austrian

Austrian is the demonym for someone from Austria and an adjective used to describe things associated with Austria, including its culture, language, and institutions. The term also extends to cultural and historical contexts tied to the country’s identity.

Austria is a landlocked republic in Central Europe. It is divided into nine federal states, with Vienna as the capital and largest city. The Austrian federal government operates as a parliamentary republic; the president is head of state and the chancellor is head of government. The population is about 9 million.

German is the official language; Austrian German refers to the variety of Standard German used in Austria, including distinctive vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling conventions. Numerous regional dialects exist, notably Viennese. Other languages are spoken, with minority languages in certain regions; English is widespread as a foreign language.

Culturally, Austria has a rich heritage in music, philosophy, and the arts, with historic centers in Vienna and Salzburg. Notable Austrian contributions include classical composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, as well as later figures in philosophy and cinema. The term Austrian also carries historical associations with the Habsburg monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire; since 1955 Austria has maintained neutrality.