Slovakia and Austria share a border and have embassies in each other's capitals. The border between the two countries is the second shortest in Europe at 91km long. It was established in 1993 with the creation of Slovakia following the partition of Czechoslovakia. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, European Union and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Border length | 91 km |
Border regions | Slovakia – Trnava region, Bratislava region; Austria – Provinces of Lower Austria and Burgenland |
Border established | 1993 |
Countries' relations | Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, European Union and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe |
Embassy locations | Austria has an embassy in Bratislava; Slovakia has an embassy in Vienna |
What You'll Learn
- The Austria-Slovakia border is 91km long, the second-shortest in Europe
- The border has existed since 1919, with the current demarcation established in 1993
- Austria has an embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia's largest city
- Slovakia has an embassy in Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city
- Both countries are members of the European Union, among other organisations
The Austria-Slovakia border is 91km long, the second-shortest in Europe
Slovakia and Austria are two distinct countries that share a border. The Austria-Slovakia border is just 91km long, making it the second-shortest border in Europe. This international boundary was established in 1993 with the creation of Slovakia, following the partition of Czechoslovakia. The border dates back to 1919 when Czechoslovakia declared independence. However, it has not always remained unchanged. In 1939, Germany invaded the region and made modifications to the border in favour of Austria. After World War II, the previous demarcation was restored, except for a portion of Bratislava.
The Austria-Slovakia border begins at the tripoint formed by the Czech, Slovak, and Austrian borders near the towns of Hohenau an der March and Borský Svätý Jur. From there, it runs southward before turning eastward to follow the Morava River until it reaches the tripoint between Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. This border played a significant role during the Cold War as part of the Iron Curtain, creating a real obstacle between the two countries.
Despite their close proximity and shared history, Slovakia and Austria are distinct nations with their own unique identities, cultures, and governments. Both countries, however, are members of the European Union and have embassies in each other's capitals. The short distance between their capitals, Vienna and Bratislava, being only 60km apart, has facilitated cross-border cooperation and interactions. This proximity has also encouraged Slovak citizens to purchase homes in the more affordable and less urbanised Austrian border region while still commuting to work in Slovakia.
The Austria-Slovakia border is economically and politically significant. The opening of borders in 2007 and Slovakia's entry into the Schengen Area have further enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries. Slovakia's adoption of the euro in 2009 also played a role in strengthening their economic ties. However, disparities in economic development between the border regions of the two countries present challenges for cross-border cooperation. Efforts are being made to address these issues and promote a regional economy based on knowledge, shared cultural heritage, and social inclusion.
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The border has existed since 1919, with the current demarcation established in 1993
The border between Austria and Slovakia is 91km long, making it the second shortest in Europe. The border has existed since 1919, with the current demarcation established in 1993. The border was formed after Czechoslovakia's declaration of independence, and then modified when Germany invaded the region in 1939, dividing it into several protectorates. At the end of the war, the original border was re-established, except for part of Bratislava.
During World War II, Germany invaded Czechoslovakia and created the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and a separate Slovak State, which was a puppet state of Nazi Germany. The border between Austria and Slovakia was subtly modified in favour of Austria during this time.
After the war, the border returned to its pre-war state, except for a small part of Bratislava, which was ceded to Austria. This border remained in place until the creation of Slovakia and the partition of Czechoslovakia in 1993. The current demarcation of the border has existed since then.
The Austria-Slovakia border begins at the tripoint formed by the Czech, Slovak, and Austrian borders, near the towns of Hohenau an der March and Borský Svätý Jur. It runs southwards before turning east and following the Morava River to the tripoint between Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia.
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Austria has an embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia's largest city
Austria and Slovakia share a 91km-long border, the second shortest in Europe. The border is economically and politically important as, until 2004, it was the only border linking Slovakia to the European Union. The Austrian capital of Vienna is just 60km from Bratislava, Slovakia's largest city, and the two cities are connected by two railway lines, two motorways, a ferry crossing, and roads.
Since the opening of borders in 2007 and Slovakia joining the Schengen Area, economic cooperation has increased. Slovakia's border region is the most developed in the country, which is not the case on the Austrian side. This has led to Slovak citizens buying homes on the Austrian side of the border, where property is more affordable and situated in a less urbanised environment. Slovak citizens also benefit from state financial assistance and attractive loans from Austrian banks.
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Slovakia has an embassy in Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city
Slovakia and Austria are two distinct countries, with Slovakia having an embassy in Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city. Vienna is Austria's primate city, with a population of over two million people. It is the cultural, economic, and political centre of the country and is also one of nine federal states of Austria. Vienna is situated on the eastern edge of the Vienna Woods, in the foothills of the Alps, and is traversed by the Danube and Wien rivers.
Slovakia's embassy in Vienna is well-positioned, given the short distance of approximately 60 kilometres between the capitals of the two countries. This proximity has played a significant role in fostering cross-border cooperation and exchanges between the two nations. The border between Austria and Slovakia, established in 1993 following the creation of Slovakia, is the second shortest in Europe at 91 kilometres.
Vienna, with its rich history and cultural offerings, has avoided many of the issues faced by other European cities. It boasts majestic sights, including the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the postmodern Haas Haus building. The city is also known for its musical heritage, with many famous composers, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn, having lived and worked there.
Vienna's livability is further enhanced by its agreeable climate, efficient public transportation, and vibrant coffeehouse culture. The city's welfare system, originating from reforms in the 18th century, is another factor contributing to its residents' high quality of life.
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Both countries are members of the European Union, among other organisations
Slovakia and Austria share a border that is 91km long, making it the second shortest in Europe. The current demarcation of this border was established in 1993 with the creation of Slovakia following the partition of Czechoslovakia. Despite their proximity, Slovakia is not part of Austria.
The border between the two countries is economically and politically important. The short distance between the capitals of the two countries, at only 60km, has facilitated cross-border cooperation, as has the transport infrastructure linking them, including two railway lines, two motorways, a ferry crossing, and roads. Since Slovakia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, economic cooperation has increased, particularly after Slovakia adopted the euro in 2009.
Despite their close ties, there are disparities between the two countries in terms of economic development. The border region in Slovakia is the most developed in the country, while the Austrian side is less economically dynamic due to its rural nature. This has led to Slovak citizens buying property on the Austrian side of the border, where property is more affordable and situated in a less urbanised environment. Slovak citizens also benefit from state financial assistance and attractive loans from Austrian banks when purchasing property in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Slovakia is not in Austria. Slovakia and Austria share a border, but they are separate countries.
The border between Slovakia and Austria is 91km long, making it the second shortest in Europe.
The current demarcation of the border was established in 1993 with the creation of Slovakia, following the partition of Czechoslovakia.
Yes, there are good transport links between the two countries, including two railway lines, two motorways, a ferry crossing, and roads. It is also possible to fly between the two countries.
Yes, Austria has an embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Slovakia has an embassy in Vienna, Austria.