Leslie Massey
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the southwest, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, and Germany to the northwest. Austria is strategically located at the crossroads of central Europe, and its landscape is characterised by mountains and forests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | South-Central Europe |
| Hemisphere | Northern and Eastern |
| Landlocked | Yes |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Population | 8,759,187 (2019) |
| Population Rank | 96th most populous country |
| Area | 360 miles (580 km) from east to west |
| Neighbours | 8 countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany |
| Geography | Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers |
| Mountain Ranges | Alps, Bavarian, Carnic, Otztaler, Tauern |
| Highest Point | 12,460 ft. (3,798 m) |
| Lowest Point | 115.45 m (378.8 ft) |
| Major Rivers | Danube, Drau, Enns, Inn, Mur, Raab, Traun |
| Major Lakes | Lake Constance (Bodensee), Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedlersee) |
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What You'll Learn
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Alps extending into the country from Switzerland and covering around 70% of its landmass. The tallest peaks are in the central Tauern Range, which slopes into the Danube River Valley and the eastern lowlands, from Vienna south to the border with Slovenia. The Danube is the most significant river in the country and the second-longest river in Europe, and it is a vital waterway for commerce. Dozens of lakes are scattered amidst the mountain ranges, especially in the south and to the immediate east of Salzburg. The largest lakes are Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east, which straddles the border with Hungary.
Austria's geographic position has contributed to its prominence, as it lies at the centre of European traffic between east and west along the 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. Vienna, the capital, is the administrative, cultural, and economic centre of the country. It is renowned for its architecture and history as the former seat of the Holy Roman Empire.
Austria's population as of 2019 is approximately 8,759,187 people, making it the 96th most populous country in the world. The country is divided into nine federated states (Bundeslander): Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna, and Vorarlberg. These states are further subdivided into a total of 94 districts, including 79 district commissions and 15 statutory cities.
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It is bordered by eight countries
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight other countries. To the north, Austria is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany. The Germany-Austria border is the longest for both countries, at 497 miles long. The boundary runs from east to west, with the eastern end at the point where the two countries meet with the Czech Republic near Schwarzenberg-am-Bohmerwald. The Bohemian Massif extends across the Czech border into Lower Austria.
To the northeast, Austria shares a 185-mile border with Slovakia, with the River Morava forming a large part of this boundary. In the east, Hungary borders Austria, with the two countries separated by an electric border fence from the end of World War II until 1989. The Austria-Hungary border is about 205 miles long.
To the south, Austria is bordered by Slovenia and Italy. The Austria-Italy boundary is about 251 miles long, with one of the border passes at Birnlucke, situated between the Zillertal Alp and the Venediger Group. In the southwest, Austria shares a border with Switzerland, a non-European Union member state. The Austria-Switzerland boundary is 98 miles long and is divided by Liechtenstein, a double-landlocked state surrounded by two countries. The longest stretch of the Austria-Switzerland border extends through the Grison Alps.
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Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests
Austria is a small country located in central Europe, nestled between eight other countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps stretching across its western and central parts. The Alps are not only majestic and awe-inspiring but also inhabited, with towns and villages nestled within their towering peaks, wide meadows, and deep lakes.
The Austrian Alps have been home to humans for thousands of years, and the Alpine way of life is deeply ingrained in the country's culture. The mountains have fostered a strong tradition of mountaineering and winter sports, and the many rivers and lakes provide transportation routes and scenic attractions. The clear lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are known for their beauty and excellent water quality, with 88% of Austria's bathing lakes rated as "excellent".
The Eastern Alps, in particular, offer a unique landscape with their limestone formations, caves, gorges, and karst topography. They provide a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, and canyoning. The Central Uplands, located in the northeastern part of the country, are characterised by rolling hills, plateaus, and fertile valleys, which are ideal for agriculture and forestry. This region is an important hub for timber production and also serves as a recreational area for hiking and wildlife observation.
