Österreich

Österreich, officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich), is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is a federal parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. The capital and largest city is Vienna. The official language is German. The population is about nine million, and the area is roughly 83,800 square kilometers.

Geography and environment: The Alps cover much of the western and southern parts of the country, with the eastern plains being flatter. Austria comprises nine federal states. The Danube River is a major waterway, and the country contains several glacial and artificial lakes. Climate ranges from alpine in the west to continental in the east.

Politics: Austria is a constitutional federal republic with a president as head of state and a chancellor as head of government. The national parliament consists of the National Council and the Federal Council. Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and adopted the euro in 1999. The country has maintained formal neutrality since 1955.

Economy and society: Austria has a developed social market economy with a strong services sector, manufacturing, and tourism, particularly in the Alpine regions. Major industries include machinery, steel, vehicles, and food. The population is largely Roman Catholic, with growing religious and cultural diversity due to immigration.

History and culture: The country was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Habsburg Monarchy, then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the dissolution of the empire in 1918, Austria became a republic, experienced annexation in 1938, and regained independence in 1955. Vienna is an important cultural center known for classical music, art, and architecture; Austria has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.