Austria Facts

Austria, State of Central Europe; 83,856 km², 8.8 million residents (2019). Austria borders in the north to Germany and the Czech Republic, in the east to Slovakia and Hungary, in the south to Slovenia and Italy and in the west to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The capital is Vienna (1.8 million residents, 2014).

Country facts

• Republic of Austria / Republic of Austria
• Country abbreviation: AT (A)
• Area: 83 856 km²
• Population (2019): 8.8 million residents
• Capital: Vienna
• Main language: German
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Alexander Van der Bellen
• Head of Government: Brigitte Bierlein
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 51,513
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 49,260
• Currency unit: euro
• Country number (telephony): 43
• Currency code: EUR
• Internet Domain Name: at
• Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
• National Day: October 26 (Neutrality Day, 1955)

Nature

• Land use: forest (47%), agricultural land (38%), other (15%)
• Highest mountain: Grossglockner (3,797 m asl)

Population

• Population density (2019): 105 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 0.1%; birth rate 10 ‰, death rate 9 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (14%), 15-64 (67%), 65- (19%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 79 years, women 84 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 3 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 10 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.908 (place 20 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 58%
• Most populous cities (2014): Vienna (1.8 million residents), Graz (270,000), Linz (193,800)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (1%), industry (28%), service (71%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 156,700 million
• Main export products: machinery, vehicles, paper
• Main exporting countries: Germany, USA, Italy
• Imports (2017): US $ 158 100 million
• Main import products: machines, cars, chemicals
• Main importing countries: Germany, Italy, Switzerland
• Railway network (2017): 5,800 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries: Germany to the north, Czech Republic to the north-east, Slovakia to the east, Hungary to the south-east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the south-west, Switzerland to the west, and Liechtenstein to the west. Its geographical position places it at the heart of Europe, offering access to diverse landscapes, from the towering Alps in the west to the rolling plains and fertile valleys of the Danube River basin in the east. The country is located at a latitude and longitude of approximately 47.5°N and 13.5°E, giving it a temperate climate with influences from both the Mediterranean and the northern European regions.

Topography and Natural Features

Austria is renowned for its varied topography. The western part of the country is dominated by the Austrian Alps, which form a natural barrier along the borders with Switzerland and Germany. These mountains are a major feature of the country’s landscape and contribute to its high altitude regions, including the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak at 3,798 meters. The Danube River, which flows eastward through the country, is another significant natural feature, shaping the land and influencing settlement patterns. The eastern part of Austria consists of the Pannonian Plain, a lowland area that stretches across the country towards Hungary. Austria is also home to several lakes, including the Neusiedler See, one of Central Europe’s largest steppe lakes.

Climate

Alpine and Continental Influences

Austria’s climate is influenced by both alpine and continental weather patterns. The country’s geography causes significant climatic variations, with regions at higher altitudes experiencing a much cooler climate compared to the lowland areas. In the Alps, temperatures drop considerably with increasing altitude, leading to long, cold winters and cooler summers. The valleys and plains, particularly in the east, experience a more continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters.

Seasonal Variation

Winter in Austria, particularly in the Alpine regions, is cold with substantial snowfall, making it an ideal destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. In contrast, the summer months can be quite warm, with temperatures in the lowlands rising above 30°C. The Danube River valley and surrounding areas often experience heat waves during the summer, while the higher altitudes remain cooler. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with rain showers common in the spring and autumn months. The country’s climate supports a diverse range of ecosystems, including dense forests in the alpine regions, vineyards in the lower valleys, and fertile agricultural land in the east.

People

Population

Austria has a population of approximately 9 million people, with the majority of its inhabitants concentrated in the eastern part of the country, particularly around the capital, Vienna. The population density is highest in the eastern lowlands, while the western and alpine areas are more sparsely populated due to the challenging terrain. The capital city, Vienna, is not only the largest city in Austria but also one of the most populous cities in the German-speaking world. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country.

Languages

The official language of Austria is German, specifically the Austrian variant of German, which has distinct vocabulary, pronunciations, and expressions. In addition to German, many Austrians speak English, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. Other minority languages spoken in Austria include Hungarian, Slovenian, and Croatian, reflecting the country’s history of multi-ethnic influences. These languages are most commonly spoken in regions near the borders with Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Ethnic Composition

Austria’s population is ethnically diverse, though the majority is of Austrian or German descent. The population includes small groups of ethnic Hungarians, Slovenes, Croats, and Turks, especially in urban areas. Over the years, Austria has also become a destination for immigrants, and as a result, there are growing communities of people from various countries, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iraq. This multiculturalism has enriched the nation’s cultural life, adding to its diversity in cuisine, music, and traditions.

Economy

Overview

Austria has a highly developed social market economy and is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is characterized by a high standard of living, a strong industrial base, and a well-developed service sector. Austria has a mixed economy, with both private and public sector involvement in various industries. It benefits from a strong export-oriented economy, with trade being a significant part of its financial system. Austria’s economy is closely integrated with the European Union, where it is a member state.

