Austria

Austria
Type	Country
Key terms	geography & climate; demographics & society; economy, governance, history, culture, environment
Related	European Union; Central Europe; German language
Examples	Vienna; Alps; Danube
Domain	Countries
Wikidata	Q40

Austria is a landlocked Alpine country in Central Europe with about 9 million people. It covers roughly 84,000 square kilometers (32,000 square miles) and is bordered by eight nations (Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). Its capital and largest city is Vienna, a historic cultural and political center. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic (established by a 1920 constitution) made up of nine states, and has been a member of the European Union since 1995. The country is one of the world’s most prosperous and stable, with a highly developed economy and high living standards. It is renowned for its mountainous landscapes (the Alps cover about 60% of the country), its cultural heritage (for example in music and the arts), and its role as a neutral “core” of Europe.

Geography and Climate

Austria lies entirely within the Alps and the adjacent Alpine Forelands. Most of western and southern Austria is dominated by high mountains – the Eastern Alps – including peaks like the Großglockner (3,798 m), Austria’s highest. To the north and east are lower hills and plains, notably the Danube Valley and the Vienna Basin. Rivers are important features: the Danube (Europe’s second-longest river) crosses northern Austria from west to east (flowing through Linz and Vienna) before continuing into Hungary. Other major tributaries include the Inn, Enns, Drava and Mur rivers. The country also has many valleys, forests (nearly half the land area is wooded), and alpine lakes.

The Alps give Austria a rugged profile, but the highest population densities are in the flatter eastern lowlands (around Vienna and the Danube) and in some Alpine basins (e.g. the Graz Basin). Only about two-thirds of Austrians live in cities or towns; almost 60% of the population is urban. About 20% live in the city of Vienna itself (around 1.9 million in 2023). Other major cities are Graz (Styria), Linz (Upper Austria), Salzburg, Innsbruck (Tyrol) and Klagenfurt (Carinthia).

Austria’s climate is temperate but varies sharply with altitude and location. The north and west (e.g. Salzburg, Tyrol) have a wetter, more oceanic climate (moderate winters, mild summers, regular rainfall). By contrast, the eastern lowlands (around Vienna, Burgenland) have a more continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters. In the Alps, cold snowy winters and cool summers prevail at high altitude. Precipitation is abundant in the mountains (supporting ski resorts), while eastern valleys are relatively drier. Seasonal extremes are moderate: summer temperatures typically reach 25–30 °C in the lowlands, while winter lows can drop well below freezing, especially in high mountain areas where heavy snowfall is common.

History

The territory of modern Austria has been settled and ruled by many civilizations. In antiquity it was part of the Roman province of Noricum. In the early Middle Ages (8th–12th centuries) it was part of the Frankish and then Holy Roman Empires. From the 13th century onward it became the core of the Habsburg realms. The Habsburgs – a powerful dynasty – gradually expanded their domains. In 1804 the Habsburg emperor Franz I founded the hereditary Austrian Empire. In 1867 Austria became one half of the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary, which was one of Europe’s great powers through World War I. Vienna, the imperial capital, was a major cultural and intellectual center in this era.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed at the end of World War I (1918). The German-speaking core of the empire became the First Austrian Republic (proclaimed October 1918). It adopted a democratic constitution in 1920, establishing a republic. This period, however, was marked by economic hardship and political strife. In 1933–1934 a quasi-dictatorial Austrofascist regime took power (ending parliamentary democracy), and in 1938 Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany (“Anschluss”), losing its independent status.

After World War II (1945) Austria was occupied by the Allies (Soviet Union, United States, Britain and France) until 1955. In 1955 the Austrian State Treaty granted full sovereignty. As part of this settlement, Austria declared permanent neutrality: its constitution forbids any future union with Germany and requires non-alignment in military alliances. Austrian troops withdrew, and the country’s modern Second Republic was established. In the following decades Austria enjoyed stable democratic governance and economic growth (often called a “Wirtschaftswunder,” or economic miracle). It joined the United Nations in 1955 and became a firmly Western-oriented state, even while remaining formally neutral. In 1995 Austria joined the European Union and adopted the euro currency in 2002, further integrating it into Europe’s political and economic structures. Since World War II Austria has seen peaceful transfers of power between coalition governments; today it is a stable democracy with no major internal conflicts.

Government and Politics

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic. The head of state is the Federal President (Bundespräsident), elected by popular vote for a six-year term. In practice the President’s role is mostly ceremonial, though the President formally appoints the government. Executive power lies with the Federal Chancellor (head of government) and a cabinet of ministers. The Chancellor is usually the leader of the largest party or coalition in the legislature.

