Leslie Massey
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The Alps form the physical backbone of the country, with the Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps all partly in Austria. The country is divided into nine federated states, including Vienna, which is both the capital and a state in its own right.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Population | 1,867,582 (2017) |
| Federal States | 9 |
| Size | 370 miles (600 km) long, 280 km (170 mi) wide |
| Borders | Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy |
| Geography | The Alps, the Danube River, the Bohemian Massif, the Little Hungarian Plain, lakes, meadows, pastures |
| Climate | Cool/temperate, alpine, continental, oceanic, subarctic/subalpine, tundra/alpine, ice-cap |
| Pollution | 37% of forests damaged by acid rain and/or pollutant emissions by 1991 |
| Economy | Stable, socially progressive |
| Politics | Federal republic, neutral |
| Sports | Football, ice hockey, basketball, American football |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Austria is in Europe, the world's second-smallest continent
Austria is a country in Europe, which is the world's second-smallest continent. Europe is considered a continent with its comparatively large land area of 10,180,000 square kilometres (3,930,000 sq mi). It is home to the largest and smallest nations in the world, Russia and Vatican City, respectively.
Austria is bordered by several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. It is a federal republic consisting of nine federal states, which are further subdivided into districts and statutory cities. The capital of Austria is Vienna, the former seat of the Holy Roman Empire, renowned for its architecture.
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The Alps dominate nearly three-quarters of the country, and the climate is predominantly alpine, with cold winters and relatively high summer temperatures. The Alps also serve as a watershed for Europe's three major weather systems, which influence Austrian weather.
Austria has a rich history, having been part of the multinational empire of Austria-Hungary until its collapse in 1918. It later became a dominant power on the European continent following the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. In the 20th century, Austria experienced social and economic turbulence, including a Nazi dictatorship during World War II. However, the establishment of permanent neutrality in 1955 enabled the country to develop into a stable and socially progressive nation.
Austria has a strong tradition of engaging in UN-led peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, with the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) being renowned for its quick and efficient response capabilities. The country is also known for its flourishing cultural life, particularly in the realm of music.
Charles V's Rule: Spain and Austria's Shared History
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It borders eight countries, including Germany, Italy and Switzerland
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It borders eight countries, including Germany, Italy and Switzerland. To the north, Austria shares a border with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech border is 249 miles long, while the Slovakian border is 65 miles long. The Czech Republic and Slovakia were once part of Czechoslovakia, which gained its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. Austria's border with Germany is the longest, at 497 miles.
To the east, Austria is bordered by Hungary. The border between the two countries is 205 miles long and was once separated by an electric fence during the Cold War. The landscape along this border is mostly flat, as it runs along the Hungarian Plain. To the south, Austria borders Slovenia and Italy. The Slovenian border is 185 miles long, while the Italian border is 251 miles long and includes numerous border passes through the Alps.
To the west, Austria is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Swiss border is 98 miles long, while the border with Liechtenstein is just 21 miles long. The border with Switzerland is divided into two sections by Liechtenstein, with the shorter section stretching through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance and the longer section extending through the Grison Alps. The border between Austria and Switzerland is also the site of the Brenner Pass, one of the principal passes through the Eastern Alpine range.
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The Alps cover nearly three-quarters of the country and influence its climate, which is predominantly alpine but also includes oceanic, cool/warm-humid continental, subarctic/subalpine, tundra/alpine, and ice-cap climate types. The country is also known for its many lakes, which were formed during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Austria's Saint Nicholas Day: Traditions and Celebrations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Alps form the physical backbone of the country
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, sharing borders with eight other countries. It is largely mountainous, with mountains and forests giving the Austrian landscape its character. The Alps form the physical backbone of the country, with nearly three-quarters of the country dominated by the Alpine mountain range.
The Alps are a small segment of a discontinuous mountain chain that stretches from the Atlas Mountains of North Africa across southern Europe and Asia to beyond the Himalayas. The Alps extend north from the subtropical Mediterranean coast near Nice in France, to Lake Geneva, before trending east-northeast to Vienna. They form part of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania. However, only Switzerland and Austria can be considered true Alpine countries. The Alps cover more than 80,000 square miles (207,000 square kilometres) and are the most prominent of western Europe's physiographic regions.
The Austrian Alps may be subdivided into a northern and a southern limestone range, each composed of rugged mountains. These two ranges are separated by a central range that is softer in form and outline and composed of crystalline rocks. The highest elevation in the Austrian Alps is the Grossglockner, which rises to a height of 12,460 feet (3,798 meters). The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterised by the majestic mountains and magnificent scenery of the high Alps. This high Alpine character also extends to the western part of the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), to the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and to the Alpine blocks of the state of Steiermark (Styria).