Industry and Agriculture

Austria’s industrial sector is diverse, including manufacturing, construction, and energy production. The country is known for its precision engineering and high-tech industries, such as the production of machinery, electronics, and automobiles. Companies like BMW, Siemens, and Red Bull have Austrian origins, contributing to the country’s global presence. The agricultural sector, though small in comparison to other industries, is significant in certain regions. Austria is famous for its wine production, particularly in the wine-growing regions around Vienna and the Danube River. Dairy products, meats, and cereals are also key agricultural products, with farms in the alpine areas often producing cheese and other regional specialties.

Services and Tourism

The services sector is a major component of Austria’s economy, with a strong focus on banking, insurance, and tourism. Vienna, as a financial and cultural center, attracts a significant number of foreign investments. Austria’s tourism industry is highly lucrative, driven by its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural offerings. The country is a popular destination for tourists seeking winter sports, as well as those interested in its classical music heritage, including the works of composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. Cultural tourism, especially in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, remains a vital contributor to Austria’s economic prosperity.

Trade and Energy

Austria is a key player in international trade, with the European Union as its primary trading partner. The country is a major exporter of machinery, automobiles, chemicals, and consumer goods. Energy resources are mostly imported, as Austria has limited domestic energy production. However, the country has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly through hydropower and wind energy, making sustainability an important part of its economic future.

Government

Political System

Austria is a federal republic with a parliamentary system of government. It operates under a framework set by the 1929 Federal Constitutional Law, which defines the roles of the federal and state governments. The country has nine states, each with its own legislature and government. The capital, Vienna, serves as both the national and regional seat of government. Austria’s political structure is based on a separation of powers, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The federal president, elected every six years, holds a largely ceremonial role, while executive power is vested in the chancellor, who is appointed by the president but needs the approval of the National Council (the lower house of parliament).

Federal and State Relations

The federal system ensures that Austria’s regions (Bundesländer) have a degree of autonomy, particularly in matters relating to education, law enforcement, and local government. However, the federal government retains control over defense, foreign affairs, and the national economy. Austria has a highly developed legal system based on civil law traditions, and its courts play an important role in maintaining constitutional balance.

European Union Membership

Austria became a member of the European Union in 1995. Its membership has integrated the country more deeply into the European political, economic, and legal systems. This alignment has led to Austria benefiting from the EU’s trade agreements, open borders, and its participation in EU decision-making processes. Additionally, Austria plays an active role in international diplomacy, particularly through its permanent neutrality and support of international organizations like the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Culture

Arts and Music

Austria has a rich cultural heritage that has significantly influenced Western art, music, and philosophy. Vienna, in particular, is a historic center of classical music and has been home to some of the world’s greatest composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Schubert. The country’s opera houses, such as the Vienna State Opera, and concert halls host world-class performances year-round. Austria is also famous for its contributions to the visual arts, including the work of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, who were part of the early 20th-century art movement known as Expressionism.

Cuisine and Traditions

Austrian cuisine is characterized by its hearty dishes, often featuring meat, potatoes, and pastries. Some of the most iconic Austrian foods include Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. Austrian wine, particularly from regions like the Wachau Valley, is internationally recognized. The country’s cultural traditions reflect its multi-ethnic history, with festivals, folk music, and dancing being an important part of regional life.

Literature and Philosophy

Austria has produced numerous prominent writers and philosophers, including Franz Kafka, Stefan Zweig, and the existentialist philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The intellectual climate of Vienna, particularly during the early 20th century, fostered the development of ideas that had a lasting influence on philosophy, psychoanalysis, and literature. The city’s coffeehouse culture played a pivotal role in the exchange of ideas and remains a symbol of Austrian intellectual life today.

History

Early History

Austria’s history dates back to the Roman Empire when it was part of the province of Noricum. The region’s strategic position made it an important crossroads for trade and military conquest. Over the centuries, Austria became a center of European power through the rise of the Habsburg dynasty. The Habsburgs ruled vast territories in Europe for centuries, with their empire encompassing much of central and eastern Europe. This period was marked by the spread of Roman Catholicism, military conflict, and significant cultural and artistic achievements.

The Habsburg Empire and World Wars

In the 19th century, the Austro-Hungarian Empire emerged as a major European power under the Habsburgs, controlling a vast multi-ethnic region. The empire’s eventual collapse after World War I led to the establishment of the First Austrian Republic. Austria’s interwar period was marked by political instability, the rise of Nazi influence, and its annexation by Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss. Following the end of World War II, Austria was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, Soviet Union, Britain, and France.

Post-War Austria

Austria regained its independence in 1955 with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty, leading to its permanent neutrality. In the decades following the war, Austria rebuilt its economy, becoming one of Europe’s most prosperous nations. Today, Austria is a peaceful, democratic nation that has learned from its past and continues to play an important role in the European and international community.

Austria Map