Austria's Neighbors: Exploring Bordering Countries

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight countries. To the north, Austria is bordered by Germany and the Czech Republic. To the northeast, it shares a border with Slovakia, while Hungary is to the east. To the south, Austria is bordered by Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland. Finally, to the west, it shares a border with Liechtenstein.

Germany, Italy, and Hungary

The Austrian-Italian border is a 404km (251mi) border along the Alps. The border has existed since 1861, but the current border has only been in place since 1920, following a peace treaty between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austrian Republic. The border was last changed in 1947 when South Tyrol was made part of Italy instead of Austria. The main arterial routes over this border go over the Brenner Pass.

The Austrian-Hungarian border is 240km (149mi) long. During the Cold War, there was an electric fence along the border, which was dismantled in 1989 during the end of communism in Hungary. The open border allowed Hungarians to cross into Austria more easily to access goods and services that were unavailable or scarce in Hungary.

Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland

Austria is bordered by several countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, officially known as Ceska Republika, has Prague as its capital city. Covering an area of 30,450 square miles, it shares borders with Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. The country has a rich history, having been part of Austria and Austria-Hungary from the 1300s until 1918, and later becoming a part of Czechoslovakia from 1918 until its peaceful dissolution in 1993. Today, the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and has a strong cultural and political alliance with Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, known as the Visegrád Group or V4.

Slovakia

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, or "Slovensko" for short, has its capital in Bratislava. Covering an area of 18,933 square miles, it borders Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. Like the Czech Republic, Slovakia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918 and later became a part of Czechoslovakia until its peaceful dissolution in 1993. Slovakia is also a member of the European Union and an integral part of the Visegrád Group, working closely with the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland on various political and economic issues.

Poland

Poland, officially the Republic of Poland or "Rzeczpospolita Polska," has its capital in Warsaw. With an area of 120,726 square miles, it borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Poland has a complex history, having been part of various empires and unions, including Austria, Russia, and Prussia from the 1770s until 1918. Today, Poland is an independent country and a crucial member of the Visegrád Group, collaborating closely with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary on regional issues. Poland also plays a significant role in European politics and has a strong relationship with its neighbouring countries.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Switzerland

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is divided into 26 cantons (states). The country is landlocked in the centre of Europe and is dominated by the Alpine ranges. It has four languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—and four major cities: Berne, Geneva, Zurich, and Basel. Switzerland has more than 1500 lakes and contains 6% of Europe's stock of fresh water. The country is known for its neutrality and high standard of living.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a German-speaking microstate tucked between Switzerland and Austria. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres and a population of about 38,557. The Rhine River forms its entire western border. Liechtenstein has one of the world's highest living standards, with a prosperous, highly industrialised, free-enterprise economy. The country follows a policy of neutrality and does not maintain a military.

Slovenia and Croatia

Slovenia

Austria–Slovenia relations were established in 1992, following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Both countries enjoy good and harmonious relations, and are members of several international organisations, including the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Austria has an embassy in Ljubljana, and Slovenia has a reciprocal embassy in Vienna.

Croatia

Austria and Croatia have a long shared history, having been part of the same unions for almost 400 years. They established diplomatic relations in 1992, following Croatia's independence. Both countries are members of the Council of Europe and the European Union. There is a significant Croatian diaspora in Austria, with around 120,000 Croats living there, and Croatian institutions and organisations operating in the country. Austria, likewise, has a notable presence in Croatia, with Austrian companies and investments contributing significantly to the Croatian economy. The two countries also have strong cultural and educational ties, with many famous Croats having studied in Austrian universities.

The relationships between Slovenia and Croatia have been the subject of discussion and dialogue, with a round table held in 2009 in Zagreb, bringing together experts in political science and law from both countries. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and the EU integration process, highlighting the importance of open communication and dialogue between the two states.

The country's nine federal states

Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, also known as 'Bundeslander'. Each state has its own elected legislature and government, with the power to pass laws within the limits of the constitution. The states are further divided into districts and cities, with distinct geographical features and populations. Here is a closer look at each of the nine federal states:

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is both a city and a federal state. It is the most populous state, with approximately 1.9 million people, and one of the richest regions in the EU. Vienna became a federal state in 1920 and is located in the northeastern part of the country, in the extreme eastern part of the Alps.

Lower Austria

Lower Austria is the largest state by area, covering 7,408 square miles. It is the second-most populous state, with around 1.6 million residents. Lower Austria shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Austrian states, including Vienna, Upper Austria, Burgenland, and Styria. Its capital is St Polten, although Vienna was previously the capital.

Upper Austria

Upper Austria is the third-most populous state, with a population of about 1.4 million. It is the fourth-largest state in terms of area, covering around 4,626 square miles. Upper Austria borders the Czech Republic and Germany and is traditionally divided into four regions, with three statutory cities, including Linz.

Styria

Styria is located in southeast Austria and is the second-largest state by area, covering around 6,332 square miles. It shares an international border with Slovenia and has a population of approximately 1.2 million, with around 275,000 people living in the capital, Graz. Administratively, Styria is divided into 13 districts, one of which is a statutory city.

Tyrol

Tyrol is situated in western Austria and is the third-largest state by land area, spanning approximately 4,897 square miles. The state is divided into two sections, with North Tyrol being the larger territory. Tyrol has a population of about 750,000 people and its capital is Innsbruck.

Carinthia

Carinthia, or Kärnten in German, is one of the least densely populated states. It is located in the southern part of Austria and shares a border with Slovenia.

Salzburg

Salzburg is coterminous with the former Austro-Hungarian Duchy of Salzburg and is located in the western part of the country.

Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is an alpine state known for its small size, isolated location, and distinct Alemannic culture. It is situated in the westernmost part of Austria and was acquired by the House of Habsburg in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Burgenland

Burgenland is located in eastern Austria and is predominantly agricultural. It is the least populous state, with a significant portion of its population living in the capital city of Eisenstadt. Burgenland was part of the Kingdom of Hungary until after World War I, when it was ceded to Austria.

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