Exploring Neighbors: Nations East Of Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over 8.8 million people. It is predominantly mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. To its east lies Hungary, which shares a 331km border with Austria.

Austria borders Hungary to the east

Austria is a landlocked country in East Central Europe. It is bordered by several countries, including Hungary to the east. The Austria-Hungary border is approximately 331 km (205 mi) long.

Austria and Hungary are separated by an electric border fence that was erected after World War II and remained in place until the collapse of communism in Hungary in 1989. In October 2017, Hungary's foreign affairs minister announced that they would be opening six new crossing points along the border.

The landscape of Austria is characterised by mountains and forests. The country is predominantly mountainous, with the Alps occupying the west and south of the country. The highest point in Austria is Grossglockner mountain, which stands at 3,798 m (12,460 ft) above sea level.

In contrast to the mountainous regions, the lowlands in northeastern and eastern Austria include the Danube Basin. The Danube River flows through Austria, with Vienna situated where the river emerges from the mountains into the drier plains.

Austria has a population of approximately 8.7 million people, with the majority of the population living in the lowlands north of the Alps, in the Danube Valley, and in the lowlands east of the Alps.

The country is landlocked

Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The country's highest point is the Grossglockner mountain, which rises to a height of 3,798 metres (12,461 feet) above sea level. The Austrian Alps can be subdivided into a northern and southern limestone range, separated by a central range composed of crystalline rocks. The Alpine landscape offers a complex pattern of geology and topography, with majestic mountains and magnificent scenery.

To the north of the massive Alpine spur lies a hilly subalpine region, stretching between the northern Alps and the Danube River. The Danube has its source in southwestern Germany and flows through Austria before emptying into the Black Sea. It is the only major European river that flows eastward and has been an important trade route throughout history. The lowland area east of Vienna, along with the northern part of Burgenland, can be considered an extension of the Little Hungarian Plain.

Austria is also a land of lakes, many of which were formed during the Pleistocene Epoch by glacial erosion. The largest lakes are Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east. Nearly all Austrian territory drains into the Danube River system, with the main watershed between the Black Sea and the North Sea running across northern Austria.

In addition to its mountainous terrain, Austria also has lowlands and hilly regions in the northeast and east of the country, including the Danube Basin. The parts of Austria that are most suitable for settlement run north of the Alps through the provinces of Upper Austria and Lower Austria in the Danube Valley, then curve east and south of the Alps through Lower Austria, Vienna, Burgenland, and Styria.

Austria is part of the European Union

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic and a member state of the European Union. It joined the EU on 1 January 1995, along with Sweden and Finland, and has been an active participant in all the EU institutions ever since. The country ranks fifth in the European Union in terms of GDP per capita, with €46,200, which is well above the EU average of €37,600. Austria has a population of 9,158,750 as of 2024 and covers a geographical area of 83,882 square kilometres.

Austria has held the presidency of the Council of the European Union three times: in 1998, 2006, and in the second half of 2018. The country has 20 representatives in the European Parliament and 12 representatives on both the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions.

As an EU member state, Austria has benefited from being part of the Single Market and has gained from a shared approach to common challenges such as migration, terrorism, and climate change. It has also seen concrete gains like better transport infrastructure, modernised and digitalised public services, and cutting-edge medical treatment.

The official EU language of Austria is German, and the country adopted the euro as its currency in 1999. Austria is a member of the Schengen Area, having joined in 1997.

Austria is bordered by several countries, including Hungary to the east. The country shares a 331-kilometre border with Hungary and has borders with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Italy.

Vienna is the capital of Austria

Vienna has a rich history, dating back to the first century when the Romans set up the military camp of Vindobona. The city has been a settlement for various civilisations, including the Celts, Romans, Slavs, and the Germanic peoples. In 1155, Vienna became the seat of the Babenbergs, who ruled Austria from 976 to 1246. The city was granted rights in 1221 and became the capital of the newly formed Austrian Empire in 1804.

Vienna is known as the "City of Music" due to its musical legacy. Many famous classical musicians, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Haydn, lived and worked in the city. The historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque palaces and gardens, and the late-19th-century Ringstraße, which is lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks.

Vienna is located at the easternmost extension of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. The city has a total area of 414.78 square kilometres (160.1 sq mi), making it the largest city in Austria by area. The landscape is characterised by the Vienna Woods, the northeasternmost foothills of the Alps, and the Danube River, which flows through the city.

Vienna is divided into 23 districts (German: Bezirke), each with its own name and number. The districts offer a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. The city has numerous parks, such as the Stadtpark, Burggarten, and the Prater, a large public park that includes the Wurstelprater, a public amusement park.

Vienna has a thriving cultural scene, with many museums, opera houses, and theatres. The city is known for its coffee house culture, with traditional cafés serving as social gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and politicians. The city also has a diverse culinary scene, with dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and Apfelstrudel.

Vienna is served by an extensive public transportation network, including metro, tram, and bus lines. The city is also easily navigable by foot and bicycle. Vienna International Airport, located southeast of the city, is the main airport serving the region.

Austria is in Central Europe

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, and Italy and Slovenia to the south. Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country.

Austria is a relatively small country, covering an area of 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 square miles) and home to a population of around 8.7 million people. The capital and largest city is Vienna, with 1.8 million inhabitants. The official language is Austrian German, and other spoken languages include Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovene.

Austria's terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Alps dominating the western and southern regions. The country's highest point is Grossglockner Mountain, at 3,798 metres (12,460 feet) above sea level. The major rivers north of the watershed of the Austrian Alps are the Inn, the Salzach, and the Enns, which are all tributaries of the Danube. The rivers south of the watershed include the Gail and Drau rivers in Carinthia and the Mürz and Mur rivers.

Austria's geography has played a significant role in its history and economic development. The country is located at the centre of European trade routes between east and west along the Danubian route and through the Alpine passes. This strategic position has embedded Austria within various political and economic systems.

The country is divided into nine federal states, each with its own unique history and culture. These states are: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna, and Vorarlberg.

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