Political and geographical position of Austria. Austria. Useful contact information

Large cities Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck.
Landlocked. Austria's geographical position facilitates its communication with other European countries from which it directly borders:

Austria is a federal state.
The government is headed by the Federal Chancellor. Members of the government are appointed by the president.
The Austrian Parliament is a bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung), which consists of the Federal Council and the National Council. Geographically located in Vienna. Parliament can be dissolved either by presidential decree or by a vote of no confidence by the lower house of parliament.
Federal Council - Bundesrat (64 seats). Deputies are elected by Landtags - state parliaments. The lands are represented by a different number of deputies (from 3 to 12) depending on the population. The term of office of a member of the Bundesrat is 4 or 6 years, depending on the term of office of the Landtag that elected them.

Area: 83849 km2.
The population is about 8.19 million people. (2003).
The country's territory is populated very unevenly.
The average density is 90 people per 1 sq. km, which ranges from 150-200 or more people in the eastern regions adjacent to Vienna, to 15-20 in the Alps. In most of the country, the rural population lives in farmsteads and individual courtyards, due to the lack of convenient land. Due to difficult living conditions, the proportion of the Alpine population is continuously decreasing, and there is an escape from the mountains - “bergflucht”. 2% of the country's population permanently lives above 1000 m above sea level.
About 98% of the population are German-speaking Austrians. There are Slovenian (about 50 thousand) and Croatian (about 35 thousand) national minorities; Hungarians, Czechs and Slovaks live (the latter mainly in Vienna).
The official language is German.
The main religion is Christianity (Catholicism).
One of the main features of the Austrian population is the cessation of its growth since the early 70s. This is largely explained by the fall in the birth rate. If it were not for the noticeably increased average life expectancy, which reached 75 years in 1990, the demographic situation would have been even more unfavorable.