Austria's landscape is not just mountains and forests; it also boasts rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards. The Pannonian plain stretches out in the east, and the foothills of the Alps in the north and south are dotted with settlements that blend tradition and nature harmoniously. The country's westernmost province is a paradise of glaciers, lakes, and Alpine meadows, while Styria, known as the "Green Heart of Austria," offers a diverse range of natural beauty, including meadows, forests, vineyards, and even glaciers.
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The country is divided into nine federated states
Austria is a federal republic divided into nine federated states, also known as "Bundeslander". Each state has its own elected legislature, the federal state parliament, and a federal state government (Landesregierung) led by a governor (Landeshauptmann or Landeshauptfrau). The states are further divided into districts called "Bezirke" and statutory cities.
The nine states are:
- Vienna: Vienna is both a city and a state, and it is the smallest state by area, covering approximately 160.1 square miles. However, it is the largest city/state with a population of about 1.9 million people and is the heart of Austria's only metropolitan area.
- Lower Austria: This is the country's largest state by area, covering 7,408 square miles, and the second-largest in population with approximately 1.6 million people. It is named for its location on the Enns River and is known for its scenic landscapes and charming folk traditions.
- Upper Austria: Upper Austria is the third most populous state with about 1.4 million people and the fourth-largest by area, covering about 4,626 square miles. It shares international borders with the Czech Republic and Germany.
- Burgenland: Burgenland is the "youngest" of Austria's federal states, located on the border with Hungary. It is predominantly German-speaking and was ceded to Austria by the Kingdom of Hungary after World War I.
- Tyrol: Tyrol is the third-largest state by land area, covering approximately 4,897 square miles, and the fifth-largest by population with about 750,000 people. It is known for its scenic landscapes and is separated into two sections, with North Tyrol being the larger territory.
- Styria: Styria, or Styria, is the second-largest state by area, covering about 6,332 square miles, and has a population of approximately 1.2 million people. It is located in Southeast Austria and shares an international border with Slovenia.
- Carinthia: Carinthia is an alpine federal state, although less so than Tyrol and Styria. It is located in the south of Austria and is known for its lakes and mountain landscapes.
- Vorarlberg: Vorarlberg is a small, wealthy, and culturally distinct alpine federal state in Western Austria. It is known for its isolated location and Alemannic culture.
- Salzburg: Salzburg is a historic state and the birthplace of world-renowned composers like Mozart. It is known for its cultural landmarks and scenic beauty.
Each state has representatives in the main Austrian parliament and can pass laws within the limits of the constitution. While the states have limited legislative powers, they retain authority over specific areas like planning and zoning codes, nature protection, hunting, fishing, farming, youth protection, certain public health and welfare issues, and the right to levy certain taxes.
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Austria is at the crossroads of central Europe
Austria is a landlocked country in South-Central Europe. It is strategically located at the crossroads of central Europe, at the centre of European traffic between east and west, and between north and south. This positioning has contributed to Austria's prominence, embedding the country within a variety of political and economic systems.
Austria is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the southwest, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, and Germany to the northwest. The country extends roughly 360 miles (580 km) from east to west. Mountains and forests characterise the Austrian landscape, with the Alps extending into the country from Switzerland and covering 70% of the land. The tallest peaks are in the central Tauern Range, which slopes into the Danube River Valley and the eastern lowlands, from Vienna to the Slovenian border.
The Danube is the most significant river in the country and the second-longest river in Europe, providing a vital waterway for commerce. The river also serves as a watershed between the Black Sea and the North Sea, with the western watershed between the Danube and the river systems emptying into the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coinciding with the western political boundary of Austria. The largest lakes, which lie partly in the territory of neighbouring countries, are Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east.
Austria's geographic location has historically made it a centre of trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its rich history and diverse landscape. The country's central position in Europe has influenced its development and engagement with neighbouring nations, shaping its social, economic, and political institutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe.
Austria is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the southwest, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, and Germany to the northwest.
The capital of Austria is Vienna, which is located in the northeastern part of the country.
As of 2019, the population of Austria was approximately 8,759,187 people.