The Alps serve as a watershed for Europe's three major kinds of weather systems that influence Austrian weather. The Atlantic maritime climate from the northwest is characterised by low-pressure fronts, mild air from the Gulf Stream, and precipitation. The continental climate is characterised by low-pressure fronts with precipitation in summer and high-pressure systems with cold and dry air in winter. Mediterranean high-pressure systems from the south are characterised by few clouds and warm air. They influence the weather of the southern slopes of the Alps and that of the Southeastern Alpine Foreland, making them the most temperate part of Austria.
The Alps have a strong cultural identity, with traditional practices such as farming, cheesemaking, and woodworking still thriving in Alpine villages. The Alpine region has also seen the development of industries based on indigenous raw materials, such as iron ore deposits in southern Austria. Additionally, the Alps are a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually, particularly for Alpine skiing.
Austria and Austrian Hymn: Same Hymntune?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The country experiences a cool/temperate climate
Austria is a small country in Central Europe, sharing borders with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The country experiences a cool/temperate climate, with nearly three-quarters of its land dominated by the Alps. The Alps act as a watershed for Europe's three major weather systems, which influence Austrian weather. These weather systems are: the Atlantic maritime climate, the continental climate, and the Mediterranean high-pressure system.
The Atlantic maritime climate, originating in the northwest, is characterised by low-pressure fronts, mild air from the Gulf Stream, and precipitation. This climate type has the greatest influence on the northern slopes of the Alps, the Northern Alpine Foreland, and the Danube Valley. The continental climate, on the other hand, is marked by low-pressure fronts with summer precipitation and high-pressure systems with cold, dry air in winter. It predominantly affects eastern Austria, including the Pannonian Plain and along the Danube Valley.
The Mediterranean high-pressure system brings warm air from the Sahara, influencing the weather on the southern slopes of the Alps and the Southeastern Alpine Foreland. This region is the most temperate part of Austria. The Mediterranean weather pattern is characterised by the föhn wind, which can periodically raise temperatures. While the Atlantic and continental weather systems bring snow and help maintain it, the Mediterranean system often delays the start of the ski season with its warm temperatures.
The prevailing wind in Austria is from the west, making the west the most humid region, with the humidity decreasing towards the east. The western regions of Austria, influenced by the Atlantic climate, receive approximately 40 inches (1,000 mm) of rainfall annually. In contrast, the eastern regions experience a more continental climate with less precipitation. The lowlands and hilly eastern regions have a median temperature range of about 30°F (−1°C) in January to 68°F (20°C) in July. At altitudes above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), the temperature range is significantly cooler, with January temperatures averaging 12°F (−11°C) and July temperatures averaging 36°F (2°C).
Austria Visa D: Processing Time and What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Continents of the World Maps (folded with flags and facts) [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Reference Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+PctOrZfL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The capital, Vienna, is known for its impressive architecture
Austria is a small country in central Europe, landlocked by its neighbouring countries: Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Liechtenstein. The capital, Vienna, is known for its impressive architecture, from the haunting Gothic churches to Baroque palaces and postmodern extravagance.
The city's architecture reflects its rich history and vibrant culture, with a diverse blend of old and new styles. Vienna's city centre, District 1, is known for its Gothic churches and Baroque winter palaces. The Ringstraße, a spectacular boulevard separating downtown from the outer districts, showcases the historicist architecture of the 19th century. The buildings along this boulevard, including the neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and neo-Baroque styles, are considered by many to be the crown jewel of Vienna.
One of Vienna's most impressive Baroque palaces is the Trautson Palace, commissioned by John Leopold Donat of Trautson, a close advisor to the Habsburg Emperors Joseph I and Charles VI. The side of the building facing the city centre features an elaborate wrought iron portal and a tympanon adorned with stucco figures of Greek gods. Another notable Baroque church is Karlskirche (St Charles's Church), named after the sixth emperor of this name, who vowed to build the church in gratitude for ending the plague of 1713. The church features impressive columns modelled on Trajan's Column in Rome.
Vienna also boasts impressive postmodern architecture, such as the Gasometer, a shopping centre with impressive industrial architecture. St. Rupert's Church, Vienna's oldest church, dates back to the Middle Ages and features well-preserved Romanesque architecture. The Stephansdom, or St. Stephen's Cathedral, is another iconic cathedral in Vienna, originally built in the 12th century outside the city walls. This finely detailed and decorative cathedral is a symbol of Austrian identity and a popular destination for millions of visitors each year.
The Vienna State Opera House, or Staatsoper, is renowned for its Baroque grandeur and lavish stage productions, having hosted ballets and operas by greats like Mozart and Wagner. The Hofburg, the official headquarters of the Habsburg Empire from 1273 to 1918, is another splendid example of Vienna's architectural heritage. The Swiss Courtyard, the oldest section of the Hofburg, dates back to the 13th century, while the complex also includes the 18th-century Chancery Wing.
Book Your Austrian Ski Holiday: Best Time and Place
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Austria is a landlocked country in South-Central Europe.
Austria is located in Europe.
Austria shares its borders with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy.
Austria is a mountainous country, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The landscape is also characterised by forests, rivers, and lakes.
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
