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People from Austria are called Austrians. The country has a rich history, having been the centre of the Habsburg monarchy from 1273 to 1918, and was historically regarded as part of Germany. Austria is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and high standard of living. The country is also ecologically well-endowed, with a biocapacity more than double the world average.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official name | Republic of Austria |
| Demonym | Austrian |
| National language | German |
| Second most spoken language | English |
| Third most spoken language | French |
| Most popular religion | Roman Catholic |
| Most popular food | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Most populous city | Vienna |
| Primary education duration | 9 years |
| Biocapacity per person | 3.8 global hectares |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians are citizens and nationals of Austria
The majority of Austrians speak German, specifically the Austro-Bavarian dialect, which is similar to Bavarian. English is the second most spoken language in the country, with around 40% of the population speaking it proficiently. French is also spoken by roughly 7% of Austrians.
Austria has a high cost of living, with expenses like housing and utilities contributing to this. The country is known for its castles, palaces, and architectural works, as well as its mountains and ski resorts. Education in Austria is entrusted partly to the Austrian federal states and partly to the national government. School attendance is compulsory for nine years, usually up to the age of fifteen.
Some famous Austrians include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sigmund Freud, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Erwin Schrödinger, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Maria Theresia, and Lise Meitner.
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German is the national language in Austria
Austria is home to many minority languages, some of which have official status. These include Hungarian, Slovenian, Burgenland-Croatian, Czech, Slovak, Romany, and sign language. In the mixed-language districts of Carinthia, Slovene is also considered an official language, with around 0.3% of Austrians speaking it as their vernacular. In some districts of Burgenland, Hungarian and Croatian are equal in status to German as an official language. Serbo-Croatian is the largest minority language in Austria, with over 4% of the population speaking it. Turkish is the second-largest minority language, with 2.3% of the population speaking it.
While German is the predominant language in Austria, the country's cuisine is influenced by its history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as by Hungarian, Czech, Polish, Jewish, Italian, Balkan, and French cultures. Austrian cuisine is known for its well-balanced variations of beef and pork, as well as countless vegetable dishes. The country also has a strong tradition of bakery delicacies, such as Sachertorte, Krapfen (doughnuts filled with apricot jam or custard), and various types of strudel.
Austria has a population of about 8.9 million people, with ethnic Austrians constituting the vast majority. There are also small but significant groups of German-speaking Swiss and ethnic Germans residing in the country. In terms of religion, Austria is predominantly Roman Catholic, with around 50% of the population registered as such in 2023. However, the number of adherents and churchgoers has been declining, with an increasing number of people declaring themselves without a religion or following other faiths.
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Austria is ecologically well-endowed
A person from Austria is called an Austrian.
Austria has stringent standards for waste management, chemical use, and air pollution, and its regulations for the use of pesticides and fertilisers are very strict. The country is also a leader in Europe when it comes to the use of renewable raw materials. Austria's electricity supply from renewable energy sources amounts to 62.89%, with hydropower alone providing more than half of the country's electricity.
The country has also taken steps to improve its water quality, implementing the EU Water Framework Directive, and amending its Water Act. Austria recognises the importance of safeguarding and improving the protective function of forests, which is vital for a mountainous country. The Ministry of Agriculture has worked with the Federal Provinces to develop a national concept for the rehabilitation of protective forests.
Austrian agriculture has consistently aimed for high-quality, healthy products through Europe's most exacting agri-environmental programme. Farmers have become pioneers in the country's ecological orientation, with a commitment to sustainable practices that benefit society as a whole. The country's traditional and modern farming ideas provide vital impulses for society and create continuity in rural life.
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Austria is a parliamentary republic
A person from Austria is called an Austrian. Now, onto the topic of Austria's government structure.
The National Council is the more powerful of the two houses, with 183 seats and members elected directly by the people for a five-year term. This body plays a crucial role in shaping Austrian politics, as it elects the Federal Chancellor, who then appoints the rest of the federal government. The Federal Council, on the other hand, represents the nine federal states of Austria and has 61 members. While it plays a less prominent role, it still has important functions, including the ability to delay legislation passed by the National Council.
The Austrian republic's constitution outlines the country's political system, with federalism being a key principle. This means that power is divided between the federal government and the nine states, each with its own constitution, parliament, and government. This federal structure allows for a degree of autonomy and regional representation, ensuring that the diverse interests of Austria's regions are considered in the governing of the country.
The Austrian republic's political system also includes a strong independent judiciary, with the Constitutional Court playing a vital role in interpreting the constitution and safeguarding citizens' rights. This court has the power to overturn laws that it deems unconstitutional, further strengthening the checks and balances within the republic. Additionally, Austria's membership in the European Union (EU) also influences its political system, as it must adhere to EU laws and policies while also maintaining its own unique governmental structure.
In summary, Austria's parliamentary republic provides a framework for democratic representation, federalism, and the protection of citizens' rights. The interplay between the directly elected National Council, the state-representing Federal Council, and the independent judiciary ensures a balanced and effective system of governance. This structure, along with Austria's participation in the EU, contributes to the country's stable and democratic political environment.
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Austria has a high cost of living
A person from Austria is called an Austrian.
Austria has a high standard of living, ranking 3rd in the Global Peace Index, with a GPI score of 1.313. It offers a high quality of life, from healthcare to recreational options, and a thriving job industry. However, this comes at a cost, with Austria being among the most expensive countries in Europe. The cost of living in Austria is lower than in the US when you don't include rent, but rent prices have been steadily rising, with a 6.6% increase in early 2024 compared to the previous year. Expats should expect continued growth, particularly in city centers like Vienna and Graz.
The monthly cost of living in Austria varies depending on the source of information and the lifestyle of the individual. According to one source, a single person can expect to spend about €1,946 per month, including rent. Another source estimates the cost of living for a single person to be around €1,075 per month, excluding rent. The average cost of living per person in Salzburg is €1,556 per month, while in Linz, it is slightly lower at €1,516 per month.
For a family of four, the cost of living is significantly higher. According to one source, a family of four can expect to spend around €5,237 per month, including rent. Another source estimates the cost to be slightly lower at €3,642 per month, excluding rent. The cost of living for a family of four is estimated to be €3,899 per month, but this does not include rent costs.
Utilities are often not included in the rent costs and are charged separately, so it is important to consider this when planning a budget. Healthcare can also be very expensive for expats, so it is crucial to have health insurance. Additionally, childcare options in Austria include public, private, and international facilities, with subsidies available based on income, which can help with the overall cost of living for families.
When it comes to transportation, it is advisable to opt for public transportation instead of relying on taxis. Cities like Vienna and Linz offer efficient public transit systems, contributing to a more affordable and balanced lifestyle.
Overall, while Austria offers a high quality of life, it comes with a high cost of living, especially for families.
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Frequently asked questions
A person from Austria is called an Austrian. The German word for Austrian is 'Österreicher'.
The majority of Austrians speak German, specifically the Austro-Bavarian dialect, which is a variation of German.
The official name of the country is the Republic of Austria.
