
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, which are referred to as provinces by the European Commission. The capital of Austria, Vienna, is both a city and a federal state. With a population of over 2 million people, Vienna is the most densely populated state in Austria. The remaining eight federal states are Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, and Burgenland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most populated province | Vienna |
| Population of Vienna | 2,000,000+ |
| Second most populated province | Graz, Styria |
| Population of Graz | 300,000 |
| Federal Republic | Yes |
| Number of Federal States | 9 |
| Area | 83,878 square kilometres |
| Population | 9,159,993 residents |
| Foreign citizens | 1,801,184 (19.6% of the total population) |
| People with migration background | 2,400,000 (26.7% of the total population) |
| Capital | Vienna |
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What You'll Learn

Vienna is Austria's most populated province
Vienna's status as a federal state sets it apart from other provinces. Each federal state in Austria has its own elected legislature and government, with the governor holding an important political position. Vienna's mayor has the rank of a federal state governor, and the city council functions as its federal state parliament. This unique structure gives Vienna a significant voice in Austrian politics and governance.
The population concentration in Vienna is notable, considering that the country is largely mountainous and landlocked. Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming its physical backbone. However, Vienna's location in the Danube Valley provides accessible and arable terrain, making it a favourable place for settlement.
Vienna's position along the great Danubian trade route has historically contributed to its importance. The city has been a cultural hub, renowned for its music and architecture, and its social and economic institutions are known for their cooperative spirit. Vienna's rich history and cultural offerings continue to attract tourists and contribute to its vibrant character.
In conclusion, Vienna's status as Austria's most populated province is shaped by its dual role as a city and federal state, its favourable location, and its historical and cultural significance. The city's unique characteristics have made it a central and influential part of Austria's social, political, and economic landscape.
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Austria has nine provinces
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, which are referred to as provinces by the European Commission. Each province has its own elected legislature, federal state parliament, and a federal state government headed by a governor. The federal state constitution determines how seats in the federal state government are assigned to political parties, with most federal states having a system of proportional representation.
The nine provinces of Austria are:
- Upper Austria
- Lower Austria
- Vienna
- Burgenland
- Styria
- Tyrol
- Carinthia
- Salzburg
- Vorarlberg
Austria's most densely populated province is Vienna, which is the heart of the country's only metropolitan area. Lower Austria, which contains Vienna's suburbs, is the second-largest state in Austria in terms of population, with approximately 1.6 million people. Upper Austria is the third most populous state, with around 1.4 million people. However, the population of Austria is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Burgenland, which are within the Danube Valley. The remaining five provinces are situated almost entirely in the Alps, making them less suitable for agriculture and heavy industry.
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Austria's population is around 9 million
Austria is a small, landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is largely mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The country covers an area of 83,878 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 9 million residents.
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, which are referred to as provinces. The capital of Austria, Vienna, is also one of these provinces. It is the country's smallest state by area but the largest by population, with over 2 million inhabitants. The state of Graz, known for its friendliness and easy-going attitude, has a population of around 300,000, while other cities such as Salzburg and Innsbruck have populations of around 150,000 and 125,000, respectively.
Lower Austria is the country's largest state by area, covering 7,408 square miles, and is the second-largest state in terms of population, with approximately 1.6 million people. Upper Austria is the third most populous state, with around 1.4 million people, while Tyrol is the fifth largest by population, with about 750,000 people.
Austria's population includes a significant number of foreign citizens, with around 1.8 million foreign citizens as of 2024, and approximately 2.4 million people with a migration background, representing around 26.7% of the total population.
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Graz is the second-largest city
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, which are also called provinces. The capital of Austria, Vienna, is also a federal state. It is the country's smallest state by area but the largest by population, with over 2,000,000 residents.
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is located in Styria, which is known as the green heart of Austria for its lush landscapes and natural beauty. Graz has a population of just under 300,000 people and is known for its friendliness and laid-back attitude. The city is also home to several universities, including the University of Graz and the Graz University of Technology.
Graz has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was once a powerful and influential centre of commerce and culture, and today it is a modern and vibrant city that has retained its historic charm. The old town of Graz, with its picturesque buildings and cobblestone streets, is a popular tourist destination and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Graz is also a cultural hub, with several museums, art galleries, and theatres. The city is known for its annual festivals, including the Graz Festival of Contemporary Music and the Styrian Autumn Festival, which celebrate the city's rich musical and artistic heritage.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Graz is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city is surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains, including the Schlossberg, which offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and biking. The Mur River, which flows through the city, is another popular spot for recreation, with boat tours, swimming, and fishing.
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Austria is a federal republic
The federal states of Austria are:
- Upper Austria
- Lower Austria
- Vienna
- Burgenland
- Tyrol
- Carinthia
- Styria
- Vorarlberg
- Salzburg
The majority of the land area in the federal states of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Vienna, and Burgenland is situated in the Danube valley and thus consists almost completely of accessible and easily arable terrain. Austria's most densely populated federal state is Vienna, the heart of what is Austria's only metropolitan area. Lower Austria ranks fourth in population density even though it contains Vienna's suburbs; this is due to large areas of land being predominantly agricultural.
The federal principle provides for the sharing of tasks—legislative, executive, and financial—between the nine Austrian provinces and the federal government. It is, therefore, in contrast with the centralist form of organization, where the legislative and executive powers are reserved for the central government. The federal principle is enshrined in Article 2 of the Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG), as well as various other constitutional provisions that grant the federal provinces considerable scope of autonomy concerning provincial legislation and administration.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna is the most densely populated federal state in Austria, with over 2 million residents.
Vienna is both a city and a federal state. It is the capital of Austria and is located in the northeasternmost part of the country.
Graz, located in Styria, is the second most populated province in Austria, with just under 300,000 residents.
The federal state of Tyrol is the least densely populated state in Austria, with about 750,000 people.
Austria is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, also called provinces.

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