Austria — map and facts

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its Alpine landscapes, classical music heritage and centuries at the heart of European history. Its capital is Vienna, and the country covers roughly 84,000 square kilometres with a population of about 9.1 million. Austria uses the euro as its currency.

About Austria

Austria is a federal republic and a member of the European Union. For six centuries it was the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, which at its height ruled much of Europe. Today it is one of the most culturally rich countries on the continent, with Vienna consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. Austria is a neutral country and hosts several major international organisations, including the OSCE and the IAEA.

Geography and landscape

Austria borders Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The Alps dominate the western and central parts of the country, covering roughly two-thirds of its territory. The Großglockner, at 3,798 metres, is the highest peak. The Danube crosses northern Austria and flows through Vienna. The flat, fertile Pannonian Plain extends into the east. The country has extensive ski resorts and mountain lakes in the Alpine regions.

History

The territory that is now Austria was part of the Roman province of Noricum and later under Carolingian rule. The Habsburgs rose to prominence in the thirteenth century and built an empire that stretched from Spain to Hungary. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, formed in 1867, was one of the great powers of Europe until its collapse at the end of the First World War in 1918. Austria was briefly democratic, then authoritarian, and was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938 in the Anschluss. After liberation in 1945 it was occupied by the four Allied powers until 1955, when it became a sovereign, neutral state.

Economy and currency

Austria has a prosperous, export-oriented economy with strengths in manufacturing, tourism, banking and services. Vienna is a major hub for Central and Eastern European business. The currency is the euro, which replaced the Austrian schilling in 2002.

Culture and language

The official language is German, spoken in its Austrian variety. Austria's contribution to classical music is exceptional: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss II and Gustav Mahler were all Austrian. Vienna's concert halls, opera houses and museums draw visitors from across the world. The country is also known for its coffee-house culture, Alpine skiing tradition, and rich culinary heritage including Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Austria? The capital of Austria is Vienna (Wien), located on the Danube in the east of the country. It is Austria's largest city and a major European cultural and business centre.

What currency is used in Austria? Austria uses the euro. It replaced the Austrian schilling in 2002.

What is Austria known for culturally? Austria is known above all for classical music — Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Mahler were all Austrian — as well as Viennese coffee-house culture, Alpine skiing and architecture.