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Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995 and is known for its neutrality during the Cold War. With a population of around 9 million people, Austria is a federation of nine states, with its capital, Vienna, being the most populous city.
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What You'll Learn
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The country is strategically located at the crossroads of central Europe, and its landscape is characterised by mountains and forests. The capital of Austria is Vienna, which is its most populous city. The country is divided into nine federated states and occupies an area of 83,879 square kilometres with a population of around 9 million people.
Austria has a rich history and was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries. The area of today's Austria has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period, and around 400 BC, it was inhabited by the Celts. In the late 1st century BC, the region was annexed by the Romans, and Christianisation began in the 4th and 5th centuries during the late Roman period. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, numerous Germanic tribes arrived in the region during the Migration Period.
In 1804, the Empire of Austria was proclaimed, replacing the Holy Roman Empire. This empire became one of the largest states in Europe and a great power on the continent. However, its defeat in wars and loss of territories in the 1860s led to the establishment of Austria-Hungary in 1867. After World War I, the empire collapsed, and the Republic of German-Austria was proclaimed in 1918, followed by the First Austrian Republic in 1919. During the interwar period, Austria experienced social and economic turbulence, and an Austrofascist dictatorship was formed under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934.
Austria has a significant cultural heritage, particularly in the realm of music. It was the birthplace of renowned composers such as Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, and Franz Schubert. The country is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including its many lakes and mountain ranges. The largest lake is Lake Neusiedl, which is located in the east of the country. The Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe, is another notable geographical feature, providing a vital waterway for commerce.
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It is bordered by eight countries
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The country occupies an area of 83,879 sq km (32,386 sq mi) and has a population of around 9 million.
Austria's geographic position has contributed to its prominence. It is at the centre of European traffic between east and west along the great Danubian trade route and between north and south through the Alpine passes. This location has embedded the country within a variety of political and economic systems. Austria's significance is also due to its history as a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries, until the fall of its Habsburg dynasty after World War One.
The country is divided into nine federated states (Bundeslander), with the capital, Vienna, being the most populous city and state. Vienna is renowned for its architecture and was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. The landscape of Austria is characterised by mountains and forests, with dozens of lakes amidst the mountain ranges, especially in the south and to the immediate east of Salzburg. The largest lake is Lake Neusiedl, which is also the lowest point in Austria at 115.45 m (378.8 ft) above sea level.
Austria's highest point, at 12,460 ft (3,798 m), is located in the Tauern Range, which slopes into the Danube River Valley and the eastern lowlands, from Vienna to the south to its border with Slovenia. The Danube River, at 1,771 miles (2,850 km), is the most significant river in the country and the second-longest river in Europe. It is a vital waterway for commerce. Other major rivers in Austria include the Drau, Enns, Inn, Mur, Raab, and Traun.
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The capital of Austria is Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is located in the northeastern corner of the country, between the foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians. It is completely surrounded by Lower Austria, and lies around 50 km (31 mi) west of Slovakia, 60 km (37 mi) northwest of Hungary, and 60 km (37 mi) south of Moravia (Czech Republic). Vienna is Austria's largest city, with a population of over 2 million people, representing about a quarter of the country's total population. It is also the country's smallest state by area but the largest by population.
Vienna has a rich history, dating back to the 1st century when the Romans converted the Celtic settlement of Vedunia into the castrum Vindobona, which was part of the province of Pannonia. In 1155, Vienna became the seat of the Babenbergs, who ruled Austria from 976 to 1246. The city was granted official status in 1221, and from the 1500s onwards, it became the seat of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Vienna remained the capital during the formation of the Austrian Empire in 1804 and continued to be so for all its successor states.
Vienna has a thriving economy, contributing 25.1% of Austria's GDP, with a GDP per capita of €56,600 as of 2024. The city has a high standard of living and is known for its cultural offerings. It is host to several major international organisations, including the United Nations, OPEC, and the OSCE. Vienna has a strong musical legacy, with many famous classical musicians, such as Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Haydn, Mahler, Mozart, Schoenberg, Schubert, and the Strauss family, having lived and worked in the city.
Vienna is also known for its coffee tradition, with Austria having the sixth-highest per capita coffee consumption worldwide. The city boasts impressive architecture, with majestic sights, including the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the postmodern Haas Haus building. Vienna's urban landscape has been shaped over centuries by imperial gardeners and architects, and it remains one of the least spoilt of the great old western European capitals.
