Lexi Webster
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a rich history and culture. The country has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic period and has seen influences from various civilisations, including the Celts, Romans, and Germanic tribes. Austria boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from the majestic Austrian Alps to the picturesque Danube River and the vast plains. It is known for its high quality of life, stable democracy, and strong economy, ranking fifth in the European Union in terms of GDP per capita. With its innovative spirit, well-developed infrastructure, and natural beauty, Austria continues to be a significant player in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official name | Republic of Austria |
| Native name | Österreich |
| Official language | Austrian German |
| Other languages spoken | Burgenland Croatian, Romani, Slovak, Slovenian, Czech, Hungarian, Alemannic |
| Population | 8.9 million (2022) |
| Population density | 109 people per square km (2020) |
| Total fertility rate | 2.1 and above is a stable population, 2 and below leads to an aging population |
| Foreign-born population | 19% (2018) |
| Religious affiliations | Christianity (68.2%), Islam (8.3%), Orthodox Christianity (4.9%), Judaism (0.2%) |
| Ethnic groups | Austrian (81%), Turkish (3%), other (16%) |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's neighbours
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by several countries that have influenced its history and culture. To the north, Austria shares a border with Germany and the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic and Germany have had a significant impact on Austria's foreign policy, with longstanding historical links, common borders, and intense economic interrelations. The Czech Republic is also part of the "Central Five," an ad hoc format of regional cooperation between Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Moving northeast, Austria borders Slovakia, which is also part of the "Central Five." Like its other neighbours, Slovakia shares historical and cultural ties with Austria, and their close proximity has fostered economic interdependence. To the east, Austria is bordered by Hungary, which is included in Austria's regional priorities in foreign policy. The two countries share geographical similarities, especially in the Alpine and Danube regions, and have close cultural exchanges.
To the south, Austria is bordered by Slovenia and Italy. Austria has a protective function over the Austrian and Ladin minorities in South Tyrol, Italy, as mandated by the Paris Agreement of 1946 and the South Tyrol Package of 1969. This region holds historical significance as it belonged to Austria for centuries before being ceded to Italy after World War I. Austria also shares a border with Switzerland to the southwest, which is a member of the European Union (EU) with comprehensive agreements governing its relations.
Finally, to the west and northwest, Austria is bordered by Liechtenstein and Switzerland, respectively. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), and both countries have regular meetings with Austria at the level of heads of state, ministers, and other officials. Austria's relations with its neighbours are a key aspect of its foreign policy, and the country prioritises cooperation and cultural exchange within the framework of European integration.
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Austrian history
The history of Austria is a rich tapestry that dates back to ancient times. The region has been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age), with the first traces of human settlement found in the Austrian territories dating back to the Neolithic Period (New Stone Age). The most notable discovery from this era is the well-preserved mummy known as "Iceman" or "Ötzi", who was discovered in the Ötztal Alps on the Italian-Austrian border and is estimated to be over 5,000 years old.
During the late Iron Age, around 800 BC, Austria was occupied by the Hallstatt Celtic culture, which established the kingdom of Noricum. This kingdom flourished until 400 BC when the lands south of the Danube became part of the Roman Empire during the Migration Period in the 6th century. The region was then occupied by the Bavarii, a Germanic people, until it fell under the rule of the Frankish Empire in the 9th century. The name "Ostarrîchi", which would later evolve into "Austria", was first used in 996 AD when it was a margravate of the Duchy of Bavaria.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the political landscape of Austria was marked by the establishment and consolidation of territories under the Babenbergs. Leopold III, who ruled from 1095 to 1136, played a crucial role in this process by carefully navigating the power struggle between the emperor and the pope. The House of Habsburg rose to prominence from 1273, using strategic marital policies to expand its territory. They ruled, along with the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, until 1918.
The 16th and 17th centuries were marked by conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. Despite successfully defending Vienna against the Turks, Austria lost most of Silesia to the Prussians in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). This conflict resulted in the loss of one of Austria's richest and most industrialised provinces. However, under the rule of Empress Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II in the second half of the 18th century, Austria introduced sweeping reforms that laid the foundation for a modern administrative government.
The French Revolution in 1789 and the rise of Napoleon posed a significant threat to the Habsburgs. During the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815, Austrian Chancellor Metternich attempted to reconsolidate Austrian power. In the 19th century, Austria formed a dual monarchy with Hungary, creating the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, this empire collapsed after World War I, leading to the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1919. During the interwar period, Austrofascism emerged to keep Austria independent from the German Reich, but the country was eventually annexed into Nazi Germany in 1938.
After World War II, Austria regained its sovereignty and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955. The country became a member of the United Nations and played a crucial role as a nerve centre between the West and the East during the Cold War. In 1995, Austria joined the European Union and continues to be an active member of the international community.