Nature.
Relief
The main thing that determines the natural features of almost the entire territory of Austria is the Alps. Their white-headed peaks are visible from everywhere in the country. Austria lies in the Eastern Alps, which are lower and wider than the Western Alps. The border between them coincides with the western border of Austria and runs along the upper Rhine valley. The Eastern Alps have fewer glaciers and more forests and meadows than the Western Alps. Highest point Austria - Mount Großglockner in the Hohe Tauern - does not reach 4 thousand meters. (3797 m). WITH highest peaks the largest glacier of the Eastern Alps - Pasierce - over 10 km long flows down. Other peaks of the ridge granite-gneiss zone of the mountains - the Ötztal, Stubai, and Zillertal Alps - are also covered with snow and ice. In this crystalline zone, the so-called alpine landforms are most pronounced - sharp ridges, steep-sided valleys plowed by glaciers. To the north and south of the ridge zone stretches the chain of the Limestone Alps. Of the caves, the ice cave is especially widely known - Eisriesenwelt (world of the ice giants) in the Tennengebirge mountains, south of Salzburg. The names of the mountain ranges themselves speak about the inhospitability and wildness of these places: Totes-Gebirge (meter-high mountains), Hellen-Gebirge (hellish mountains), etc. The limestone Alps to the north turn into the Pre-Alps, descending in steps to the Danube. These are low, rugged mountains, overgrown with forest, their slopes are plowed in places, and the wide, sunny valleys are quite densely populated. If it is appropriate to compare the geologically young Alps with the Caucasus, then the mountains lying on the other, left side of the Danube resemble the Urals. These are the southern spurs of Sumava, part of the ancient Bohemian massif, almost to its foundation, destroyed by time. The height of this border hill is only 500 meters and only in a few places it reaches 1000 meters. Areas with calm relief, flat or hilly lowlands occupy only about 1/5 of the country's area. This is, first of all, the Danube part of Austria and the adjacent western edge of the Middle Danube Plain. The vast majority of the population lives here and is the “center of gravity” of the entire country.
Climate
This part of Austria has vast areas of fertile land, a warm and fairly humid (700-900 mm of precipitation per year) “grape” climate. This word has it all: a fairly warm, long summer with an average July temperature of + 20 degrees and a warm, sunny autumn. On the plains and foothills there is a relatively mild winter with an average January temperature of 1-5 degrees. However, most of the alpine part of the country is “deprived” of heat. With every 100 meters of rise, the temperature drops by 0.5 - 0.6 degrees. The snow line is at an altitude of 2500-2800 meters. Summer in high mountains cold, damp, windy, and wet snow often falls. In winter, there is even more precipitation here: gigantic layers of snow accumulate on the mountain slopes, which often break off for no apparent reason and rush down in avalanches. Destroying everything in its path. Rarely does a winter go without casualties; Homes, roads, power lines are destroyed... And sometimes in the middle of winter the snow suddenly disappears. This was the case, for example, during the “white” Olympics in early 1976 in the vicinity of Insburg. Usually the snow is “driven away” by warm southern winds - hair dryers. The mountainous part of the country is distinguished by an abundance of clean fresh water.
It accumulates in the form of snow and glaciers during most of the year, only to rush down to the Danube in the summer in thousands of roaring streams, filling the lake basins along the way.
Alpine rivers also determine the regime of the Danube: it is especially rich in water in the summer, when lowland rivers usually become shallow. The tributaries of the Danube - Inn, Salzach, Ends, Drava - contain large reserves of energy, but all of them are not navigable and are only partially used for timber rafting. The country has many lakes, especially in the northern foothills of the Alps and in the south, in the Klagenfurt Basin. They are of glacial origin, their pits were plowed by ancient glaciers; As a rule, lakes are deep, with cold, clear water. This type is located in the vast Lake Constance, partly owned by Austria.
Forest resources
Forest resources Austria is a fairly wooded country. Forests occupy almost 2/3 of its territory.
They were preserved mainly in the mountains, where the vegetation was relatively little changed by man. The foothills and lower parts of the mountain slopes are covered with broad-leaved forests - oak, beech, and coffin forests. Higher up they are replaced by coniferous - mainly fir - forests. Mountain forests are one of Austria's national treasures. Even higher than the forest belt there are tall-grass subalpine meadows - mats, and then low-grass alpine palms. They serve as excellent summer pastures for livestock, mainly dairy. Here peasants prepare hay for the winter. In the flat and hilly areas of the country, the vegetation cover has been almost completely changed by humans. Once upon a time, these areas were covered with shady oak and beech forests, of which small groves remain. Now almost all the land is plowed, there are many gardens, vineyards, and parks. The roads are lined with trees, their green chains often separating the possessions of one owner from the lands of another.
Animal world
Mountain forests, mainly in nature reserves, are home to ungulates - red deer, chamois, mountain sheep, mountain goats, and birds - wood grouse, black grouse, partridge. On the plains, where almost all the land is already cultivated, there are no large wild animals for a long time. But there are still foxes, hares, and rodents here.