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Austria is divided into nine federated states
Austria is a small landlocked country located in the south-central part of Europe. It is bordered by eight other European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Austria is the 12th-largest country in Europe by area, covering a total area of 83,871 square kilometers (32,383 sq mi).
Now, regarding the internal division of the country, Austria is indeed divided into nine federated states, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the country's rich cultural and historical tapestry. These states, often referred to as "Bundesländer," enjoy a high degree of autonomy and play a crucial role in Austria's federal system of government. Here's an overview of these nine states:
- Burgenland: Located in the east of Austria, bordering Hungary, Burgenland is known for its beautiful landscape, including Lake Neusiedl, the largest endorheic lake in Central Europe. The state has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its historical connection to Hungary.
- Carinthia (Kärnten): Carinthia is situated in the southern part of Austria and shares borders with Italy and Slovenia. It is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery and lakes, making it a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lower Austria (Niederösterreich): Surrounding Vienna, Lower Austria is the country's largest state by area. It encompasses a diverse landscape, from the Danube Valley to the Alpine regions, and is known for its wine-growing regions and historical sites.
- Upper Austria (Oberösterreich): Upper Austria borders Germany and the Czech Republic and is home to the city of Linz, Austria's third-largest city. The state has a strong industrial base and is known for its technological innovations.
- Salzburg: Made immortal by the musical "The Sound of Music," Salzburg is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and, of course, its association with Mozart. The state is a cultural hub, with a vibrant festival scene and a rich musical heritage.
- Styria (Steiermark): Styria is the second-largest state by area and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and vineyards. It is a popular destination for winter sports and is also renowned for its culinary traditions.
- Tyrol (Tirol): Located in the heart of the Alps, Tyrol is famous for its ski resorts and breathtaking mountain scenery. It shares a border with Italy and has a strong cultural connection to South Tyrol, an autonomous province in northern Italy.
- Vienna (Wien): Vienna is both a city and a state, serving as Austria's capital and its cultural, political, and economic center. It is known for its rich historical and architectural heritage, as well as its high quality of life.
- Vorarlberg: Vorarlberg is the westernmost state of Austria, bordering Switzerland and Germany. It is known for its unique cultural identity, influenced by its proximity to these countries, and its stunning Alpine landscape.
Each of these nine states has its own state government, with a governor and a state parliament, allowing for local decision-making and representation. This federal structure gives Austria its unique character and ensures that the diverse interests and identities of its regions are represented and protected.
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The country is known for its lakes and rivers
Austria is a landlocked country in South-Central Europe, strategically located at the crossroads of Central Europe. The country is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany.
Austria is known for its lakes and rivers, with dozens of lakes and several major rivers running amidst its mountain ranges. The country's most significant river is the Danube, which is the second-longest river in Europe and a vital waterway for commerce. The Danube flows 1,771 miles (2,850 km) through the country, from the Tauern Range in the west to the eastern lowlands bordering Slovenia. Other major rivers in Austria include the Drau, Enns, Inn, Mur, Raab, and Traun.
Austria is one of the most water-rich countries in the world, with crystal-clear lakes, mountain streams, powerful rivers, swimming lakes, and roaring waterfalls. The country's largest lake is Lake Neusiedler, which, at 115.45 m (378.8 ft), is also the lowest point in Austria. Other notable lakes include the Achensee, Alpen, Attersee, Bodensee (Lake Constance), Millstatter See, Mondsee, Neusiedler See, Ossiacher See, and Salzach.
The Alpine way of life is deeply rooted in Austria, with locals cherishing their mountains and lakes. This passion is reflected in the many leisure activities available in the country, such as hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The Austrian mountain landscape is truly breathtaking, with towering mountain ranges, valleys, forests, meadows, and Alpine pastures surrounding crystal-clear lakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is landlocked and located in South-Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic in the north, Slovakia in the northeast, Hungary in the east, Slovenia in the south, Italy in the southwest, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the west, and Germany in the northwest.
The capital of Austria is Vienna (Wien), which is also its most populous city and state.
Austria has a population of around 9 million people.
Austria is strategically located at the crossroads of Central Europe, which has made it an important part of the great Danubian trade route between east and west, and the Alpine passes between north and south.
Yes, Austria is a member of the European Union.
