Austria Geography: Land, Climate & Key Features - [Your Brand]

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Introduction to Geography of Austria

Austria, or Republic of Austria, a nation in central Europe. Its name in German, Österreich, means “eastern realm” and refers to the old Ostmark—the eastern frontier of the Holy Roman Empire, part of which is now Austria. Austria's area is 32,374 square miles (83,849 km2). Greatest dimensions are about 365 miles (590 km) east-west and 185 miles (300 km) north-south.

Facts in brief about AustriaCapital: Vienna.Official language: German.Official name: Republik Osterreich (Republic of Austria).Area: 32,383 mi2 (83,871 km2). Greatest distances—east-west, 355 mi (571 km); north-south, 180 mi (290 km).Elevation: Highest—Grossglockner, 12,457 ft (3,797 m) above sea level. Lowest—Neusiedler Lake, 377 ft (115 m) above sea level.Population: Current estimate—8,221,000; density, 254 per mi2 (98 per km2); distribution, 66 percent urban, 34 percent rural. 2001 census—8,032,926.Chief products: Agriculture—barley, cattle, corn, grapes, hogs, milk, oats, potatoes, rye, sugar beets, wheat. Manufacturing—cement, chemical products, electrical equipment, furniture, glass, iron and steel, lumber, machines and tools, motor vehicles, optical instruments, paper and pulp, processed foods and beverages, textiles and clothing. Mining—coal, copper, graphite, iron ore, lead, magnesite, natural gas, petroleum, salt, stone.National anthem: "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" ("Land of Mountains, Land at the River").Symbols: Austria's civil flag has stripes of red, white, and red. The state flag includes the coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms was adopted in its present form in 1945. The use of an eagle in the coat of arms to symbolize Austria dates from the 1100's.Money: Basic unit—euro. One hundred cents equal one euro. The schilling was taken out of circulation in 2002.

Physical Geography

Austria is a country in the middle of Europe.Land

The Alps are the predominant surface feature; they cover all of western, southern, and central Austria—some two-thirds of the land. Ranges trend generally east-west and decline in height and ruggedness toward the northeast, ending near the Danube. Throughout the region rugged peaks, high plateaus, and deep, narrow valleys prevail. The highest ranges, notably the Hohe Tauern, Zillertal Alps, and Ötztal Alps, lie mainly in the Tyrol, in the western part of Austria. Here, glacier-clad peaks rise more than 11,000 feet (3,350 m) above sea level. Grossglockner (12,457 feet [3,797 m]) in the Hohe Tauern is Austria's highest peak. Other Austrian ranges, though rugged, rarely exceed 8,500 feet (2,590 m). Among these are the Niedere Tauern, the Karawanken, and the Lechtal, Kitzbühel, Gurktal, and Carnic Alps.

The Danube Valley, including the foothills of the Alps, is a relatively narrow band of lowlands through northern and eastern Austria. Small areas of flat land, rounded hills, low mountains, steep scarps (cliffs), and terraces are among the many landforms found here. Near Vienna, the valley broadens into the Vienna Basin, an extensive, fertile area of flat to gently rolling land. The Danube Valley is Austria's most densely populated region.

The Bohemian Forest, an upland mainly in Germany and the Czech Republic, juts through part of northern Austria to the Danube. Elevations nearly everywhere are less than 3,000 feet (900 m). The upland consists of densely forested rolling hills and ridges separated by broad valleys.

Water

Almost all of Austria is drained by the Danube and its tributaries, including the Drau, Enns, Inn, Leitha, March, Mur, and Salzach rivers. The westernmost tip, in Vorarlberg, drains to the Rhine. Except for the Danube, the major rivers begin in high areas of snow or ice. Descents are rapid and currents are swift, making the streams unfit for navigation, but well suited to the development of hydroelectric power.

Two large lakes lie partly within Austria. In the west is Lake Constance (called Bodensee in Austria), shared with Germany and Switzerland. In the east, extending into Hungary, is Neusiedler See, which lies at an elevation of 377 feet (115 m)—Austria's lowest point. Numerous small lakes are clustered in high Alpine valleys, particularly in the Salzburg and Klagenfurt areas.