Economy
Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe. In terms of per capita income, Austria ranks 9th in the world.
The leading industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy, as well as chemical, pulp and paper, mining, textile and food industries. One third of industrial production comes from the public sector of the economy.
Due to the poverty of mineral resources, the mining industry plays an extremely insignificant role in the economy, with the exception of magnesite, which is of export importance. One of the most important branches of Austrian industry is ferrous metallurgy. The production of iron and steel significantly exceeds the country's needs, and most of the ferrous metal is exported.
More than half of the electricity is produced at numerous hydroelectric power plants, but the importance of hydropower is falling, and electricity production at thermal power plants is growing faster. Hydroelectric power stations are mainly built on Alpine rivers in the west of the country, from where part of the electricity is transmitted to the eastern regions, part is exported and only a little is consumed locally. The needs of metallurgical plants are only 3/4 covered by local ore. All alloying metals and metallurgical coke are imported from abroad. In non-ferrous metallurgy, only aluminum production is important. The development of this industry in Austria, which does not have bauxite in its depths, is associated with the use of cheap electricity from numerous hydroelectric power stations on the Inn River. Mechanical engineering, although it forms the core of the entire industry in Austria, is less developed than in other Western European countries. Machines and apparatus for the light and food industries, some types of machine tools, and equipment for the mining industry are produced in large quantities. Locomotives, small ones, are also produced sea vessels. Largest center mechanical engineering - Vienna. Austria is also characterized by a complex of industries, including timber harvesting, wood processing and the production of pulp, paper and cardboard. The importance of the timber industry goes far beyond the country's borders. Forest products account for about a third of the country's total exports. Large areas of timber harvesting are carried out in the mountainous regions of Styria, and its primary processing is mainly carried out here.
Austria has a highly developed agriculture. Almost all types of agricultural products necessary to provide for the population are produced. The most important branch of agriculture is livestock raising.
The main crops are wheat, barley and sugar beets
Foreign tourism is one of the most profitable sectors of the Austrian economy. In this industry, about 350 thousand people are employed in more than 70 thousand various kinds of medium and small tourism enterprises (hotels, restaurants, resorts and medical institutions, swimming pools and beaches, sports facilities, etc.). In terms of the share of gross tourism receipts in GDP (more than 6%), Austria occupies one of the leading places in the world.
Austria trades with more than 150 countries around the world. About 65% of exports and 68% of imports come from the countries of the European Union. The main trading partners are Germany (40%), Italy, Switzerland. Russia accounts for only 1.5%.
Minerals
Austria has a fairly diverse range of minerals, but among them there are very few whose significance goes beyond the country. The exception is magnesite, which is used for the production of refractories and partly for the production of metallic magnesium from it. Magnesite occurs in the Styrian, Carinthian and Tyrolean Alps.
There are very few energy minerals. These are very modest deposits of oil (23 million tons) and natural gas (20 billion cubic meters) in Lower and partly in Upper Austria. Even at the Austrian scale of production, these reserves are projected to be exhausted within two decades. There are somewhat larger reserves of brown coal (in Styria, Upper Austria and Burgenland), but it is of poor quality.
Relatively high-quality iron ores, but with a high metal content, are found in Styria (Erzberg) and a little in Carinthia (Hüttenberg). Outside large quantities There are ores of non-ferrous metals - lead-zinc in Carinthia (Bleiberg) and copper in Tyrol (Mitterberg). Of the chemical raw materials, only table salt is of practical importance (in Salzkamergut), and of other minerals - graphite.
Sports in Austria
Austria is a sports country. Most popular types Sports in Austria include alpine and cross-country skiing, football, swimming, athletics, golf, cycling and windsurfing. Recently, new sports have been gaining popularity in Austria. For example, snowboarding.
Alpine skiing has been considered the most popular sport in the country for more than a hundred years. In general, the founder of this sport is the Austrian Mathis Zdarsky, who invented the first bindings for alpine skis, and in 1905 organized the first slalom competitions.
Austria has more than once become the venue for the most prestigious alpine skiing competitions. The best ski slopes in Austria are in Alberg (Tirol), St. Anton and St. Christoph, where the Austrian Ski Academy and coach training center are located.
In Austria you can ski in summer too. There are eight glaciers in the country, next to which entire tourist cities have sprung up. The most popular glaciers in Austria are in the areas of Kaprun and Stubai.
There is nothing strange in the fact that in 1999 the World Cross-Country Ski Championships were held in the Austrian province of Styria, on the local Dachstein glacier, which is a popular training base for skiers from all over the world. This glacier is so popular that even national teams from northern countries such as Finland and Norway train on this glacier in the summer. Moreover, in the summer you can ski in your bathing suit. Another popular winter sport in Austria is luge. Austria is the undisputed favorite in this sport. And only Italy and Germany can compete with her in some competitions.
The reasons for Austria's success in this sport are quite simple. The country has created all conditions for athletes. Ordinary residents also love tobogganing, as there are 310 toboggan clubs in Austria.
Among the summer sports in Austria, football ranks first. In general, Austria at the beginning of the 20th century was a football power. The greatest players of that time were Matthias Sindler, Toni Polister and Hans Krankl.
Today Austria cannot boast of great football achievements on the international stage. But in the summer, football in Austria becomes the number one sport.
Austria's countless mountain rivers, lakes, and picturesque slopes create excellent opportunities and conditions for practicing sports such as canoeing and mountain biking. Also in Austria good conditions for hiking and climbing
Conclusion: The geographical location of Austria is convenient for hosting the Olympic Games. She had
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Economic geographical position

Republic of Austria – Austria is a state located in the center of Europe. The country's territory is surrounded on all sides by land. The state borders: with the Czech Republic (in the north); with Slovakia (in the northeast); with Hungary (in the east); with Italy and Slovenia (in the south); with Switzerland and Liechtenstein (in the west) and with Germany (in the northwest).

Austria - union state. It includes:

Lower and Upper Austria,
Styria,
Burgerland,
Carinthia,
Vorarlberg,
Tyrol,
Vein,
Salzburg.

