Leslie Massey
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. It is predominantly mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner, which rises to 3,798 meters (12,460 feet). The landscape is characterized by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps occupying about 62% of the country. The non-alpine regions of Austria are divided into the Northern Alpine Foreland, the hills of northeastern Austria, and the Southeastern Alpine Foreland. The Danube River, the longest in Austria, flows through the country from west to east and is the only major European river flowing eastwards. The Austrian landscape also includes lakes, valleys, and plains, such as the Pannonian Plain in the east.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mountains | The Alps cover 62% of the country, with the remaining parts being predominantly hilly. The highest mountain is the Grossglockner, at 3,798m. |
| Rivers | The Danube is the biggest river in Austria and the second-longest in Europe. It runs from west to east and is the only major river in Europe flowing eastwards. Other major rivers include the Inn, the Salzach, and the Enns. |
| Lakes | The largest lake is Lake Neusiedl, shared with Hungary. |
| Forests | Forests cover 40%-47% of the country, with 2,227,500 hectares of naturally regenerating forest and 1,671,500 hectares of planted forest. |
| Population | Two-thirds of Austrians live in urban centres, with the biggest cities being Graz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. The northern and eastern parts of the country are more densely populated. |
| Borders | Austria shares borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. |
| Land Area | 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 square miles) |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian men's facial hair
Austria is a country of diverse physical characteristics, from its stunning Alpine mountain chains to its lush, hilly areas and picturesque lakes. This diversity extends to the physical traits of its citizens, with a mix of European ethnic groups contributing to a wide range of hair and eye colours, skin tones, and facial features.
Austrian men, in particular, are known for their distinctive facial hair, most notably their strong moustaches. The handlebar moustache, a style in which the ends of the moustache are curled upward and outward, is a traditional and iconic look for Austrian men. This style has been a defining feature of the Austrian aesthetic and a symbol of their strong sense of tradition and national identity.
The handlebar moustache, also known as the "toothbrush moustache," has a controversial history due to its association with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. First gaining popularity in the late 19th century in the United States, it later spread to Germany and other parts of the world, including Austria. While it was initially sported by notable figures like Charlie Chaplin and Oliver Hardy, it became infamous due to its connection with Hitler and other Nazi officials during World War II.
Despite this negative connotation, some Austrians have continued to embrace the handlebar moustache as a form of self-expression and a connection to their cultural heritage. It is worth noting that variations of the style have been encouraged to distance oneself from the Hitler association, and some individuals have even attempted to reclaim it.
In conclusion, Austrian men's facial hair, specifically the handlebar moustache, is a notable aspect of the country's physical features and cultural identity. While it has undergone fluctuations in popularity due to historical events, it remains an enduring symbol of Austria's rich traditions and unique fashion sense.
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Austrian women's height
Austria is a country of high Alpine mountain chains, with the Hohe Tauern range reaching almost 4000 meters in height. The country's physical features are not limited to its mountains, however, as forests cover about 40% of the country, and lakes and plains make up other parts of its landscape.
When it comes to the height of Austrian women, the average is around 165 cm (5 feet 5 inches), with a weight of about 63 kg (138 lbs). Austrian women are slightly taller than the average woman in other European countries. This slight height advantage may be attributed to the country's active lifestyle and focus on health and fitness, which contributes to their robust and athletic build. The Austrian diet, which includes access to healthy food, and quality healthcare, also plays a role in their overall healthy and fit appearance.
Austrian women have a combination of facial features that create a natural and elegant look. Typically, they have blonde or light brown hair, with a fine, silky texture that gives it a natural shine. Their skin tone tends to be fair and porcelain-like, which can be attributed to the country's cool and temperate climate, allowing for time outdoors without excessive UV exposure.
It is worth noting that height can vary within a country due to various factors. For example, height can differ based on social groups, with executives and professionals being taller than the national average in some countries. Additionally, height measurement can fluctuate throughout the day, with factors such as exercise and rest impacting the results.
In Austria, socioeconomic status also appears to play a role in height. A study found that Austrian students from high socioeconomic backgrounds attending academic schools had a lower body mass index (BMI) and greater height than students from low socioeconomic backgrounds attending vocational-directed secondary schools.
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Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps are a section of the mighty European mountain range that sweeps across much of Austria from west to east. The country's highest elevated ranges within the Alps are the Hohe Tauern (High Tauern), with the Grossglockner reaching almost 4,000 meters in height. The Austrian Alps are characterised by rugged granite outcrops, glaciers, and summits over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). The Alps act as a watershed, with all major rivers north of the central mountains contributing to the Danube, Austria's biggest river. The most important passes through the Alps are the Semmering Pass, the Pyhrn Pass, the Tauern Pass, and the Brenner Pass, which are important transit routes for both domestic and international traffic.
