Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It 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. The country is largely mountainous due to its location in the Alps, with only about a quarter of the country being low-lying. Austria is a member of the European Union and has a well-developed market economy, a skilled labour force, and a high standard of living.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| European Union Membership | Yes, since 1995 |
| Geography | Landlocked, mountainous country in south-central Europe |
| Area | 83,871 km2 or 32,383 sq mi |
| Borders | Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Population | Vienna is the most populous city |
| Elevation | Highest elevation is Grossglockner at 12,460 feet (3,798 meters) |
| Water Bodies | Lake Constance (Bodensee), Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) |
| Rivers | Danube River, Drava River, Enns River, Inn River, Isar River, Lech River, Mur River, Salzach River |
| Mountain Ranges | Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, Southern Limestone Alps |
| Historical Influence | Part of the Roman Empire, Austrian Empire, Austria-Hungary, and Nazi Germany |
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What You'll Learn
Austria is a central European country
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is bordered by several European countries, including 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 a federal republic made up of nine federal states, which are further divided into districts and statutory cities. The capital, Vienna, is unique in that it is both a city and a state. The country is largely mountainous due to its location in the Alps, with the Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps all partially found within its borders. The highest elevation in the country is the Grossglockner, which rises to 12,460 feet (3,798 meters) in the west of the country.
Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the country's physical backbone. The Alpine landscape offers a complex geological and topographical pattern, with majestic mountains and magnificent scenery. The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are particularly known for their high Alpine character. The Alpine landscape also extends to the western part of Kärnten (Carinthia), the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and the state of Steiermark (Styria).
In addition to its Alpine regions, Austria also features lowland areas, such as the area east of Vienna and the northern part of Burgenland, which can be considered a western extension of the Little Alföld (Little Hungarian Plain). Austria is also a land of lakes, many of which were formed during the Pleistocene Epoch. The largest lakes, which lie partially in neighbouring countries, are Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedlersee) in the east.
Austria has a well-developed market economy and a skilled labour force, with close ties to other EU economies, especially Germany's. The country has a long and complex history, having been settled in pre-Roman times by various Celtic tribes and later becoming part of the Roman Empire. In the 20th century, Austria experienced annexation to Germany, occupation by Allied forces during World War II, and the establishment of permanent neutrality in 1955.
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It is landlocked and largely mountainous
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It 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.
Austria is largely mountainous due to its location in the Alps. The Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria. Of the country's total area (83,871 sq km or 32,383 sq mi), only about a quarter can be considered low-lying, and just 32% of the country is below 500 meters (1,640 ft). The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country. They can 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 Alpine landscape offers a complex geologic and topographical pattern, with the highest elevation being Grossglockner, at 12,460 feet (3,798 meters). The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterized 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).
North of the massive Alpine spur lies a hilly subalpine region stretching between the northern Alps and the Danube. This region encompasses the northern portion of the state of Oberösterreich (Upper Austria). To the north of the river is a richly wooded foothill area that includes a portion of the Bohemian Massif, which extends across the Czech border into the state of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria).
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The country is divided into nine federal states
Austria is a federal republic in south-central Europe, consisting of nine federal states, or Austrian German: "Bundesländer". The federal states are further sub-divided into districts ("Bezirke") and statutory cities ("Statutarstädte"). Districts are then sub-divided into municipalities ("Gemeinden"). Statutory Cities have the competencies that would otherwise be granted to both districts and municipalities. Vienna is unique in that it is both a city and a federal state. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation refers to the federal states as provinces.
Austria is a largely mountainous country due to its location in the Alps. The Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria. Of the total area of Austria (83,871 sq km or 32,383 sq mi), only about a quarter can be considered low-lying, and only 32% of the country is below 500 meters (1,640 ft). The Alpine landscape offers a complex geological and topographical pattern, with the highest elevation being Grossglockner, at 3,798 meters (12,460 ft).
The western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterized 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). North of the massive Alpine spur lies a hilly subalpine region, stretching between the northern Alps and the Danube and encompassing the northern portion of the state of Oberösterreich (Upper Austria).
The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country. They can be subdivided into a northern and a southern limestone range, each composed of rugged mountains. These two ranges are separated by a central range with a softer form, composed of crystalline rocks. The country 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.
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Austria is bordered by eight countries
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, with a well-developed market economy and a high standard of living. It is a member of the European Union and is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Austria's landscape is largely mountainous due to its location in the Alps. The country is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria. The highest elevation in the country is the Grossglockner, which rises to a height of 12,460 feet (3,798 meters) in the west of the country.
The country is also home to many lakes, particularly in the central Alpine district, such as the Salzkammergut region. 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. The Danube River, which flows through the country, is an important trade route and has played a significant role in the country's history.
Austria has a rich history, dating back to pre-Roman times when various Celtic tribes settled in the area. In 16 BC, the Celtic Kingdom of Noricum, which included most of modern-day Austria and parts of modern Slovenia, was conquered by the Roman Empire and made into a province called Noricum. In the 20th century, Austria experienced social and economic turbulence, as well as a Nazi dictatorship. After World War II, Austria became an independent and neutral country, and it joined the United Nations in 1955.
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It has a well-developed market economy
Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is a member of the European Union and has a well-developed market economy, with a high standard of living. Austria's economy is dominated by the service or tertiary sector, which constitutes approximately 70% of the gross value added (GVA). The largest service sector employers are in sales, hotel and restaurant services, health, and education. The secondary sector, which includes manufacturing, energy production and supply, and construction, makes up 28% of the GVA. The primary sector, agriculture and forestry, only contributes 1.2% of the GVA.
Austria has a highly efficient social security system, with social expenditure accounting for 29.4% of GDP. The country has a skilled labour force, due in part to its dual system of apprenticeship and vocational education. Austria's economy is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany, which is its largest trading partner. Trade with other EU countries accounts for about 66% of Austrian imports and exports, and the country has attracted foreign investors due to its access to the European Single Market.
Austria has a strong focus on manufacturing and production, with many small and medium-sized businesses that are global market leaders in their industries. These companies, known as "hidden champions," have a high level of specialization in certain fields, such as handguns, railway maintenance vehicles, and unprocessed artificial staple fibers. International tourism is also a significant contributor to the Austrian economy, accounting for around 10% of its GDP.
The Austrian economy has experienced growth in recent years, with a 4.2% increase in GDP in 2021 and a predicted mild recession of -0.8% in 2023 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The country has a well-developed industry, banking, transportation, and commercial facilities. Austria's exports include vehicles and engines, machines and parts, pharmaceuticals, and beverages.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is located in Central Europe.
Austria shares borders with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland.
Austria is a largely mountainous country because of its location in the Alps. The Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, and Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria.
The capital of Austria is Vienna.
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