The territory of Austria is elongated in the shape of a wedge. The total area of the territory is 83.8 thousand square meters. km.

The country's main marinas are located near Vienna and Linz. Largest cities: Vienna, Linz, Graz, Salzburg.

The geographical location favors the development of economic ties with neighboring countries.

Austria is a crossroads for a number of trans-European transport flows.

Natural conditions

The natural features of Austria are largely predetermined by the presence of the Eastern Alps mountain system on the country's territory. Mountain ranges occupy up to 70% of the entire territory of the country, most of which are represented by the Eastern Alps. The Eastern Alps are divided into: the Salzburg and North Tyrol Alps (in the north) and the Carnic and Zillertal Alps (in the south). High Taeurn is the most powerful mountain range in the country. Mount Großglockner is the highest point in the country (3797 m).

Pasterze is the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps (more than 10 km long).

The Stubai, Ötztal and Zillertal Alps are a ridge granite-gneiss mountain zone. Alpine landforms are clearly expressed here - steep-walled valleys and sharp ridges. To the south and north of the ridge zone stretch the Limestone Alps, in the northern regions turning into the Pre-Alps, which descend to the Danube. The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is located in the Tennengebirge mountains. The pre-alps are ridged low mountains, overgrown with forest.

On the left side of the Danube there is a part of the ancient Bohemian massif - the southern spurs of the Sumava, up to 500 m high (in some places the height reaches 1000 m).

1/5 of the entire area of the country is occupied by flat territories and hilly lowlands: the Danube part of Austria, part of the Middle Danube Plain. There are significant areas of fertile land here.

The climate is moderate. In the western parts of the country, the influence of the Atlantic can be seen. In the eastern regions and in the mountains the climate is more continental.

The climatic conditions of the plains are warm and humid. The average temperature in July is +20º C. Winter is mild, the average temperature in January is +1-5º C. The average annual precipitation is 700-900 mm.

For every 100m rise, the average temperature drops by 0.5-0.6ºC.

Snow occurs at an altitude of 2500-2800 m. Summer in the mountains is windy, damp, cold, and wet snow often falls. In winter, huge layers of snow accumulate on the mountain slopes, which often form avalanches.

Note 1

A characteristic feature of the mountainous regions of the country is the abundance of clean fresh water, which accumulates during the main part of the year in the form of glaciers and snow, and in the summer flows down to the Danube and forms lake basins.

Natural resources

Water resources. Largest river countries - Danube. The river is at its fullest in summer (due to the melting of snow and ice in mountainous areas). The tributaries of the Danube - Salzach, Inn, Drava, Ends - have great hydroelectric potential. These rivers are partially used for timber rafting. In the northern foothills of the Alps and in the Klagenfurt Basin (in the south) there are many deep lakes of glacial origin. The largest lake, Lake Constance, belongs partially to Austria. The largest waterfalls in the world include the Kriml Falls. Mineral springs – Bad Ischl, Baden.

Forest resources. Forests occupy almost 2/3 of the country's territory. Forests are most common in the mountains. Mountain forests are the national wealth of Austria.

Minerals. The main mineral resources of the country are: oil and natural gas (Vienna Basin), brown coal (Upper Austria, Styria), magnesite (Faich, Styrian Alps). The territory contains deposits of iron ore (Eisenerz area, Mount Erzberg; Carinthia, Hüttenberg), lead-zinc ores (Klagenfurt area, Bleiberg, etc.), copper ores (Tirol, Mitterberg). The country produces table salt (Salzkamergut), marble, graphite, feldspar, granite, limestone, and kaolin.

Recreational resources. The Austrian Alps are a popular holiday destination for skiers. The most visited resorts in the provinces: Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia. Tourists visit Styria and Vorlarlberg. Resorts where you can combine relaxation and wellness treatments (at thermal springs): Bad Hofgastein, Bad Gastein in the Gasteiner Ral region. Comfortable temperatures, clean air, and beautiful landscapes attract mountain tourists and other vacationers.

Flora and fauna

The foothills and lower regions of the mountain slopes are covered with broad-leaved tree species - beech, oak, hornbeam forests. Above are mixed beech-spruce and coniferous forests, mainly fir. Above 1200 m there are larch, spruce, and cedar. The zone of subalpine meadows - mattas - is located above the forest belt and is distinguished by the abundance of high-grass representatives first, and then - short-grass - alpine meadows - almas. In the belt of eternal snow and ice you can find a low-growing plant - silver edelweiss.