The Austrian Alps are known for their world-famous ski resorts, tranquil lakes, and alpine dairies. The ski town of Sölden in the Ötztal valley was a filming location for the James Bond movie Spectre. St Anton is part of the largest connected skiing area in Austria and is known worldwide. The state of Styria is defined by its deep gorges, limestone formations, and white-water rapids. The Austrian Alpine Association manages the Bergsteigerdörfer (Mountaineering Villages) initiative in Johnsbach, which promotes sustainable development and offers alternatives to mass tourism in the Alps.
The capital of Tyrol is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Austrian Alps and is a great base for exploration. Visitors can take a cable car up to the Nordkette range, which sails over the pastel-coloured buildings below. The old town features winding alleys and traditional restaurants serving classic Tyrolean cuisine, such as cheese dumplings (kaspressknödel) and gröstl, a mix of onion, bacon, potatoes, and a fried egg.
The Austrian Alps are also a great destination for those seeking summer activities, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring meadows. Visitors can enjoy the national parks, beautiful lakes, charming old towns, and winding alleyways.
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The Danube Valley
The Wachau is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its architectural elegance and ancient monasteries, castles, and ruins. Melk Abbey, a Benedictine abbey established in the 11th century, is one of Europe's great sights. The abbey, which was rebuilt in the 18th century, sits high above the Danube Valley and features the Latin words "Glory only in the cross" and a large copy of the Melk Cross, one of its greatest treasures. Another notable site in the Wachau Valley is Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in 1193.
The Wachau Valley is also known for its historical significance, with Roman rule on the southern banks of the Danube ending in 488 CE when King Odoaker ordered the evacuation of the Latin-speaking population. The valley's geological formation is primarily crystalline rocks, with Tertiary and Quaternary deposits in the wider reaches. The river flows along a weak fault zone on the southern border of the Bohemian Massif. The Wachau was designated a "Cultural Landscape" UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its riverine and medieval landscapes, including architectural monuments, human settlements, and agricultural use of the land.
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Austria's diverse population
Austria's population is diverse in terms of its ethnic, religious, and linguistic composition. The country is home to a significant number of immigrants and their descendants, with a large proportion of the population having at least one parent of immigrant background. As of 2024, there were approximately 1.8 million foreign-born residents in Austria, constituting around 22.3% of the total population. This diversity is reflected in the presence of various ethnic groups, including Turks, Romanians, Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Macedonians, Slovenes, and Romani people.
Historically, Austria has been inhabited by different groups, dating back to the Paleolithic period. The Celts settled in the region around 400 BC, followed by Roman annexation in the late 1st century BC. Christianization took place during the late Roman period in the 4th and 5th centuries, and the country subsequently witnessed the arrival of numerous Germanic tribes during the Migration Period. In the 20th century, particularly after World War II, Austria experienced waves of immigration, with many individuals and communities settling in the country from neighbouring regions, such as former Yugoslavia and Turkey.
According to statistics, the population of Austria is estimated to be around 9 million people. The official language of Austria is German, as specified in its constitution since 1920. However, Austrian German, which has been standardized in the country's education system and formal contexts, coexists with various dialects, including Bavarian and Alemannic. These dialects, considered Upper German local languages, exhibit varying degrees of mutual intelligibility with each other and non-Austrian German dialects.
Austria's religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with a significant Catholic majority. In 2001, approximately 74% of the population identified as Roman Catholic, while about 5% were Protestants. However, there has been a decline in religious adherence and church attendance across Christian denominations since the second half of the 20th century. Additionally, a growing proportion of the population has declared no religious affiliation, with the share of religiously unaffiliated individuals increasing from 12% in 2001 to 20% by 2015.
The country's geographic features, including its lakes and mountainous regions, have likely influenced human settlement and migration patterns throughout history. Austria's diverse topography, ranging from the majestic mountains of the Austrian Alps to the lowland areas and lakes, has contributed to the country's cultural and demographic diversity.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian men are known for their strong moustaches, often styled in the traditional handlebar shape. Austrian men also have a diverse range of physical characteristics due to the mix of European ethnic groups in the country.
Austrian women are known for their height, with an average of 165 cm (5 feet 5 inches), which is taller than the average woman in other European countries. They also have an athletic build, with an average weight of 63 kg (138 lbs). Austrian women have blonde or light brown hair, with fair skin, and large, expressive eyes.
Austria is located in the Alps, so it is characterised by high Alpine mountain chains. The country also has many lakes and plains, including the Danube Valley and western extensions of the Pannonian Plain in the northern and eastern parts of the country, respectively. About 40% of Austria is covered in forests.
