Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. Following the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995, some Austrians have called into question this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.
Country profile: Austria
Famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, Austria is no longer the dominant political force it was in Central Europe under the Hapsburg 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.
Together with Switzerland, Austria forms Europe's neutral core. After annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and then Allied occupation, Austria's 1955 State Treaty declared the country "permanently neutral". There were some questions surrounding this when two thirds of voters supported EU membership in a referendum in 1994 and entry followed in 1995.
The entry into Austria's coalition government of the far-right Freedom Party in February 2000 sent shockwaves across Europe. Austria's relations with the European Union were severely strained after some states imposed sanctions in protest. These were lifted some months later.
The capital, Vienna, is home to key international organisations, including the OSCE Secretariat, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Opec, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Austria has a very rich cultural heritage. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart occupies a place of his own as composer of some of the best loved European classical music while the works of Franz Schubert enjoy great popularity too. In the world of philosophy and ideas, Siegmund Freud continues to provoke controversy while Ludwig Wittgenstein was one of the major influences in 20th century thinking. In fine art, the paintings of Gustav Klimt are widely admired.
- Full name: Republic of Austria
- Population: 8.1 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Vienna
- Area: 83,871 sq km (32,383 sq miles)
- Major language: German
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 82 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
- Main exports: Machinery, metals, paper, textiles, food, livestock
- GNI per capita: US $36,980 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .at
- International dialling code: +43
President: Heinz Fischer
A centrist politician committed to the welfare state and Austrian neutrality, Mr Fischer was elected to the largely ceremonial presidency in April 2004.
He defeated Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner who was nominated by Chancellor Schuessel and who had the backing of the Freedom Party.
Chancellor (outgoing): Wolfgang Schuessel
Austria is facing the possibility of a grand coalition government after the opposition Social Democrats unexpectedly emerged as the strongest party in the general election on 1 October 2006.
The party leader, Alfred Gusenbauer, said his negotiations on a coalition would include the conservative People's Party, which governed Austria for six years in alliance with the far-right.
The government of Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, who heads the People's Party, has submitted its resignation.
Mr Schuessel led his People's Party to its biggest electoral success in two decades at the polls in November 2002.
However, the People's Party did not gain enough votes to form a government on its own and embarked on a complex round of coalition talks with the Social Democrats and Greens. These talks failed and in the end Mr Schuessel turned again to the far-right Freedom Party.
He had faced a wall of resistance at home and abroad when his party first entered a coalition with the same party in early 2000. During over two years of that partnership, Mr Schuessel is widely seen as having moved to the right, notably on asylum and immigration issues.
The Freedom Party split in April 2005 when its former leader, Joerg Haider, left to set up the Alliance for Austria's Future.
In autumn 2003 Mr Schuessel's government introduced a package of asylum laws which are seen as among the most restrictive in Europe.
His background is in law and economics.
Austria's public broadcaster, Oesterreichischer Rundfunk (ORF), has long-dominated the airwaves, but now faces growing competition for audiences from private broadcasters, particularly in Vienna.
Private broadcasting in Austria is a relatively recent phenomenon. Local commercial radio had to wait until the 1990s before being given the green light. A national TV licence was granted to commercial station ATV which opened in 2000, and licences are being awarded to local TV stations.
Cable or satellite are available in some 75% of Austrian homes and are often used to watch German stations, some of which tailor their output for the Austrian audience.
A daily newspaper is a must for many Austrians and national and regional titles contest fiercely for readers. The print market in Austria is mainly privately-owned.
The press
Television
Radio
News agency
Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany's. The Austrian economy also benefits greatly from strong commercial relations, especially in the banking and insurance sectors, with central, eastern, and southeastern Europe. The economy features a large service sector, a sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed agricultural sector. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign investors attracted by Austria's access to the single European market and proximity to the new EU economies. The current government has successfully pursued a comprehensive economic reform program, aimed at streamlining government, creating a more competitive business environment, further strengthening Austria's attractiveness as an investment location, pursuing a balanced budget, and implementing effective pension reforms. Weak domestic consumption and slow growth in Europe have held the economy to growth rates of 0.4% in 2002, 1.4% in 2003, 2.4% in 2004, and 1.8% in 2005. To meet increased competition from both EU and Central European countries, particularly the new EU members, Austria will need to continue restructuring, emphasizing knowledge-based sectors of the economy, and encouraging greater labor flexibility and greater labor participation by its aging population.