The vegetation cover of the plain-hilly areas of the country is almost completely changed under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Most of the land has been plowed, leaving small oak and beech groves.

The fauna of Austria is Central European. In high mountain areas - typically alpine. In the protected areas in the forested mountains live: red deer, roe deer, elk, brown bear, mountain sheep, chamois, mountain goats, alpine marmot, mountain eagle, black grouse, wood grouse, partridges.

Hares, foxes, and rodents are found on the plains. In the steppe region near Lake Neusiedler See there is a purple heron.

Austria is known throughout the world for its ski resorts. Beginners and amateurs relax here, and professionals train here. Excellent conditions for relaxation and developed infrastructure Every year they attract more and more people to Austria more tourists. The purity of the local lakes and the beauty of nature will amaze the most sophisticated travelers. Austria really has something to see - beautiful mountain landscapes, mysterious caves and, of course, the quiet streets of Vienna with cozy cafes and delicious menus.
A trip to Austria is a chance to get in touch with the innermost. A trip to Austria is an opportunity to get to know the country from the inside. The best way to travel around Austria is by train. A dense network of railways covers all cities of the country. What is especially convenient is that you can buy long-term travel tickets. By the way, this is quite profitable. In Austria there is also a specialized agency that, for a relatively small fee, will select a passing car for you to hitchhike from one city to another.

Geography

The Republic of Austria (Republik Osterreich), a state in Central Europe, in the Danube basin. It borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Area: 83849 km2. The capital is Vienna. Large cities Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck. About 3/4 of the country's territory is occupied by the Eastern Alps and their foothills. Height up to 3797 m (Grossglockner). Mountain ranges are separated by deep longitudinal valleys. In the east of the country is the western part of the Middle Danube Plain, including the Vienna Basin. The climate of the plains and foothills is moderate continental and humid. Main rivers: Danube (350 km) and its tributaries: Inn, Drava, Morava. Large lakes are Lake Constance and Neusiedler-Seewinkel. There are many glacial lakes in the highlands. About 1/2 of the territory of Austria is covered with forests: up to an altitude of 600-800 m, oak and beech forests alternate with fields, gardens and vineyards: up to 1400-1800 m - mainly coniferous forests, higher - shrubs, alpine meadows. Landscapes are protected in the Neusiedlersee-Sewinkel, Karwendelgebirge and other nature reserves.

Time

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Climate

The climate in Austria is temperate. In the western regions of the country the influence of the Atlantic is noticeable, while in the mountains and in the east it is more continental. The coldest month is January. In the flat areas in winter the temperature is mostly slightly negative, in the east of the country it does not fall below +10 degrees, and in the mountainous areas frosts down to -15 degrees are observed. Summer in the east of Austria is hot, for example, in Vienna in July and August during the daytime the air warms up to +30 degrees. In the western regions, summer is warm - daytime air temperatures reach +21..+23 degrees, while at night they reach +13 degrees. In the mountains in the summer months, the air temperature ranges from +25 degrees during the day to +10 degrees at night. The annual rainfall in the east of Austria is about 600 mm, and in the west it is up to 2000 mm. They mostly fall out in summer time. In high mountain areas, snow cover lasts up to 8 months a year. The water in local lakes warms up to +25..+27 degrees in summer. The average maximum temperature in January in Vienna is approximately +1°C, the average in April is +15°C, in July it reaches +25°C, and in October about +14°C. In Salzburg and Innsbruck the temperature is about the same as in the capital, with the exception of winter when these Alpine cities are somewhat cooler. Inland waters.

Language

The official language is German (with a characteristic Austrian pronunciation). In big cities and resort centers, in hotels it will not be difficult to find a person who speaks English, but it is advisable to know at least a few German phrases. All announcements on trains and buses are made only in German.

