Sophisticated Traveller

Austria's rise as a European Imperial power pre-dates 1246 following the bequeathing of territorial holdings by Rudolf I of Habsburg to his sons. This marked the beginning of the line of the Habsburgs, whose governing authority and influence continued until the early 20th century.

Today it is impossible to separate Austria from the Hapsburg influence, which is most clearly reflected amongst its significant buildings and monuments; the magnificent Opera House of Vienna, the grand former imperial residence of the Hofburg and the stunning Baroque churches of Salzburg typifying this most evidently.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria, and most notably Vienna, was at the center of the cultural renaissance. Astonishing musical advancements were achieved throughout this period, Mozart clearly the most famous of all contributors. It was also a period of great intellectual progression, which continues to underlie Austrian society today. Famous artists Klimt and Schiele, composers Liszt and Mahler, writers Rilke and Schnitzler, psychologists Freud and Rank, and philosophers such as Husserl and Wittgenstein were and continue to be highly influential.

In 1804, the Empire of Austria was founded, uniting the Kingdoms of Bohemia, Hungary, Dalmatia, Galicia, Croatia, Slavonia, Lombardy and Venetia.

However, the first half of the twentieth century proved to be a period of great social instability and devastating poverty. From 1914 to 1950 five different forms of government prevailed and four different currencies existed.

Suffering immense hardship throughout World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire eventually collapsed in 1918 following the defeat of the Central Powers. This resulted in the proclamation of the Republic of Austria and had the effect of reducing the former Austria's territorial claim to that of a small country.

Hyperinflation ensued in the early 1920s and in the 1930s the Great Depression followed. In 1938 Austria's demise was committed following the Nazi German annexation and occupation. Subsequently occupied by the victorious Allies in 1945 it wasn't until 1955 that a State Treaty was enacted recognizing Austria's independence and forbidding future unification with Germany in the process.

Interestingly, the Nazi annexation of Austria is seen to have been fundamental to the modern development of the Austrian national consciousness. As Austrians focused increasingly upon the historical and cultural differences between themselves and the Germans, the underlying concept of an independent Austrian nation was formed. Perceived as a quirk of history, the experience of being "German" in the Third Reich was instrumental in awakening feelings of Austrian nationalism.

The end of the war has provided for an extended period of peace and established the foundations for sustained economic growth and political co-operation amongst rival parties, interest groups and government bodies that has brought with it an unprecedented degree of social stability.

It is an environment that has allowed Austrians to embrace change, providing for a society that continues to thrive and modernise. Today Austria is an epicenter for modern contemporary design and architecture, it maintains industries that are at the forefront of engineering and invention and continues to embrace and influence literature and the arts.

It is also a country which lays claim to some Europe's finest epicurean dining experiences and upholds a rich gourmet background of fine food and excellent wine.

The local term 'Gemütlichkeit' is used to identify the Austrian gourmet culture, translating literally as 'a relaxed enjoyment of life'. This is most evident in the city's fine cafes where the drinking of coffee has been elevated to high art.

Perhaps as a consequence of their formidable commitment to work, Austrian's relish the opportunity to unwind, and as such there is an abundance of hedonistic activities available. Nightlife is diverse, from laid-back taverns, beer gardens and excellent après-ski, to the very smartest of bars, clubs and dance venues which are assured to remain packed to the small hours of the morning.

Enjoying a temperate climate, Austrian summers are typically hot with cool nights. The summer heat can be surprisingly unpleasant in the low lying cities throughout July and August. Winter temperatures drop below freezing in January and February, snow in the Alpine regions permitting the ski season to extend from December through April

Country name (long):	Republic of Austria / Republik Oesterreich		Country name (short):	Austria / Oesterreich

Population	8,192,880		Population growth rate:		0.09%

Data code:		AU	Birth rate:	8.74 births/1,000 population

Nationality:	Austrian		Death rate:	9.76 deaths/1,000 population

Location:	Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia		Life expectancy at birth:	79.07 years

National capital:	Vienna		Net migration rate:	1.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Coordinates:	47 20 N, 13 20 E		Sex ratio:	0.95 male(s)/female

Area:	83,870 sq km		Suffrage:	18 years of age; universal

Land boundaries:	Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km		Ethnic groups:	Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or unspecified 2.4%

Climate:	temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers		Religions:	Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12%

Terrain:	in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping		Languages:	German (official nationwide), Slovene (official in Kaernten or Carinthia), Croatian (official in Burgenland), Hungarian (official in Burgenland)

Elevation extremes:			Age structure:
Lowest point:	Neuendorf bei Wilster	Neusiedler See 115 m	0-14 years:	15.4% (male 645,337/female 614,602)
Highest point:	Zugspitze	Grossglockner 3,798 m	15-64 years:	67.5% (male 2,782,712/female 2,749,620)
			65 years and over:	17.1% (male 567,752/female 832,857)

Government type:	federal republic		Infant mortality rate:	4.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Independence:	1156 (Duchy of Austria founded); 12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)		Literacy:	98%

National holiday:	Unity Day, 3 October (1990)		Unemployment rate:	5.10%

Constitution:	1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945)		Inflation rate:	2%

GDP - real growth rate:	1.80%		Industries:	construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, metals, chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications equipment, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP):	US $32,900		Currency (code):	euro (EUR)

Legal system:	civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction		Trans-national Issues:	trans-shipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western Europe

Famous for its Alpine ski resorts, breathtaking natural scenery, world-class museums, historic buildings, bustling cities, beautiful people and unrivalled musical tradition - Austria is a rarity amongst holiday destinations, there is quite literally something to appease every taste and desire.

Drawing heavily upon its rich cultural past, Austrian cites and towns maintain a unique air of sophistication and grandeur, encapsulated through its resplendent architecture, exquisite gardens and grand parks. It is a country whose people impart a true sense of warmth and hospitality and maintain a strong sense of national pride, the Austrian psyche encompassing a blend of Italian romanticism with a Germanic desire for order.

It is also a country rich in cultural offerings and traditions, many carried forward from the time when Vienna was the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.