital and largest city is Vienna, which is located on the Danube River. Austria is a federal parliamentary representative democracy and has a high standard of living, ranking 18th in the world on the 2019 Human Development Index. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a nominal per capita GDP of $46,972 (2018 est.).

Austria is landlocked, with no access to the sea

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with no direct access to the sea. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

The country is largely mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps divided into a northern and southern limestone range, each composed of rugged mountains. These two ranges are separated by a softer central range composed of crystalline rocks. The highest elevation in Austria is the Grossglockner, which rises to 3,798 metres (12,460 feet).

Austria's terrain is highly mountainous due to the presence of the Alps, with only 32% of the country lying below 500 metres (1,640 feet). The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are known for their majestic mountains and magnificent Alpine scenery. This high Alpine landscape also extends to parts of Carinthia, Styria, and Salzburg, as well as the Salzkammergut region in central Austria.

The country's landscape is dotted with numerous lakes, many of which were formed during the Pleistocene Epoch by glacial erosion. The largest lakes include Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east.

Austria's landlocked position has played a significant role in its history and development. Located at the centre of European trade routes between east and west, as well as between north and south through the Alpine passes, Austria has been embedded within various political and economic systems. Despite its small size, Austria has historically been a powerful nation, especially under the native Habsburg dynasty, when it became one of the great powers of Europe.

Austria's landlocked status has also influenced its economy and transportation systems. The country has a high standard of living and is one of the wealthiest nations globally, with a nominal per capita GDP of $46,972 (as of 2018). Its economy is diverse, with a mix of private freedom and centralised economic planning. However, its lack of direct sea access has likely impacted its trade patterns and connections.

The country is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

Austria is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Germany

Austria's border with Germany is 815.9 km (507.0 mi) long, or 815.0 km (506.4 mi) long, making it the longest international border of Austria and the second-longest border of Germany with another country. The border runs from east to west in its western part, and in a northeastward direction from a point south of Salzburg to its eastern end at the tripoint of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The border follows the Danube, Inn, and Salzach rivers and the Leiblach in its western part. The border also passes through the Inn Valley near Kufstein. The Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, and Upper Austria run along the international border, as does the German state of Bavaria.

The Czech Republic

Austria and the Czech Republic share a border that is approximately 466 km (290 mi) long. In 2021, Austria ended border checks with the Czech Republic, allowing for easier travel between the two countries.

Slovakia

The border between Austria and Slovakia is located near the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. The border town of Hainburg an der Donau in Austria has a significant Slovak population, with Slovak being commonly heard on the streets and in hotels and restaurants.

Hungary

Austria and Hungary share a 356 km (221 mi) border. In 1989, Hungary removed its border fence with Austria, dismantling the "Iron Curtain" that had divided Europe for more than 40 years.

Slovenia

The border between Austria and Slovenia runs through the region of Styria, which was once part of the Habsburg Empire. Upper Styria became Austrian, while Lower Styria became part of Yugoslavia until Slovenia gained its independence in the 1990s.

Italy

Austria and Italy share a 404 km (251 mi) land border along the Alps. The border has existed since 1861, but the current border was established in 1920 following a peace treaty between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austrian Republic. The main routes across the border go over the Brenner Pass.

Switzerland

The border between Austria and Switzerland is divided into two parts, separated by Liechtenstein, with a total length of 180 km (110 mi). The longer, southern stretch runs across the Grison Alps, while the shorter one follows the Alpine Rhine. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint located within Upper Lake Constance. The ski areas of Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland are connected at high altitudes, forming a combined cross-border ski area.

Liechtenstein

The border between Austria and Liechtenstein is separated into two parts by Switzerland, with a total length of 180 km (110 mi). Liechtenstein was created as an independent principality in 1805 but remained nominally a member of the Confederation of the Rhine until 1866.