Religion

Religion plays an important role in the life of every Austrian. The approach to religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution is quite interesting: until a child reaches the age of 10, religious preferences are determined by the parents; from 10 to 12, a small citizen has the right to express his opinion, which must be taken into account; and after 12 years he can freely choose the religion that he likes. Most of the population of Austria professes Catholic religion, but in Austria there are 11 other denominations officially recognized. According to the 2001 census, 73% of the population is Catholic, 4.7% is Protestant, Islam is practiced by 4.2% of Austrians, and Orthodoxy by 2.2%. 12% of the population does not belong to any official religious denomination. There are two archbishoprics in the country - Vienna and Salzburg, as well as 7 Catholic dioceses. Austria celebrates thirteen official holidays, including ten church holidays.

Population

According to a 2003 estimate, Austria's population was just over 8 million. About 9% of the population are foreigners. The bulk of the population lives in the states of Upper and Lower Austria and Styria, as well as in the capital of Austria - Vienna, where almost 20% of the indigenous population is concentrated. In mountainous areas (Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia) the population density is much lower than in large cities.
The indigenous people of Austria have a mixed origin, characteristic of other European nations. Nevertheless, the Austrians mainly have features characteristic of the Alpine-Dinaric group.
The urban population is 56%, the population density is 97.6 people per sq. km. Other ethnic groups also live in Austria. There are six officially recognized ethnic groups: Hungarians, Roma, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, and Slovenes. In the south and east of the country (Carinthia, Burgenland and Styria) live Slavic minorities, whose representatives speak Slovenian and Croatian.

Electricity

The network voltage in Austria is 220 volts. Electrical sockets comply with European standards.

Emergency numbers

Codes of the largest cities:
Baden - 2252
Brand - 5559
Vienna - 1
Graz - 316
Salzburg - 662
Innsbruck - 512
Linz - 732
Ferlach - 4227
Fire department: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Transportation of patients:
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund. Tel.: 891 44
Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe. Tel.: 476 00-0
Vienna Patient Assistance Service. 717 18-0, 711 19-0
Red Cross. 17 74
Answering machine with a recording of the duty schedule of dentists (duty at night and on weekends): 512 20 78
Information about the nearest pharmacies (opening hours, address, night duty): 1550 (153 50)
Providing medical assistance in case of leakage of toxic substances (inquiry): 406 43 43-0
First medical aid for animals - central veterinary service phone number: 531 16
Pharmacy reference - 15-50. If your nearest pharmacy is closed, the address of the nearest open pharmacy should be posted on the door. If you need a doctor and do not speak German, contact the hotel staff or, in an emergency, the Russian consulate.

Connection

The country code is 42; when dialing a number within Austria, you should dial 0 before the city code; when accessing international communications - 00. All Austrian settlements have automatic direct telephone connections with all European countries. Telephone machines (you can call either with coins or with Telefonkarte cards) are installed in post offices and on the streets (calling from post offices is cheaper). Phone cards "Telefonkarte" (packed in plastic) are sold in tobacco kiosks or at the post office. Calls on weekdays from 18.00 to 8.00 are 33% cheaper, significant discounts also apply on weekends and holidays around the clock.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange is possible in banks and specialized exchange offices, as well as in most travel agencies and hotels (with a small surcharge for carrying out an exchange operation) and at the main post offices - in large cities they work daily and around the clock. In addition, dollars can be exchanged at ATMs, in which case only 10, 20 and 50 USD bills are accepted. Credit cards are accepted in almost all large stores, gas stations, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
For purchases over 75 euros, you can get a VAT refund (about 13%). To do this, you need to receive a “tax-free” check filled out by the seller in the store with the form “ Tax Free for tourist Austria Tax-Free Shopping" or "Europa-Tax-Free Plakette". The customs-stamped receipt must be sent to the store or duty-free department. VAT refunds can be made in cash directly at customs or by check or bank transfer (commissions apply on some items). Banks are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 15.00, and on Thursday from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 17.30. Bank branches at airports and major train stations are open from 6.30 to 22.30, including on weekends.