The legislature is bicameral. The National Council (Nationalrat) is the principal legislative body, with 183 members elected by proportional representation for five-year terms. The Federal Council (Bundesrat) has up to 61 members appointed by the nine State (Land) parliaments to represent the federal states. Most legislation is proposed and passed in the National Council. Austria has constitutional checks and balances: a Constitutional Court can review laws for compliance with the constitution. The 1920 constitution (reinstated in amended form after WWII) guarantees democratic governance, fundamental rights and the federal structure.

Austria’s political life is pluralistic. Since WWII the two largest parties have been the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). Other significant parties include the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), the Green Party, and NEOS (a liberal centrist party). Governments are typically coalitions of two or more parties. Elections are free and secret; Austrian citizens also vote in European Parliament elections. All adults 16 and older may vote (since the 2007 reform), and voting participation is high.

Austria maintains its traditional neutrality but is an active member of the EU and international organizations. It is not a NATO member, but it partners in European security missions and participates in UN and EU peacekeeping. Vienna hosts key international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OPEC Secretariat, reflecting Austria’s role as a diplomatic hub. The country’s foreign policy generally emphasizes multilateralism, European integration, and global cooperation.

Economy

Austria has a highly developed social market economy and a high per-capita income. Its GDP places it among the upper half of world economies. The economy is diversified: services are the largest sector, followed by industry, with a small agricultural sector. The government provides extensive social welfare programs (universal health care, schooling, pensions, unemployment benefits) and invests in public infrastructure.

Key industries include machinery and metal products (Austria is a major producer of steel, machine tools and advanced manufacturing equipment), automobiles and parts (it hosts plants and suppliers for global carmakers), chemicals, paper and forest products, and food processing. Tourism is also a major pillar: the Austrian Alps and historical cities attract millions of visitors each year, making travel, hospitality and winter sports significant sources of revenue. Well-known brands and companies span industries (for example, banks like Erste and Raiffeisen, and energy companies like OMV).

Agriculture accounts for only about 1–2% of GDP, producing grains, fruits, dairy and livestock. Austria is known for high-quality wines (from regions like the Wachau and Lower Austria) and other specialty foods. Notably, Austria leads the EU in organic farming – over a quarter of its farmland is cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, far above the EU average. Forestry is important too: about half the country is forested, and timber is a national resource.

Austria is highly integrated into the global economy. It joined the Eurozone in 1999 and the Schengen area. Its largest trading partner is Germany, followed by other EU countries like Italy and Switzerland. Austria exports mainly high-value manufactured goods (machinery, vehicles, electronics, pharmaceuticals) and imports raw materials and energy. Energy resources are limited domestically, so Austria imports most of its oil and gas (traditionally from Russia and increasingly from other sources) but mitigates this by using a large share of renewables (over 60% of electricity comes from hydropower, plus wind and solar).

The labor market is stable and productivity is high. As of the early 2020s, unemployment was relatively low (around 4–5%). Wages and living costs are above the EU average, reflecting the country’s wealth. Recent economic performance has been solid, though growth has slowed at times due to external factors (for example, the 2008 financial crisis or the energy price shocks of 2022–2023). After two years of slight GDP contraction around 2023, a modest recovery is projected. Fiscal policy generally targets balanced budgets, though Austria entered an EU excessive deficit procedure in 2025 due to increased government spending. Public debt is high (roughly 85–90% of GDP) but has stabilized with low interest rates. In short, Austria maintains modern infrastructure (roads, railways, broadband), strong public services and education, and a competitive, high-tech economy.

Demographics and Society

Austria’s population is roughly 9 million. The vast majority of residents are ethnic Austrians (Germanophone Central Europeans). About 15–20% of the population were born abroad; major immigrant groups come from the former Yugoslavia (especially Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia) and Turkey, reflecting waves of guest workers in the 20th century, as well as more recent refugees and EU migration. Vienna, Graz and other cities are comparatively cosmopolitan centers, with many foreign-born residents.

German is the official language nationwide. Austrians speak it in regional dialects (Austrian German is a form of the Bavarian dialect continuum), but they use Standard German in media, education and government. Austria also recognizes minority languages in certain regions: Slovenian (in southern Carinthia and Styria), Croatian and Hungarian (in parts of Burgenland), as well as Czech and Slovak communities. The constitution provides protections for these groups, including bilingual schooling and signage. Some immigrant communities speak Turkish, Serbo-Croatian or other languages, but their usage is generally private and not official.

The religious landscape is predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting centuries of Catholic tradition. About half the population identifies as Catholic, one of the highest rates in Europe, though active church attendance is much lower. In recent decades secularization has grown: a sizable share of Austrians (over 20%) say they have no religion. Other faiths include Islam (around 8% of the population, mostly immigrant communities) and Orthodox Christianity (around 5%, often from Eastern Europe). There are small Protestant and Jewish communities as well. Religious holidays like Easter, Christmas and All Saints’ Day are national holidays, but Austria is a secular state and church and state are formally separate.

