Austria

Austria ( i/ˈɔːstriə/ or /ˈɒstriə/; German: Österreich [ˈøːstɐˌʁaɪç] ( )), officially the Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich ), is a federal republic and a landlocked country of roughly 8.47 million people[6] in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Hungary and Slovakia to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The origins of modern-day Austria date back to the time of the Habsburg dynasty when the vast majority of the country was a part of the Holy Roman Empire. Etymology[edit] First appearance of the word "ostarrichi", circled in red. The German name for Austria, Österreich, means "eastern realm" or "eastern empire", and is cognate with the word Ostarrîchi, which first appears in the "Ostarrîchi document" of 996.[18] This word is probably a translation of Medieval Latin Marchia orientalis into a local (Bavarian) dialect. History[edit] Middle Ages[edit] 17th and 18th centuries[edit]

Austria country profile Famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, Austria is no longer the dominant political force it was in Central Europe under the Habsburg dynasty which ruled until the first world war. However, its position at the geographical heart of Europe on the key Danube trade route enhances its strategic importance. Overview After being joined to Nazi Germany from 1938-1945, Austria was occupied by the Allies, who divided up the country and the capital Vienna into separate sectors. However, the 1955 State Treaty - signed by the Allies - guaranteed Austria's unity, ensuring it did not suffer Germany's fate of being split between the Soviets and the Western Cold War blocs. In return, Austria declared permanent neutrality, to which it still adheres. There were some questions surrounding this when two thirds of voters supported EU membership in a referendum in 1994 and entry followed in 1995. Austria has a very rich cultural heritage. Facts Leaders President: Heinz Fischer Chancellor: Werner Faymann Media