Climate

Austria has a continental type of climate much like that occurring throughout the rest of central Europe. Variations are due chiefly to differences in altitude and in exposure to continental air masses from the northeast and maritime air masses from the northwest. Mediterranean influences are largely blocked out by the Alps. Vienna has a mean temperature of 30º F. (-1º C.) in January and 68º F. (20º C.) in July.

Precipitation averages about 30 to 40 inches (760 to 1,020 mm) a year; some high areas receive greater amounts. Precipitation in winter is primarily snow, which remains six months or more at elevations above 6,000 feet (1,800 m). The foehn, or föhn, one of Austria's local winds, is a warm, dry breeze that causes abrupt rises in temperature.

Economy

After several decades of turmoil—including two world wars, economic difficulties, and political strife—Austria began building a stable economy in the mid 20th century. It now has a thriving economy, marked by moderate, steady growth and based primarily on private enterprise. However, government influence is far-reaching, and some industries are wholly or largely nationalized, including certain transportation and communication services. The mid 20th century also brought a great amount of aid from the United States, which helped the government acquire most of the companies in industries such as coal and metal mining; electric power production; iron and steel production; and oil drilling and refining, thereby helping in rebuilding these industries. Today, after much industrialization, the country has become a prosperous company with little unemployment.

Austria's basic currency unit is the euro.

Economic production in AustriaEconomic activities% of GDP producedNumber of workers% of all workersFinance, insurance, real estate, & business services 22439,90012Community, government, & personal services 20983,20026Manufacturing 20734,30019Trade, restaurants, & hotels 18812,30021Construction 8338,6009Transportation & communication 8238,2006Agriculture, forestry, & fishing 2210,9006Utilities 234,8001Mining 6,100Total 1003,798,300100Manufacturing

is the most important part of the economy, both in value of output and in number of persons employed. Some industries—especially iron and steel, heavy machinery, include automobiles and other motor vehicles, locomotives, ships, tools, electrical equipment, processed foods and beverages, textiles and clothing, chemicals, and aluminum—are extremely large and modern. There are also a number of factories that produce cement, furniture, lumber, optical instruments, and paper and pulp. But many others are small enterprises of the artisan kind. From them come much of the fine-quality glassware, ceramic, porcelain objects, jewelry, needlework, textile, wood products and woodcarvings, and other handicrafts for which Austria is well-known.

There are factories spread out all over the country, though the chief concentration of industry is in the Danube, Mur, and Mürz valleys, especially in or near Vienna, Linz, and Graz. Vienna, the predominant center, produces many kinds of light industrial products, consumer goods, and luxury items. Manufacturers are more concerned about good quality rather tha mass production.

Agriculture and Forestry

Although much of its land is mountainous and unsuited to farming, Austria normally produces 80 per cent of its food and requires relatively few imports. This comes from the fact that Austrian farmers use modern machinery and technologically advanced methodology. Only about a sixth of the land is cultivated; somewhat more is used for pasture. Individual landholdings are small—most of the farms consist of less than 25 acres (10 hectares), though the mid 20th century saw a trend towards larger farms. The principal crops are potatoes, sugar beets, and grain—chiefly corn, wheat, oats, rye, and barley. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are grown, including apples, hops, pears; vineyards provide grapes for a large wine industry. Also important is the raising of dairy cows, beef cattle, and calves on rich alpine pastures where crops cannot be grown. Large numbers of hogs and poultry are also produced.

Forests, mainly stands of spruce and fir, cover most of the mountains. The forests are carefully maintained and reforestation is widely practiced, especially with the strict conservation laws. Austria meets virtually all of its demands for wood and has large amounts of lumber, paper and other products for export.. The most commercially important trees are spruce and fir.

Service Industries

Service industries, account for the largest portion of Austria's gross domestic product (GDP), and include community, government, and personal services, which employ about a fourth of the country’s workers. The government has control of several of Austria's major companies. Community, government, and personal services also consist of the functioning of schools and hospitals. Finance, insurance, real estate, and business services are another important service industry, which are assisted by the foreign investment availed by Austrian banks. Trade, restaurants, and hotels benefit from heavy expenditure undertaken by the numerous tourists. The other service industries are utilities, and transportation and communication.

