Leslie Massey
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It is a predominantly mountainous country, with the Alps occupying about 62% of its total area. Austria is one of the most famous travel destinations in Europe, known for its breathtaking valleys and winter sports. It is a democratic republic and has maintained its neutrality by refraining from participating in wars with other countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Geography | Landlocked |
| Area | 83,879 km2 |
| Borders | Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Population | 9 million |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Government | Semi-presidential representative democracy |
| Head of State | President |
| Head of Government | Chancellor |
| Memberships | United Nations, European Union, Schengen Agreement, Eurozone, OECD, OSCE, OPEC |
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What You'll Learn
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe
Austria has a rich history, having been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period. It has been a part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and Nazi Germany. Today, it is a democratic republic and has been a member of the European Union since 1995 and the United Nations since 1955.
Austria is known for its beautiful Alps, breathtaking valleys, and winter sports. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world for its rich history and natural beauty. The country has three major ranges of the Alps: the South Calcareous Alps, the Central Alps, and the Northern Calcareous Alps. The Central Alps are the highest and largest, running from Tyrol to the Styria-Lower border. The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner, which stands at 3,797 metres (12,460 feet).
Austria's landscape also includes lakes, such as Lake Constance (Bodensee) and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee). The Danube River, which flows through Austria, is the only major European river that flows eastward.
Vienna, the capital, is located in the northeastern corner of Austria, between the foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians. It has a temperate climate, protected from the full force of the Alpine climate by the Vienna Woods. The city is renowned for its architecture, music, and cultural offerings, making it a popular tourist destination.
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It is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein
Austria is bordered by Germany to its northwest, the Czech Republic to its north, Slovakia to its northeast, Hungary to its east, Slovenia and Italy to its south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to its west.
Austria shares a 497-mile border with Germany, its northwestern neighbour. To the north, Austria shares a 249-mile border with the Czech Republic and a 65-mile border with Slovakia. To the east, Hungary shares a 205-mile border with Austria, while Slovenia and Italy, to the south, share borders of 185 miles and 251 miles, respectively, with the country. Finally, to the west, Austria is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with whom it shares borders of 98 miles and 21 miles, respectively.
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The country is divided into nine federal states
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, or Bundesländer. These states are further divided into districts (Bezirke) and statutory cities (Statutarstädte). Districts are then subdivided into municipalities (Gemeinden).
Seven of the nine federal states have long historical traditions that predate the establishment of the Republic of Austria in 1918. These are:
- Upper Austria
- Lower Austria
- Styria
- Carinthia
- Salzburg
- Tyrol
- Vorarlberg
The states of Burgenland and Vienna were established after World War I. Most of Burgenland had been part of the Kingdom of Hungary but joined Austria because of its predominantly German-speaking population. Vienna, historically the capital of Lower Austria, became an independent state for administrative and ideological reasons.
Each state has a state capital, except for Vienna, which is both a state in its own right and the federal capital. In Vienna, the City Council and the mayor function as a state parliament (Landtag) and state governor (Landeshauptmann), respectively.
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Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country is a semi-presidential representative democracy with a popularly elected president as head of state and a chancellor as head of government and chief executive.
Austria's membership in the EU has also contributed to its economic growth. The country has benefited from fewer trade barriers, greater competitiveness, additional support for companies, and increased exports. The EU's Common Agricultural Policy has provided significant support to Austrian farmers, with payments totalling around €35 billion. Moreover, the EU's investment in infrastructure projects, such as the Koralm railway connecting Graz and Klagenfurt, has further enhanced Austria's economic prospects.
Austria's integration into the EU has also brought about cultural exchange and enrichment. The country's beauty and culture, including its breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned events like the New Year's Concert in Vienna, have captivated Europe and the world. Additionally, Austrian products, including high-quality foods, drinks, and agricultural products, have gained greater reach across the EU.
Austria's membership in the EU has also extended beyond economic and cultural aspects. The country has actively contributed to the EU's peace and security policies, participating in missions in Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Afghanistan. Additionally, Vienna, the Austrian capital, hosts several important organisations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
In summary, Austria's membership in the European Union since 1995 has brought about significant benefits for the country, including economic growth, educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and active contributions to international peace and security initiatives.
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The capital of Austria is Vienna
Vienna is located on the eastern edge of the Vienna Woods, which are the northeasternmost foothills of the Alps. The city is traversed by the Wienfluss (Vienna River) and is completely surrounded by Lower Austria. Vienna is around 50km west of Slovakia and its capital, Bratislava, 60km northwest of Hungary, and 60km south of Moravia in the Czech Republic.
Vienna has been the seat of power in Austria for hundreds of years. In 1155, Vienna became the seat of the Babenbergs, who ruled Austria from 976 to 1246. In 1221, Vienna was granted city rights. From the 16th century, the Habsburgs established Vienna as the seat of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, a position it held until the empire's dissolution in 1806. Vienna then became the capital of the Austrian Empire in 1804 and all its successor states.
Vienna has long been one of the largest German-speaking cities in the world. It was the largest in the 18th and 19th centuries, peaking at two million inhabitants. Vienna is host to many major international organisations, including the United Nations and OPEC. In 2001, the city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vienna has played a pivotal role as a leading European music centre, from the age of Viennese Classicism through to the early 20th century. The city was home to many famous classical musicians, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Schubert. Vienna was also home to the world's first psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is located in Europe.
Yes, Austria has long refrained from taking part in wars with other countries, making it a neutral state.
Austria shares its borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Some famous landmarks in Austria include Lake Neusiedl, Schönbrunn Palace, the Historic Centre of Vienna, and the Wachau Cultural Landscape.
