Austria's Closest Neighbors: Exploring Bordering Countries

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, surrounded by no fewer than eight countries. To the north, it shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic, to the northeast lies Slovakia, and to the east is Hungary. Moving south, Austria is bordered by Slovenia and Italy, and to the west are Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Germany and the Czech Republic border Austria to the north

Germany and the Czech Republic are two of Austria's neighbouring countries, sharing a border to the north of Austria. The Germany-Austria boundary is the longest for both countries, stretching for 497 miles from east to west. Some of the German states on the border include Bavaria, which borders Tyrol in Austria. The boundary is marked by signs in some places, such as between Bavaria and Tyrol.

The Czech Republic shares a 249-mile border with Austria. Some of the towns on the border include Ceske Velenice, Mikulov, and Drasenhofen in the Czech Republic and Gmund and Breclavin in Austria.

Austria's southern neighbours are Slovakia and Hungary

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with Germany and the Czech Republic to its north, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to its west. Austria's southern neighbours are Slovakia and Hungary.

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing a 185-mile border with Austria. The landscape is mostly mountainous and covered with coniferous forests. Bratislava is the capital and largest city, with Kosice being the second-largest. Slovakia gained independence from Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993, after the so-called "Velvet Divorce".

Hungary is also a landlocked country in Central Europe, with its capital and largest city being Budapest. Other major urban areas include Gyor, Pecs, Szeged, and Debrecen. The border between Hungary and Austria is about 205 miles long. The current borders were established by the Trianon Treaty, which was signed in 1920. From the end of World War II until 1989, when communism collapsed in Hungary, the two countries were separated by an electric border fence.

Austria has a unique relationship with each of its neighbours. For example, it shares a common language with Germany and has a history of being part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with Hungary. The country also has longstanding historical links, common borders, and geographical similarities with its neighbours, especially in the Alpine and Danube regions.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein are to the west of Austria

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is divided into 26 cantons (states). It is geographically split between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps. The country has over 8,401,120 residents, with a majority living in large cities like Geneva and Zurich, which are on the Swiss plateau. Switzerland and Austria share a 112-mile-long border in two places. The shortest stretch of the border runs through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance, while the longest stretch extends through the Grison Alps. The current border is the outcome of the establishment of the Helvetic Republic around 1798.

Switzerland and Austria have close relations. Both countries are predominantly German-speaking, although Switzerland has a significant number of French and Italian speakers as well. They share a love for sports like soccer, ice hockey, and skiing. They also have mandatory military service and a high number of guns per capita. Additionally, both countries rely primarily on hydropower to generate electricity. However, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and does not use the Euro. It also has a different type of electrical outlet, known as Type J.

Liechtenstein, a microstate nestled between Switzerland and Austria, is the fourth-smallest country in Europe, with an area of just over 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and a population of about 38,557. It is a constitutional monarchy under the rule of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The country has a mountainous terrain, making it a popular destination for winter sports. The Austria-Liechtenstein border is 21 miles long.

Liechtenstein and Switzerland share an open border, mostly along the Rhine but also in the Rätikon range of the Alps, between Fläscherberg and Naafkopf. The two countries have a close diplomatic and economic relationship, with Switzerland safeguarding the interests of its smaller neighbor. Liechtenstein has an embassy in Bern, while Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein through its Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Berne and maintains an honorary consulate in Vaduz.

Historically, Liechtenstein relied on Austria to fulfil its monetary and diplomatic needs. However, after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Liechtenstein terminated the customs union with Austria and sought a new alliance with Switzerland. As a result, Liechtenstein adopted the Swiss franc as its currency in 1920 and formed a new customs union with Switzerland in 1924, which included open borders. During World War II, both countries maintained neutrality, and Liechtenstein closely aligned itself with Switzerland to retain its neutrality.

Austria's immediate neighbours include Poland and Croatia

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of about 8.8 million people. It is surrounded by several countries, including Poland and Croatia, which we will explore further.

Poland

Poland is one of Austria's immediate neighbours to the north, with a distance of 552 kilometres from Vienna to Warsaw. Poland and Austria share a close relationship, with Poland being one of the countries that Austria pays special attention to in its foreign policy. Both countries have longstanding historical links and geographical similarities, particularly in the Alpine and Danube regions. Their cooperation has been strengthened through economic interrelations and close cultural exchanges.

Croatia

Croatia is another neighbouring country of Austria, located to its south. While the exact distance between Vienna and Zagreb is unknown, it is mentioned that the distance from Austria to Croatia is 273 kilometres. Croatia and Austria also share historical connections and geographical traits, especially in the Alpine regions. Their proximity has fostered economic and cultural ties, contributing to their close relationship.

Austria's immediate neighbours, including Poland and Croatia, play a significant role in the country's foreign policy and economic trade. The relationships between these countries are shaped by their shared history, geography, and cultural exchanges, influencing their cooperation and interchange in various domains.

Austria is landlocked and surrounded by eight countries

Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe, surrounded by eight countries. To its north are Germany and the Czech Republic. To its south are Slovakia and Hungary. To its west are Switzerland and Liechtenstein. And to its east is Slovenia.

Austria's neighbours are part of its regional foreign policy priorities, with a focus on countries in its immediate vicinity. Austria has longstanding historical links, shared borders, and geographical similarities with these countries, particularly in the Alpine and Danube regions. Economic interdependence is also a key factor, with trade from its immediate neighbours accounting for over half of Austria's trade flows.

The country has a population of over 8 million people and is a member of the European Union. Its landscape is dominated by mountains, particularly the Alps, with the Central Eastern Alps, the Northern Limestone Alps, and the Southern Limestone Alps all partly within Austria. The country's highest point is approximately 12,461 ft above sea level, and 68% of the country is over 1,640 ft.

Austria's longest border is with Germany, stretching 497 miles along its northern boundary. The boundary runs from east to west, with shared border states including Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol in Austria, and Bavaria in Germany.

To the south, Austria shares a 205-mile border with Hungary. The current borders were established by the Trianon Treaty, signed in 1920. From the end of World War II until 1989, when communism collapsed in Hungary, an electric border fence separated the two countries.

On its western border, Austria shares boundaries with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Austria-Switzerland boundary is 112 miles long and is divided into two sections, with the shorter boundary stretching through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance and the longer boundary extending through the Grison Alps. The Austria-Liechtenstein boundary is much shorter at 21 miles.

To the east, Austria shares a 185-mile border with Slovenia, dominated by the Pohorje massif, Karawank chain, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps. The busiest crossing between the two countries is the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint.

Austria's southern neighbour, Slovakia, shares a 185-mile border. Much of this border is formed by the lower course of the River Morava. There is a crossing point connecting Berg in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia, and the only motorway crossing between the two countries is in Jarovce.

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