Visa

TYPES OF VISA
Visa A(transit through the airside of the airport) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit to third countries through international airports Austria. Moreover, this visa gives the right to stay in the airside area of the airport during a transfer from one aircraft to another, but does not allow its holder to leave the transit zone and stay in Austria.
Visa B(transit visa) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit through the territory of Austria to third countries. This visa gives the right to stay in Austria for up to 5 days each time.
Visa C(short-term stay) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is tourism, visiting relatives or friends, business trips. This visa gives the right to visit countries in the Schengen area.
Visa D(national visa) - valid only in Austria and gives the right to stay in the country from 3 to 6 months without a temporary residence permit or residence permit. This visa only gives the right to transit through other Schengen countries for up to 5 days, but not to stay in them.
Visa processing times
The usual period for consideration of applications and processing of documents at the consular department is from five working days from the date of payment of the consular fee to two weeks. In exceptional cases, it is possible to obtain an urgent visa category C - no less than three days before the intended trip.
Consular fee
Consular fee for tourist visa (category C) and transit visa(category B) is 35 euros, for an urgent visa category C - 70 euros, for a national Austrian visa (category D or D+C) - 75 euros. The consular fee is paid at the bank in rubles at the bank exchange rate. To pay the fee, the consular department issues a payment notice when accepting documents. When receiving ready-made visas, you will need to present this notice with a note from the bank about the payment made. In case of visa refusal, the fee is not refunded.
The following categories of citizens are exempt from paying the consular fee:
. close relatives of citizens of the Russian Federation legally residing in Austria;
. close relatives of EU citizens;
. schoolchildren, students of higher educational institutions, graduate students and accompanying teachers (provided that the purpose of the trip is education);
. children under 6 years old.

Customs regulations

Citizens of foreign countries can bring with them for their personal consumption or as gifts, but not for commercial purposes: 200 pcs. cigarettes or 50 cigars, Manila or thin cigars or 250 gr. tobacco (or any combination thereof, the total weight of which should not exceed 250 grams); 2 liters of wine or fruit liqueur or tincture with an ethyl alcohol content of no more than 22%, or any combination thereof, but not more than 2 liters, as well as 1 liter of alcohol, the ethyl alcohol content of which does not exceed 22%, or 3 liters of beer and additionally 1 liter of other alcoholic drinks. Other goods, besides those mentioned above, can be imported for a total amount of 175 euros per person. If these goods are not imported by plane, but across the common border with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and Czech Republic, then the maximum amount is reduced to 100 euros. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency.

Holidays and non-working days

New Year - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
Easter Monday
Labor Day - May 1st
Ascension
Whit Monday
Corpus Christi
Dormition
National holiday of the Republic of Austria - October 26
All Saints Day - November 1st
Conception of the Virgin Mary - December 8
Christmas - December 25
St. Stephen's Day - December 26

Transport

Railway
As in Germany, there are different classes of trains in Austria: high-speed and local. The letter designations are slightly different:
ICE, IC/EC - high speed trains intercity and international
D - average between local and fast
E - fast local train
R - local train
The cost depends on the distance, class, number of people and whether the ticket is one-way or round-trip. As in Germany (and in any other European country, however), we must not forget about what class of ticket you have: the class is written on the carriage, on the doors of the compartments of the carriage, on the walls. One carriage can have first and second class compartments. First class is not much different from second class: most often there are compartments, fewer seats, maybe a table, and most importantly, there are simply fewer people. All trains have soft, comfortable seats and an in-car toilet. It is also worth paying attention to whether smoking is allowed in the carriage - there will be an image of a cigarette crossed out or not outside. If you have heavy suitcases and don't want to drag them up the stairs to the platform, look around - there is a good chance that there will be an elevator nearby that you can safely use.
Buses in Austria
Buses in Austria are very convenient. The only thing you shouldn’t forget is that after 18:00 there may be no flights. Prices are lower than by train, but not significantly. For an hour and a half trip, for example from Salzburg to Bad Ischl or from Zell am See to Krimml, you need to pay about 8.50 euros per person.
Buses on the same route may not stop at all stops depending on the time, so if you need intermediate stops, check the schedule carefully. And bus 670 from Krimml to Zell am See runs either to the final stop (Zell am See) or to the Mittersill stop (halfway to Zell am See), where you need to change trains.
Taxi
It is best to call by phone from the hotel or from the restaurant where you are staying, and you can also find it in special parking lots near train stations, in the center major cities, at the airport (it’s not customary to “catch” a car on the street: even if you try, no one will stop). The cost of moving around the city is indicated on the meter + landing fee. When traveling long distances, it is better to agree on the amount with the driver in advance.
Public transport in Vienna
Vienna has a metro (U), trams, buses and trains (S). My transport system The city authorities are constantly modernizing: now two main stations in Vienna are being rebuilt at once, and elevators are being actively added to the metro. It should be noted that the excessive comfort in the form of elevators has greatly spoiled the Viennese residents: you can often see how hefty foreheads or cheerful girls, burdened with a cell phone at most, quickly fill the elevator cabin, while an old woman with a cane does not have time to reach its door.
Most convenient transportation- metro. There are stops near almost all strategic tourist points. The second most convenient option is the tram. Trams run both very modern and old, similar to ours. We didn’t have to use the bus, and somehow we didn’t come across them.
The ticket can be purchased either from a machine or from the driver. It needs to be composted in a small box at the entrance.