The Alps dominate the landscape, with only 32% of the country below 500m

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range in south-central Europe, stretching approximately 750 miles (1,200 kilometres) across eight Alpine countries. The mountain range is home to a high level of biodiversity, with over 4,500 species of plants, 200 bird species, 21 amphibian species, 15 reptile species, and 80 mammal species.

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, occupying an area of 83,879 square kilometres (32,386 square miles) and is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country is largely mountainous, with the Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps all partly within its territory.

Of the total area of Austria, only about a quarter can be considered low-lying, and just 32% of the country is below 500 metres (1,640 feet). The western part of the country is dominated by the Alps, which give way to low lands and plains in the east. The second-largest mountain area in the country is the Austrian granite plateau, located in the central area of the Bohemian Massif.

The Alps have a significant impact on the climate of Europe, acting as a barrier between the marine west-coast climates and the Mediterranean areas of France, Italy, and the Balkan region. The mountain range also influences local weather patterns, with the arclike shape of the Alps resulting in sharp contrasts between different climatic zones.

The Alps provide drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to lowland Europe. Although the area covers only about 11% of Europe's surface area, the Alps supply up to 90% of the water to the lowlands. Major European rivers, including the Rhine, Rhône, Inn, and Po, originate in the Alps and flow into neighbouring countries, eventually emptying into the North, Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Seas.

The Alps have been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, and the region continues to have a strong cultural identity. Traditional practices such as farming, cheesemaking, and woodworking still thrive in Alpine villages. However, the tourism industry has grown significantly since the 20th century, and the Alps are now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting over 120 million visitors annually.

The country has a population of around 9 million people

Austria has a population of around 9 million people. The country's population was estimated to be 9,170,647 as of April 2024. The population is expected to grow to 10.55 million by 2080, fuelled by immigration.

The population of Austria is ageing. The median age in the country is 43.4 years, and the age pyramid shows that there are more women than men in all age groups from 59 years and above. This is due to women's longer life expectancy. The population of working age is also ageing, and the number of senior citizens is increasing as the Baby Boom Generation reaches retirement age.

Around 58.1% of Austria's population is urban, with the capital, Vienna, being the most populous city. Vienna is home to about 2 million people, accounting for a fifth of the country's population. The other major cities are Graz (291,007 inhabitants), Linz (206,604), Salzburg (155,031), Innsbruck (131,989), and Klagenfurt (101,303).

The Austrian population is growing primarily through immigration. In recent years, the number of people migrating to the country has consistently exceeded those emigrating. In 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, constituting about 26.7% of the total population. Foreign citizens make up a significant portion of the population, with 1,801,184 foreign citizens accounting for 19.6% of the total population as of January 1, 2024.

The population growth through immigration stands in contrast to the country's birth rate, which has been relatively low and further decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the number of births was lower than the number of deaths, a trend previously observed in 2012 and 2013.

Austria is a federal parliamentary representative democracy

Austria's political system is based on a separation of powers, with three distinct branches: the legislative branch (parliament), the executive branch (government, administrative authorities, police), and the judicial branch (courts). The system is designed as a series of checks and balances, with each branch exercising control over the others.

Austria's federal nature is one of the key principles laid out in the Constitution and can only be changed by referendum. The Republic of Austria is made up of nine autonomous federal provinces, each with its own legislative and executive powers, shared with the federal government.

The Federal President and Parliament limit one another's powers and rights. The Federal President is directly elected by popular vote and is the head of state. The Chancellor of Austria is the head of the government and is selected by the President. The government can be removed by a presidential decree or a vote of no confidence in the lower chamber of Parliament, the Nationalrat.

Parliament is formed after each National Council election, which takes place every five years at the latest. Each state assembly can be dissolved by the Federal President at the request of the Federal Government and with the consent of the Bundesrat.

Austria's democratic system ensures that all citizens are equal before the law, with no distinctions based on birth, gender, status, class, or religion. German is the official language, but specific rights have been granted to recognised linguistic minorities.

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