Lexi Webster
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Liechtenstein. The country is predominantly mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The landscape is also characterised by forests, which occupy just over one-third of the country's productive area, or 98,000 square kilometres. In total, Austria covers an area of approximately 84,000 square kilometres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total area | 83,871 square kilometres (approximately) |
| Area in square miles | 32,383 |
| Area from east to west | 580 kilometres |
| Area from south to north | 294 kilometres |
| Total border length | 2,708 kilometres |
| Border with Germany | 820 kilometres |
| Border with the Czech Republic | 469 kilometres |
| Border with Italy | 430 kilometres |
| Border with Slovenia | 330 kilometres |
| Border with Hungary | 354 kilometres |
| Border with Switzerland | 167 kilometres |
| Border with Slovakia | 103 kilometres |
| Border with Liechtenstein | 35 kilometres |
| Total agricultural land | 28.1 million hectares |
| Forest cover | 98,000 square kilometres |
| Forest cover in hectares | 3,899,150 hectares |
| Population | 8,139,299 |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's land area
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Liechtenstein. It is a predominantly mountainous country, with the Alps forming the physical backbone of the nation. The country occupies a territory of approximately 84,000 square kilometres (32,000 square miles), including much of the eastern Alps and the Danube region. From east to west, Austria stretches 580 kilometres (360 miles), and from south to north, it covers 294 kilometres (183 miles).
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the core of the country. The Alps cover approximately 62% of the country, with the remaining 10% consisting of the granite massif of the Bohemian Forest, a low mountain range located north of the Danube Valley. The highest elevation in Austria is the Grossglockner, rising to 3,798 meters (12,460 feet) in the Central Alps.
The agriculturally productive land of Austria covers 28.1 million hectares (69.5 million acres), or 94% of the total area. The southern provinces have the largest proportion of arable land. Forests occupy just over one-third of the productive area, or 98,000 square kilometres (38,000 square miles). About 85% of Austrian forests are dominated by tall timber, such as oak, pine, beech, ash, elm, and spruce, which are important for the paper and pulp industry and building construction.
Austria's population is highly urbanised and densely populated, with 651 people per square kilometre (251 per square mile). Nearly two-thirds of the population live in urban areas, with the capital city of Vienna being the most populous. The country has a population of approximately 8.1 million people, with a rapid growth of the elderly population due to improved health conditions and a low birth rate.
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The country's borders
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight other European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Liechtenstein. The country's total border length is 2,534 kilometres (or 1,574 miles), with the borders shared with each neighbouring country varying in length from 34 kilometres (with Liechtenstein) to 820 kilometres (with Germany).
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The Alps cover approximately 62% of the country, with the remaining 10% consisting of the granite massif of the Bohemian Forest, a low mountain range located north of the Danube Valley. The Bohemian Forest extends across the Czech border into Lower Austria and includes the Bohemian Massif, which is furrowed by many valleys that have served as passageways to the east and southeast of Europe for centuries.
The westernmost third of Austria consists of a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, with a width of 32 to 60 kilometres. The rest of the country lies to the east and has a maximum north-south width of 280 kilometres. From east to west, Austria stretches 580 kilometres, and from south to north, it spans 294 kilometres.
Austria's nine provinces include Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vorarlberg, and Vienna. The province of Tyrol is the most mountainous, with less than 3% of arable land, making it the most sparsely inhabited province in the country. In contrast, the provinces in the southern parts of the country, such as Styria and Carinthia, have the largest proportion of arable land.
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Mountainous landscape
Austria is a small country located in Central Europe, covering an area of approximately 84,000 square kilometers. While the country may be small in size, it boasts a diverse and breathtaking landscape, characterized primarily by its mountainous terrain. In fact, mountains dominate much of Austria's geography, with the Austrian Alps being the most prominent feature. These majestic peaks not only define the country's physical landscape but also play a significant role in shaping its culture, history, and economy.
The Austrian Alps stretch across the country, forming a magnificent backdrop for many Austrian towns and villages. The Alpine region covers a significant portion of Austria's land area, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine glaciers. While several peaks surpass the 3,000-meter mark, the tallest mountain in Austria, Grossglockner, stands at an impressive 3,798 meters (12,461 feet). It is part of the Hohe Tauern range in the Central Eastern Alps and is a symbol of national pride.
