Austria
Geography
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
The country's terrain is highly mountainous due to the presence of the Alps, with only 32% of the country below 500 meters (1,640 ft). The highest point in Austria is the Grossglockner at 3,798 meters (12,461 ft), and the lowest point is at the Lake Neusiedl at 115 meters (377 ft).
History
Austria has a rich and complex history that dates back to prehistoric times. The first record of Austria, then known as the March of Austria, was in 976 when the territory was given to Leopold of Babenberg by Emperor Otto II. The Habsburg Dynasty began their rule in 1278 and continued until the end of World War I in 1918, when Austria became a republic.
During World War II, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in an event known as the Anschluss. After the war, Austria was occupied by the Allied forces until 1955, when the Austrian State Treaty reestablished Austria as a sovereign state.
Politics
Austria is a federal republic composed of nine states, with a parliamentary system of government. The Federal President is the head of state, while the Chancellor is the head of government. The Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the National Council and the Federal Council.
Economy
Austria has a well-developed social market economy with a high standard of living. It has strong ties with other EU economies, particularly Germany's. Key sectors of the Austrian economy include industry, international trade, and services such as tourism. Austria is known for its ski resorts and historical buildings, which attract millions of tourists each year.
Culture
Austrian culture is greatly influenced by its past, particularly the periods of the Habsburg Dynasty and the Viennese Classicism. Austria is renowned for its contributions to music, particularly classical music, with famous composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert hailing from Austria.