Austria places high value on education and culture. Education is free and compulsory through secondary school, resulting in a very high literacy rate. The country has over a dozen public universities and technical colleges; higher education is nearly free for Austrians. Research and science are well funded (Austria produces many engineers, scientists and Nobel laureates). Healthcare is universal and of high quality, with a mix of public and private providers.

Austria’s society is generally considered safe and orderly. Public transportation (trains, trams, buses) is extensive and efficient, even in rural areas. The cuisine and café culture are important to social life. Austrians enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and cycling in summer. Family and community ties are strong; traditional folk customs and festivals (like Maypole dances or harvest celebrations) coexist with modern urban life.

Culture and the Arts

Austria has a rich cultural heritage with global impact. For centuries Vienna was a world capital of music. Composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (born in Salzburg in 1756), Ludwig van Beethoven (lived and worked mostly in Vienna), Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss II contributed masterworks of classical music. This legacy endures: Vienna’s opera houses and concert halls remain among the world’s finest. The annual Salzburg Festival (since 1920) and the Vienna New Year’s Concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra are internationally famous. Folk music and dance traditions (like the Viennese Waltz and Alpine folk songs) also play a role in cultural life.

Austrian artists and thinkers have made major contributions. In the visual arts, figures like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele were avant-garde painters around 1900. Architecturally, Austrians built notable Baroque cities (e.g. Melk Abbey, Klosterneuburg Monastery) and grand town parks (the Vienna Ringstraße’s historic buildings). In the 20th century, Austrian contributions include psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, and physicist Erwin Schrödinger. Contemporary culture remains vibrant: Austrians produce acclaimed opera, theater and film (actors like Christoph Waltz and Armin Mueller-Stahl), and Austria hosts numerous art exhibitions, literary fairs and music events.

Culinary traditions are part of Austria’s identity. Famous dishes include Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), and a variety of hearty soups. Austria is also known for pastries and sweets: apple strudel and the Sacher Torte (dark chocolate cake) are international icons. Coffeehouse culture, especially in Vienna, is a UNESCO-recognized tradition: ornate cafés serve specialty coffees, pastries, and provide a social meeting place, often with newspapers and chess boards on the tables.

Sports play a significant role in Austrian life. Alpine skiing is almost a national obsession – Austria consistently produces Olympic and World Cup skiing champions, and events like the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel draw global attention. In summer, hiking and mountaineering in the Alps are hugely popular. Football (soccer) is the most widely followed team sport, and the national football team has had periods of international success. Tennis star Dominic Thiem and winter sports athletes like ski jumper Stefan Kraft are modern sports heroes. Traditional activities like hunting and folk dancing remain part of rural culture.

Environment and Conservation

Austria’s environment is characterized by its mountains, forests and clean air. About 47% of Austria is forested (mainly with spruce, pine, fir and beech trees) The Austrian Alps support diverse flora and fauna, including ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles. The lowland areas have agricultural fields, meadows and deciduous forests. Austria contains many lakes (Neusiedler See, Wolfgangsee, etc.) and Alpine streams feeding into the Danube and other rivers.

The country is noted for strong environmental protection. Nearly 30% of Austria’s land is designated as protected area (national parks, nature reserves, and Natura 2000 sites) There are six national parks (including the large Hohe Tauern park in Tyrol/Salzburg/Carinthia and the Danube Floodplains park near Vienna) as well as biosphere reserves and protected landscapes. These safeguard alpine meadows, old-growth forests and riparian wetlands. Austria’s wildlife conservation includes efforts like reintroducing lynx and bear and protecting rare plants.

Austria relies heavily on renewable energy, which reduces its environmental impact. Hydropower is the main source of electricity, and in recent years wind and solar have grown. As of the early 2020s, renewables supplied over one-third of total energy, and Austria aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030 This helps Austria meet its ambitious climate goals: the government has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 (far ahead of the EU-wide target) Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen significantly (23% below 2005 levels by 2023) and Austria is investing in public transport, electric vehicles and energy efficiency to reduce transportation and heating emissions.

Austrian cities generally enjoy good air and water quality due to these policies and strict regulations. The Alpine regions are sensitive to climate change: glaciers have been shrinking and weather patterns are becoming more variable. Heavy summer rains can cause flooding, especially along rivers like the Danube or in Alpine valleys. Agriculture’s environmental impact is mitigated by practices like organic farming (Austria leads Europe in organic share, at nearly 27% of farmland) but nutrient runoff from farming and development pressure remain issues. Waste management is also a concern: Austria recycles much of its household waste but produces a relatively high amount per capita due to construction and consumerism.

Overall, Austria combines economic development with a generally high degree of environmental awareness. Hiking, skiing and eco-tourism are encouraged in ways that respect the fragile mountain ecology. The country’s policies on renewable energy, organic agriculture, and protected landscapes reflect a national emphasis on preserving the natural heritage for future generations.