Language: German, with many dialects and accents

Capital: Vienna

Population: 8 million, mostly of German origin

Area: 83,855 km²

Natural Features: Alps – 2/3 of country is mountainous; Danube River

President: Thomas Klestil, right-wing Austria People’s Party, 1992-

Chancellor (Prime Minister): Wolfgang Schuessel

Type of Government: Presidential Republic; President elected by people for 6-yr. term; President appoints chancellor, the head of the federal gov’t. and the most influential political figure.

Religion:78% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant, 9% non-denominational, 5% other

Currency: Euro (€) (since Jan. 1, 2002)

Education: known for one of best education systems in world; free public school system is uniform throughout the country; compulsory between ages 6-15. At age ten, children either continue with a 4-yr. secondary education and 1-yr. vo-tech training or go for another eight yrs. and try to win a spot at a university.

History: Hapsburg Dynasty rules over Austria between 13th and 20th C. Institutes famous and exremely successful policy of acquiring lands through political marriages. In 1571, religious freedom is granted to people, and the majority turn towards Protestantism. Five years later, the new emperor embraces the Counter-Reformation and most convert back to Catholocism (either voluntarily or involuntarily). Religious intolerance is major cause of Thirty Years War (1618-48).

Known as the Mother of Austria, Maria Theresa ruled during 40 years of the 18th C. and pushed through many enlightened reforms, such as reforming the civil service and instituting a public education system. After the Congress of Vienne in 1814-15, Austria had control of the German Confederation until 1866, when after the Austro-Prussian War, it no longer had a place in the newly unified German states. The Republic of Austria was created in 1918 after WWI, when the monarchy no longer had the right to participate in government (end of Hapsburg Dynasty). Hitler invades Austria in 1938 and Austria becomes a puppet government of Germany. The country is divided into four allied zones after WWII and in 1955 proclaims its permanent neutrality. It joined the EU in 1995.

For a more detailed history, please click «here»