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Austrian economy
Austria's economy is dominated by the service or tertiary sector, which includes sales, hotel and restaurant services, and health and education. In 2020, the tertiary sector constituted approximately 70% of the gross value added (GVA). This shift towards services has been dramatic in recent decades, with the production and agriculture sectors shrinking in comparison. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Austrian economy, making up 99.6% of all companies in the country and employing over 2 million people.
Austria has a highly developed industry, and international tourism is a crucial part of its economy. The country's position as a transit hub for European energy supplies, including petroleum, natural gas, and electricity, is also significant. Additionally, Austria has a high level of specialization in certain areas, such as handguns, railway maintenance vehicles, and unprocessed artificial staple fibers.
Vienna, the capital city, is particularly notable for its economic strength within Europe. It was ranked the fifth richest NUTS-2 region on the continent, with a GDP per capita of €38,632. However, Austria's economy has faced challenges, including periods of high inflation and recession. In 2024, the country is projected to experience its second consecutive year of recession, with declining investment, lower exports, and weak private consumption. The unemployment rate is expected to increase from 5.1% in 2023 to 5.3% in 2024.
Austria's membership in the European Union (EU) has brought both benefits and challenges. It has reduced Austria's economic dependence on Germany, its traditional main trading partner, and attracted foreign investors interested in accessing the European Single Market. As a member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), Austria's economy is closely integrated with other EU countries, particularly within the Eurozone.
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Austrian culture
Austria has a rich history that has influenced its culture, including its time as part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg monarchy, the Austrian Empire, and later Austria-Hungary. This multinational state has left its mark on the country's culture, with a diverse linguistic landscape and the presence of autochthonous minorities speaking Hungarian, Slovene, Burgenland Croatian, Czech, Slovak, and Romani. Austrian German, the dominant language, has also been influenced by these languages, with certain words borrowed from them.
Austria is known for its strong coffee culture, with Vienna, its capital, boasting fifty different cemeteries, of which the Zentralfriedhof is the most famous. Vienna, also known as the "City of Music", has been a cultural centre for music, art, and philosophy, with composers like Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven spending significant time in the city. The country's dance and music scene is known for its classical heritage, with legendary composers and various dance styles, including the Waltz.
In terms of social behaviour, Austrians are known for their direct communication style, valuing honesty and clarity. They are also described as open-hearted but cautious when dealing with unfamiliar things. Punctuality, orderliness, and thoroughness are important, along with a well-maintained appearance and a love for rich food and drink.
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Austrian geography
Austria is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. Approximately 60% of Austrian territory is mountainous, belonging to the Eastern Alps. The highest mountain in Austria is Grossglockner, at 3,798 metres above sea level.
Austria's geographic position has made it a crossroads for trade routes between major European economic and cultural areas. The country extends roughly 360 miles (580 kilometres) from east to west. The Danube River, the longest river in Austria, flows through the country from west to east, winding between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia in the northeastern part of the country. The Granite and Gneiss Plateau, part of the Bohemian Massif, is geologically the oldest part of Austria.
The climate in Austria varies across the country. The west and north experience a predominantly Central European, maritime climate with damp westerly winds, while the northeast and east have a drier, continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters.
The area that is now Austria has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of settlement dating back to pre-Roman times. Various Celtic tribes inhabited the region around 400 BC, and it was later annexed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. The Celtic Kingdom of Noricum, which encompassed most of modern-day Austria and parts of Slovenia, was conquered by the Roman Empire in 16 BC and made into a province called Noricum, which lasted until 476 AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was invaded by various groups, including the Germanic Rugii, Odoacer's Kingdom of Italy, the Germanic Ostrogoths, the Alemanni, Baiuvarii, Slavs, and Avars.
In the late 8th century, Charlemagne, King of the Franks, conquered the area, encouraged colonisation, and introduced Christianity. Over time, Austria emerged as a unified state, first as a frontier march of the Holy Roman Empire, then as a Duchy in 1156, and finally as an Archduchy in 1453. As the heartland of the Habsburg monarchy, Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe for centuries. Vienna, the capital of Austria, served as the administrative capital of the Holy Roman Empire from the 16th century until the dissolution of the empire in 1804.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is bordered to the north by the Czech Republic, to the northeast by Slovakia, to the east by Hungary, to the south by Slovenia, to the southwest by Italy, to the west by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and to the northwest by Germany.
In 2019, Vienna was ranked as the city with the world's highest quality of life for the tenth time in a row by the consulting agency Mercer. The quality of life is generally very high in Austria, with a stable democracy and a social market economy.
The native name for Austria is Österreich, which derives from the Old High German Ostarrîchi, meaning "eastern realm".