Mining

is a significant but declining industry, and Austria depends increasingly on mineral imports. Much of the iron ore used by Austrian industry comes from the provinces of Carinthia and Styria, especially the Erzberg (Ore Mountain). Mineral fuel production, which is sizable but insufficient to meet the needs of the country, includes crude petroleum, natural gas, and lignite. In part, the lack of sufficient fuel accounts for Austria's large-scale development of hydroelectric power. Magnesite is the only mineral in which Austria ranks as a major world producer. Other production includes graphite, lead, and zinc.

Natural Resources

Austria has a variety of minerals, but the deposits are of low quality and not enough to meet the country's needs. Austria has to import high-quality coal, since the coal found in the country, especially in Styria, is mostly lignite, a very low-quality brown coal. The Erzberg (Ore Mountain) in Styria has much iron ore, though the country has to import some high-grade iron ores. Petroleum and natural gas also have to be imported because the country's reserves, found mostly in Lower Austria, do not meet its needs.Austria is a world leader in the production of magnesite, which is used to make products such as heat-resistant bricks, plaster, and artificial stone. The country also produces great amounts of graphite, which comes mostly from Lower Austria. Other mineral deposits include copper, lead, salt, and stone.Austria's most important natural resource is its swift waters, as they help in running the hydroelectric power stations, which are the leading suppliers of the electricity required by the country.

Foreign Trade

Austria depends heavily on trade, especially of manufactured goods that it sends out to European industrialized nations. Other major exports include forest products, including paper and pulp; iron and steel; and magnesite. Austria imports some types of machinery and vehicles and exports other types. The country's most important imports include chemicals, foods, and petroleum.

Transportation

Austria has a highly developed transport system despite its mountainous terrain. Railways form the backbone of the system, and almost 90 per cent is owned by the federal government. All main lines are electrified and provide excellent service. Of increasing importance is an extensive system of roads, including expressways linking the major cities. Almost all Austrians have an automobile. Trains and buses in Austria both provide excellent passenger services, in terms of speed and frequency. Many mountain areas also have the facility of cable railways.

The Danube accounts for all of the nation's waterborne transport, but is primarily an avenue of international commerce. Schwechat Airport, near Vienna, is the largest of the nation's airports. Austrian Airlines, with domestic and international routes, is the national airline.

Tourism

has long been important to Austria; it is one of the nation's leading sources of foreign exchange.The booming tourist industry adds about $10 billion to Austria's annual national income. The scenic mountains, historic cities, and resorts attract visitors in both summer and winter.

The sports centers in the Alps, including Innsbruck, and Kitzbuhel are a focus for many winter vacationers, especially skiers. In summer, the lakes of Carinthia and of the Salzkammergut area in central Austria are popular recreation spots. Vienna's art galleries, concert halls, and museums also catch the attention of many tourists, as do the summer music festivals held throughout the country.

The People

The Austrians are ethnically a blend of West and East. The majority of their ancestors were European—Celtic, Germanic, and Slavic. However, Asiatic peoples—Huns, Avars, and Magyars—were absorbed into the population when their invasions slowed or collapsed at the Danube River, traditional boundary of Roman and, later, Frankish sovereignty.

Population

In 1991 Austria had a population of 7,795,786. Its population density, 241 persons per square mile (93 per km2), is low for a European nation, but it is more than three times that of the United States. Three of every ten Austrians live in a city of more than 100,000 people.

Language and Religion

German is the language of 98 per cent of the people. A small number speak Slovenian or Croatian. About 78 per cent of the people are Roman Catholics; 5 per cent are Protestants.

Education

Nearly all of the population can read and write. Schooling is free and compulsory for children from 6 to 15 years of age. Primary education lasts four years, secondary education eight years. There are two types of secondary schools: one provides a general education curriculum, the other combines general education and vocational training.

Austria has several universities; the largest are at Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck. There are also technical institutes and schools for agriculture, mining, economics, and the fine arts. The University of Vienna (founded 1365) is the oldest university in the German-speaking countries.

