Historical Timeline
976 – The Kingdom of Austria established
1278 – House of Habsburg takes control, leading to centuries of Habsburg dominance
1804 – Establishment of the Austrian Empire
1867 – Austro-Hungarian Empire formed
1918 – End of World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
1938 – Austria annexed by Nazi Germany (Anschluss)
1945 – Austria restored as a republic after World War II
1955 – Austria gains independence and neutrality, joining the United Nations
1995 – Austria joins the European Union
2020 – Pandemic response and economic recovery
General Information
Continent: Europe
Location: Central Europe, bordered by the Alps
Capital: Vienna
Language: German (official)
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~9 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)
Topography
Borders: Austria shares borders with eight countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein
Landscape: Predominantly mountainous (Alps), with plains along the Danube River
Major Rivers: Danube, Inn, Mur
Notable Features: Austrian Alps, Lake Neusiedl, Danube River
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Austrian (German-speaking); minorities include Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with small Protestant and Muslim populations
Urban Population: ~60% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Highly urbanized with a focus on high quality of life in cities like Vienna
Culture
Famous For: Classical music (Mozart, Beethoven), opera, alpine skiing, coffee culture
Cuisine: Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte, apple strudel, goulash
Arts: Classical music, opera, painting, architecture (baroque, art nouveau)
Sports: Alpine skiing, football (soccer), ice hockey, tennis
Economy
Economy Type: Advanced, mixed-market economy
GDP: Approx. $500 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Manufacturing (machinery, steel), tourism, services, agriculture (grapes, cereals, livestock)
Key Exports: Machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, chemicals, food products
Unemployment Rate: ~4.6% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Industry in the east (Vienna), agriculture in the south and east
Government
Government Type: Federal republic
Head of State: President Alexander Van der Bellen (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Chancellor Karl Nehammer (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (National Council & Federal Council)
Constitution: In effect since 1920
Travel Attractions
Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera
Salzburg: Birthplace of Mozart, historic center, Hohensalzburg Fortress
Innsbruck: Ski resorts, Imperial Palace
Lake Neusiedl: UNESCO World Heritage Site, birdwatching
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 9 (last updated: 2023)