Austria's mountainous landscape extends beyond the Alps. The country is home to several other mountain ranges, each with its unique characteristics. The Bohemian Forest in the north, for instance, forms a natural border with the Czech Republic, while the Karawanks in the south provide a dramatic backdrop to the scenic Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. The Leoben Alps in the southeast also add to the diverse geological landscape of the country.
The Austrian mountains offer a plethora of outdoor activities. During winter, the slopes come alive with skiers and snowboarders, as world-class resorts offer miles of groomed pistes. Summer reveals a different beauty, with hiking and mountain biking trails winding through wildflower-filled meadows. Extreme sports enthusiasts also find haven in the mountains, with paragliding, hang gliding, and base jumping opportunities.
The impact of the mountainous landscape in Austria goes beyond leisure. The Alps have shaped the country's history and culture, with historic trade routes and mountain passes facilitating ancient trade and communication. The mountains have also influenced the development of unique regional dialects, folk traditions, and culinary specialties.
Economically, Austria's mountains are of great significance. The winter sports industry thrives in renowned ski resorts, attracting tourists worldwide. Summer tourism also flourishes with hiking and sightseeing activities. Moreover, the mountains are integral to Austria's hydropower generation, contributing to the country's renewable energy sector.
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Agricultural land
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight other European countries. It is a predominantly mountainous country, with the Alps forming the physical backbone of the nation. The agriculturally productive land of Austria covers 28.1 million hectares (69.5 million acres), or 94% of the country's total area of 84,000 square kilometres (32,000 square miles).
The landscape of Austria is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps comprising the majority of the country's terrain. The Alps may be subdivided into northern, central, and southern ranges, composed of rugged mountains and majestic scenery. The Central Alps, which consist largely of a granite base, are the largest and highest ranges in Austria. The granite massif of the Bohemian Forest, a low mountain range with bare and windswept plateaus and a harsh climate, covers the remaining 10% of the country's area.
Forests occupy just over one-third of the productive area of Austria, or 98,000 square kilometres (38,000 square miles). As much as 85% of Austrian forests are dominated by tall timber, such as oak, pine, beech, ash, elm, and spruce, which are important in the paper and pulp industry and in building construction. In recent years, investments in forestry have increased, and a comprehensive reforestation and conservation program has been in progress since the early 1950s to compensate for damage inflicted during World War II and postwar over-cutting of forest trees.
The provinces with the largest proportion of arable land are in the southern parts of the country. Austrian farms, like those of other Western European mountainous countries, are small and fragmented, with relatively expensive products and an emphasis on cash crops. While Austrian farmers provide about 80% of the country's domestic food requirements, the agricultural contribution to the gross domestic product has declined since 1950. The principal agricultural products include wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and cattle turnips.
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Forest cover
Forests occupy about one-third of Austria's productive area, which is approximately 98,000 square kilometres (38,000 square miles). The Austrian landscape is characterised by its mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The country's highest elevation is the Grossglockner, which rises to 3,798 metres (12,460 feet) in the west.
The Alpine landscape offers a complex geologic and topographical pattern. The Austrian Alps can be subdivided into a northern and southern limestone range, composed of rugged mountains. These two ranges are separated by a softer central range composed of crystalline rocks. The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are known for their majestic mountains and magnificent scenery of the high Alps.
The agriculturally productive land of Austria covers 28.1 million hectares (69.5 million acres), or 94% of the country's total area. The southern provinces have the largest proportion of arable land. The principal agricultural products are wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and cattle turnips. Austrian farms, like those of other Western European mountainous countries, tend to be small and fragmented, with relatively expensive products.
Forests in Austria are dominated by tall timber, which accounts for about 85% of the country's forested areas. These include oak, pine, beech, ash, elm, and spruce trees, which are important for the paper and pulp industry and building construction. A comprehensive reforestation and conservation program has been in place since the early 1950s to compensate for the damage inflicted during World War II and postwar over-cutting of forest trees.
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Frequently asked questions
The area of Austria is approximately 84,000 square kilometers or 83,871 square kilometers according to another source.
Austria occupies about 32,000 square miles or 32,383 square miles according to another source.
Austria has 651 people per square kilometer or 93 inhabitants per square kilometer according to another source.
The agriculturally productive land of Austria covers 28.1 million hectares or 69.5 million acres.
Forests occupy about 98,000 square kilometers or 3,899,150 hectares of Austria.
