Leslie Massey
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, known for its spectacular scenery, including the Austrian Alps, which cover nearly two-thirds of the country. The country is bordered by the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Austria has a rich history, having been first inhabited by the Celtics, then conquered by the Romans, and later occupied by the Bavarians and Slavs. After WWII, Austria became a republic and joined the European Union in 1955, declaring permanent neutrality. The country is a parliamentary republic with a free-market economy and a strong social focus, providing a comprehensive system of social security and welfare schemes. Austria is also known for its high standard of living, with clean air, world-class schools, and excellent public health. The country has produced 25 Nobel laureates and is home to the world's oldest zoo, oldest restaurant, and largest library.
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What You'll Learn
- Austria's landscape is largely mountainous and landlocked, with the Eastern Alps constituting 62% of its terrain
- The country is home to Europe's tallest waterfall, the Krimml Falls, and the world's oldest zoo
- Austria has a population of over 9 million, with Vienna being its largest city
- The main language is German, but many other languages are spoken, including Croatian, Hungarian, and Turkish
- Austrians show respect through eye contact, and most shops are closed on Sundays
Austria's landscape is largely mountainous and landlocked, with the Eastern Alps constituting 62% of its terrain
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, characterised by its diverse terrain of mountains, valleys, plateaus, hills, and lakes. The landscape has been significantly shaped by its main geological units, including the highlands of the Waldviertel and Mühlviertel regions, which form part of the Bohemian Massif in the north. The country's topography also includes the hilly Alpine Foreland with great valleys and basins in the east, and the majestic Austrian Alps, which stretch for over 500 km across the country.
The Eastern Alps, part of a large band of mountains extending from the Riviera to Vienna, constitute 62% of Austria's terrain. These mountains were formed by the convergence of the Adriatic and Eurasian Plates, which crumpled and folded upwards as they moved together. The Central Alps, consisting largely of a granite base, are the largest and highest ranges in Austria. The highest peak in the country is Grossglockner, standing at 3,798 meters (12,461 feet) above sea level. Other famous peaks include the Dachstein, Wildspitze, and Zugspitze.
The Austrian Alps offer breathtaking views and are popular destinations for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The mountains have given rise to a strong tradition of winter sports and mountaineering, with Austrians taking great pride in their alpine heritage. The valleys and plateaus, such as the Danube Valley, support agriculture and forestry, while the rivers and lakes provide transportation routes and scenic attractions. The lowlands east of Vienna can be regarded as a western extension of the Little Alföld (Little Hungarian Plain).
Austria's landscape and topography have played a significant role in shaping the country's culture and economy. The diverse terrain has contributed to the development of various traditions and activities, including folk music and dance, which are integral parts of Austrian culture. The country's central location within Europe, at the heart of the Danubian trade route, has also embedded it within various political and economic systems.
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The country is home to Europe's tallest waterfall, the Krimml Falls, and the world's oldest zoo
Austria is a largely mountainous, landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is home to Europe's tallest waterfall, the Krimml Falls, which is a breathtaking destination in the Hohe Tauern National Park in SalzburgerLand. With a drop of 380 metres, the Krimml Falls is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. A 4-kilometre trail leads up close to the waterfall, with numerous viewpoints along the way. The lowest waterfall is just a 10-15 minute walk from the car park, and the walk up the well-maintained path is somewhat strenuous but easily accomplished if you take your time.
Austria is also home to the world's oldest zoo, the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna. It was founded by Emperor Francis Stephen of Lorraine, who built a menagerie to house his collection of exotic animals, including exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures. The zoo has endured through the years, despite suffering extensive damage during World War II. Today, it is an educational centre and a showcase for teaching, research, and conservation efforts. It is home to over 700 animal species, some of which are threatened.
In addition to these natural wonders, Austria has a lot to offer visitors. The country is known for its delicious pastries and bread rolls, and it is said that croissants are actually an Austrian invention, not a French one. The tap water in Austria is also of excellent quality, so there is no need to buy bottled water during your stay. If you're looking for a weekend break, Vienna is an incredible capital city, but to truly experience Austria, it is recommended to spend at least a week exploring the countryside and lesser-known places, such as Steyr in Upper Austria, Leoben in Styria, or Lake Millstatt in Carinthia.
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Austria has a population of over 9 million, with Vienna being its largest city
Austria is a small, landlocked country in south-central Europe, with a population of over 9 million people. The country has a high standard of living and is known for its delicious pastries and excellent tap water. The capital, Vienna, is Austria's largest city and is beloved by tourists, although locals advise visitors to explore beyond the capital to get a true taste of the country.