Austrian natural resources include oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower
landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere
Austrian religion is Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census).
Natural hazards in Austria include landslides; avalanches; earthquakes.
Travel Advice on Austria
SUMMARY
- Austria shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.
- There are complex driving laws in Austria, especially for caravan and motor home owners. It is compulsory that cars are driven with headlights switched on throughout the day all year round. This regulation applies to all roads including city/towns and all drivers are required to have a warning vest. Please see "Road Safety" section of this travel advice for more details.
- If you intend to ski you should be aware that during and around the winter season there is continued danger of avalanches in some areas of Austria – this has increased particularly in the Southern Alps, due to the recent large amount of snow which has fallen. You should take advice on weather and local avalanche conditions before you travel and throughout your visit. Please see the Skiing section of this travel advice for more details.
- Around 750,000 British nationals visit Austria each year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Austria are skiing and road accidents (22 and five cases respectively in 2005). There are also dozens of cases of British nationals who need assistance after the loss or theft of their passport.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Austria. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see the: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
You should take normal, common sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Do not leave valuables unattended. Be aware that pickpockets and muggers operate in and around the city centre of Vienna, including restaurants, cafes, hotel lobbies and on public transport. You should be especially vigilant around major railway stations and city centre parks after dark.
Political Situation
Austria Country Profile
Road Safety
Only persons over 18 years of age holding valid driving licences may drive in Austria. When driving in Austria, you should always carry a full British licence, ownership documents and insurance details. Warning vests are required for all drivers and must be worn day or night when exiting the vehicle on the hard shoulder or in the event of breakdown. Only "hands free" mobile telephones can be used whilst driving.
It is compulsory that cars are driven with headlights switched on throughout the day all year round. This regulation applies to all roads including city/towns.
If you use Austrian motorways and "S" roads you must display a Motorway Vignette on your vehicle as you enter Austria. Failure to have one will mean a heavy, on-the-spot fine. Motorway Vignettes are obtainable at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations.
All vehicles above 3.5 tonnes maximum permitted laden weight and using the Austrian network of motorways and expressways are required to attach a small device - called the “GO-Box” - to their windscreen. Note that this includes larger private vehicles such as motor caravans that are above the weight limit. If your vehicle is close to the weight limit you are advised to carry documentation confirming the maximum permitted laden weight. If your registration documents do not clearly state this, you will need to produce alternative certification e.g. from a weighbridge.
The GO-Box uses the high frequency range to communicate with the around 400 fixed-installation toll points covering the whole of Austria, making it possible to effect an automatic toll deduction without slowing down or stopping the flow of traffic. The on-board devices can be obtained for a one-off handling fee of Euro 5.00 at approximately 220 sales centres in Austria and in neighbouring countries, or via the Internet. For further information, visit the website at: http://www.go-maut.at.
There is a ban on all lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight (without trailer) or over 3.5 tonnes (with trailer) which applies throughout the year on all motorways on Saturdays between 15:00 hours and 24:00 hours and all day on Sundays and Public Holidays. Lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight are also prohibited from using motorways throughout the year between 22:00 hours and 05:00 hours. There is a ban on lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight overtaking on several motorways. Drivers should look out for special prohibiting signs.
The Transport Ministry and ASFINAG (the semi-privatised motorway operator) are continuing to carry out stringent checks on HGVs. It is therefore vital that such vehicles are roadworthy, and are correctly documented. Vehicles found to have defects have been impounded until the completion of necessary repairs.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
In early 2006, the Austrian authorities confirmed that a number of wildfowl found dead in Austria were infected with the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed information and advice.
GENERAL