Culture

The most outstanding contribution of Austria to world culture has been in the field of music. Since the 18th century Austria has been a center for musical development. Many notable composers either have been Austrian or have worked in Austria. Among them are Gluck, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (18th century); Schubert, Brahms, Bruckner, and Mahler (19th); and Schoenberg, Webern, and Berg (20th). Waltz music reached its height in Vienna in 1825–99 under Johann Strauss the Elder and the Younger. Well-known 20th-century orchestra conductors are Herbert von Karajan, Hans Richter, and Felix Weingartner. One of the greatest music festivals in the world is the Salzburg Festival, held in the birthplace of Mozart.

Among Austrian artists Oskar Kokoschka and Gustav Klimt have received international recognition. The most famous art collection in Austria is the former Hapsburg Collection, housed in the Kunsthistorische Museum in Vienna.

Austria has many fine examples of architecture, particularly of the Baroque style. Two of the great architects of the Baroque period, J. B. Fischer von Erlach and Lukas von Hildenbrand, were Austrian. In or near Vienna are the Schönbrunn Palace and the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles), both by Fischer von Erlach, and the Belvedere Palace, by Hildenbrand.

Austrians have made notable contributions to the theater. The 19th-century playwrights Arthur Schnitzler and Hugo von Hofmannsthal were Austrian. The Austrian-American theatrical producer Max Reinhardt for many years staged an annual presentation of the medieval mystery play Everyman at the Salzburg Festival.

Psychoanalysis began in Vienna with the work of Sigmund Freud. The psychiatric theorist Alfred Adler was also Viennese. Other Austrians noted for their contributions in various fields of science include the botanist Gregor Mendel; the physicists Erwin Schrödinger, Ernst Mach, and Lise Meitner; the pathologist Karl Landsteiner; and the chemist Baron C. A. von Welsbach.

Sports

Skiing is the national sport. Such ski resorts as Badgastein, Kitzbühel, and St. Anton are known throughout the world.

Many international skiing competitions are held in Austria. Skating and sledding are other common winter sports. Soccer, hiking, and mountain climbing are also popular. The many lakes and rivers afford opportunities for boating and fishing.

Government

Austria is a federal republic of nine provinces—Burgenland; Carinthia; Lower Austria; Salzburg; Styria; Tyrol (or Tirol); Upper Austria; the city of Vienna; and Vorarlberg. It is governed under a constitution adopted in 1920 and amended in 1929. The constitution was suspended during the union with Germany, 1938–45.

The head of state, the president, is elected by popular vote. He serves a six-year term and is eligible for reelection for one additional term. His duty is merely ceremonial, confined to appointing ambassadors and acting as commander in chief of the armed forces. Executive power, however, rests with the chancellor, who is the leader of the majority political party (or coalition of parties). The chancellor and the ministers who head the administrative departments of the government make up the cabinet, and are responsible for forming government policies. The cabinet submits laws to the legislature.

The legislature is made up of two chambers. The Nationalrat has 183 members, who are directly elected by the people on the basis of proportional representation. The Bundesrat, the Federal Council or upper house, has 64 members, who are elected by the legislatures of the nine states, or the Landtags. States are apportioned seats in the Bundesrat on the basis of population. All legislation must originate in the Nationalrat. The Bundesrat has limited veto power and can be overridden by repassage of the proposed law in the Nationalrat.. All citizens above 16 years of age are allowed to vote.

The people of the provinces elect Landtag members for four- to six-year terms, depending on the province. Each Landtag chooses the governor of the province. The provinces are subdivided into about 2,320 communes (units of local government), run by a governing council elected by the people, with a mayor chosen from among the council. Vienna is both a province and a commune, with its communal council serving as the provincial legislature, and its mayor serving as governor.

Two political parties that have the largest number of seats in the Nationalrat are the liberal Social Democratic Party and the conservative People's Party. Other parties include the environmentalist Greens party and the far-right Alliance for Austria's Future.

The highest court in Austria is the Supreme Court of Justice. There are also state courts, district courts, and local courts. There is a separate, independent court that has jurisdiction in cases involving constitutional rights, and another independent court that deals with violations of the administrative powers of the government.There are various special courts that handle juvenile matters, labor disputes, and administrative and constitutional cases.

Men over 18 years of age are required to serve at least six months in the army, and must also undergo additional periods of follow-up training.