Overview of Austria

Profile

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, where over 60% of the territory is occupied by the Alps, making it a mountainous nation. Historically the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, it served as a center of culture and politics, and today Vienna and other cities retain rich historical architecture and musical-artistic traditions. As an EU and Schengen Area member and part of the eurozone, it is economically stable. It has a high renewable energy ratio, including hydropower, and is known as an environmentally advanced nation. Declaring permanent neutrality, it hosts numerous international organizations like the UN and OSCE, playing a crucial role as an international conference city.

Official name: Republic of Austria
Common name: Austria
Numeric code: 040
Alpha-3 code: AUT
Alpha-2 code: AT
Population: Approximately 9.1 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 109 people/km²
Primary languages: German
Major religions: Roman Catholic
National anthem: Land der Berge, Land am Strome (Land of Mountains, Land on the River)
Calling code: +43
Internet TLD: .at

History

From Habsburg great power to post-World War I downsizing, Nazi German annexation and division occupation, independence was restored in 1955.

Originating from the Ostmark established in 976, it was ruled by the Babenberg family in medieval times, later by the Habsburgs. Inheriting the Holy Roman Emperor title, it became one of Europe's great powers as the Austrian Empire, then the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy. After World War I defeat, the empire dissolved and territory shrank to the current nine states. In 1938, it was annexed by Nazi Germany (Anschluss), but after World War II was placed under British, French, American, and Soviet division control. In 1955, achieving complete independence through the State Treaty and declaring permanent neutrality. After 1995 EU accession, it continues to develop as a gateway for economic and cultural exchange with Central and Eastern Europe.

Geography & climate

60% of territory occupied by Alps, with Danube River traversing from center to east. Diverse terrain of high mountains, hills, lakes, and vineyards.

Mix of temperate humid and mountain climates

Area: Europe / 83879 km²
Capital: Vienna
Largest city: Vienna
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Constance, Lake Neusiedl, Attersee
Bordering countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Natural resources

Hydropower resources, Timber, Iron ore, Magnesite, Talc, Lignite, Limestone, Oil (small scale), Natural gas, Tourism resources

Politics

Government: Federal republic, parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 458.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 680.0 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: German

Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Austrian Germans, Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Slovenian, Hungarian, Roma, Czech

Life expectancy

81.4 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Alpine skiing, Soccer, Ski jumping, Biathlon, Ice hockey, Snowboarding