Vienna is a popular tourist destination, with its grand architecture, rich history, and cultural attractions. The city is known for its elegant coffeehouse culture and vibrant food scene, including traditional bakeries offering a variety of bread rolls and pastries. However, locals recommend spending more than a weekend in the city to truly experience all that Austria has to offer.
Austria's population is growing, largely due to immigration. In recent years, the number of citizens with foreign citizenship has increased significantly, with 1.53 million foreign citizens recorded at the beginning of 2021, accounting for 17.1% of the total population. This growth in immigration has contributed to the country's population size, with an estimated 9,113,574 people as of mid-2025.
Vienna, as the largest city, is home to a significant portion of Austria's population. In 2025, it was estimated that 5,337,973 people, or 58.57% of the total population, resided in urban areas, with Vienna being the most populous city. The city's rich history and cultural offerings make it a popular choice for locals and expatriates alike.
Austria's population is aging, with an increasing number of elderly residents. As of 2021, approximately 1.72 million Austrians were 65 years or older, and this number is expected to grow as the Baby Boom Generation reaches retirement age. This shift in demographics presents both opportunities and challenges for the country in terms of workforce dynamics and social services.
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The main language is German, but many other languages are spoken, including Croatian, Hungarian, and Turkish
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It borders eight countries: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Liechtenstein. This central location has played a significant role in the country's history and culture. Due to its position, Austria has long been a connecting point for travel and trade between east and west, as well as north and south. This has resulted in a diverse population with a variety of spoken languages.
The main language spoken in Austria is German. However, the country is home to numerous other languages as well. This is due in part to the presence of foreign workers and the free movement of people across European Union borders. Among the languages spoken in Austria are Croatian, Hungarian, and Turkish. According to statistics, there were about 1.8 million foreign-born residents in Austria as of 2024, representing 22.3% of the total population. Turks form one of the largest ethnic groups, with a population of around 350,000.
Austria's diverse linguistic landscape is a reflection of its long history of immigration and cultural exchange. The country has historically been a crossroads of different cultures and ethnicities, which has left an indelible mark on its society and language. In addition to the languages already mentioned, Slovenian is also spoken in Austria due to its proximity to Slovenia and the historical presence of Slovenian minorities in the country.
English is also widely spoken and understood across Austria, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. This makes it relatively easy for English-speaking visitors to navigate and communicate during their stay. However, learning a few basic phrases in German and other local languages can be helpful and is often appreciated by locals.
The presence of multiple languages in Austria showcases the country's cultural diversity and rich history. It reflects the country's role as a connecting point between different regions of Europe and its historical ties to neighbouring countries. Visitors to Austria can expect to encounter a variety of languages and cultural influences, adding to the richness of their experience.
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Austrians show respect through eye contact, and most shops are closed on Sundays
Austria is a largely mountainous, landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is known for its delicious pastries and bread rolls, its high-quality tap water, and its stunning natural scenery. When visiting Austria, there are a few cultural norms that you should be aware of. Firstly, Austrians value respect and politeness, which can be shown through a firm handshake. Maintaining eye contact during conversations is also considered a sign of respect, although staring is not seen as appropriate, and between people in a hierarchical relationship, it is respectful to lower one's gaze now and then. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, although hand-holding, walking arm-in-arm, and hugging are accepted. Austrians tend to be reserved and modest, avoiding loud voices or excessive compliments, and losing one's temper in public is highly discouraged.
When it comes to shopping in Austria, it is important to note that most shops are closed on Sundays. This tradition stems from the belief that the weekend should be reserved for relaxation and spending time with family or in nature. While this may come as a surprise to visitors, especially those from countries where shops are typically open seven days a week, it is a valued part of Austrian culture. However, some bakeries and smaller supermarkets in larger train stations, such as Vienna and Linz, remain open on Sundays, albeit with a limited selection. Additionally, there may be farmers' markets or flea markets operating on Sundays, and some restaurants, cafes, and attractions remain open.
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Frequently asked questions
The official language of Austria is German, and it has been since 1920. However, the de facto common spoken languages of Austria are Bavarian and Alemannic dialects.
Austria is a parliamentary republic, governed based on the principles of a representative democracy and the rule of law. It is classified as a "full democracy".
Austria is home to Europe's tallest waterfall, the Krimml Waterfalls, which reach a height of 380 meters. It is also home to the oldest archaeological evidence of the Celts in Europe, located in the city of Hallstatt. Additionally, Austria has a strong focus on social welfare and is considered one of the most prosperous and stable EU member states.