Tips

The tip is 5% of the order value; in large restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the bill. The waiter will definitely return the change for the bill, and after that, in the same napkin, you must leave a tip. You can leave small coins in bars and cafes. In street cafes they do not give tips. It is customary for the taxi driver to leave 10% over the meter; you can simply leave change from the change. At the hotel, if you decide to tip, the following applies: general rules: boys who help carry suitcases can be given 50 cents each, the maid receives a tip of no less than about 3 euros per week.

The shops

Shops in Austria are allowed to trade from Monday to Friday from 6.00 to 19.30, and on Saturdays trade in shops is allowed until 17.00. Actual store opening hours in Austria vary. Typically, shops are open from 8.00 to 18.30, and some of them may close for a lunch break for 1-2 hours. There is no uniformity on this issue. IN tourist centers and resorts may have special shopping hours. From Monday to Friday until 21.00, and on Saturday and Sunday - until 18.00. Shops at railway stations and airports are open during busy hours (until approximately 23.00).
One of the best souvenirs from Austria is considered a bottle of Yaga-te concentrate, which can be bought in any supermarket. It is enough to add four parts of regular boiling water to one part of the concentrate, and you get a classic New Year’s national drink - “Yaga-te”, i.e. “hunting tea”. And for lovers of stronger drinks - a classic souvenir from Austria - a bottle of schnapps (fruit moonshine). Real schnapps should be 38% strength.

National cuisine

meat on the bone - dish No. 1 in Austria (up to 17 EUR);
Gluewein - a hot drink consisting of red wine and water (3:1), cinnamon, spices; fundamentally different from Bavarian mulled wine in the absence of zest and the presence of water (up to 5 EUR);
Schnapps flows like a river! The most pleasant and correct souvenir from Austria is a bottle of fruit moonshine - schnapps. Classic schnapps should be 38% strength (deviations affect the taste). For a spicy sensation, put a piece of canned pear (if the schnapps is pear) or peach (if the schnapps is peach) into the glass; They don’t put plums in plum schnapps... You will also find more expensive varieties of raspberry schnapps, schnapps made from a bouquet of blackberries and wild apples, and so on;
a typical Austrian cocktail - Vodka Red Bull - the Austrians themselves believe that the combination of Smirnovsky table wine No. 21 with an energy drink gives the body a feeling of weightlessness and flight. It’s hard to say how the flight is, but it doesn’t blow the tower down - it’s been checked: you can drink it. (Between us: it’s better to prepare Red Bull vodka yourself: buy “Red Bull” in any supermarket, take out “crystal” supplies and... 3:1);
germknoedl - a fluffy sweet bun with poppy seeds and sauce (vanilla or fruit);
wheat beer (Weizenbier - Weizenbier) - absolutely incomparable taste (up to 3 EUR);
apple pie (Apfel Strudel) - In Salzburg and Alpine villages, served hot: be careful (up to 9 EUR);
natural sweets "Mozartkugel" ("Mozartkugel") - an enchanting invention of the Salzburg confectionery "Fuerst" - the only place where these and other sweets are still made by hand (in truth, the "other sweets" include, first of all, the best invention of "Fuerst" - sweets "J.-S. Bach"); “genuine” “Mozartkugel” is sold only in silver-blue packaging and contains more marzipan and cocoa than the golden-red American fakes (from 0.9 EUR per piece);
cinnamon pancakes (Strauben / Stauben) are simply an exclusive Salzburg delicacy;
Mozart's favorite beer - Stiegelbreu (up to 2 EUR);
magical soufflé Nockerln - sweet as love, tender as a kiss;
coffee, coffee and more coffee: “Merchant” - strong double espresso, “Ferlengerter” - weaker, “melange” - coffee with milk and whipped cream, “Einshpenner” - double mocha in a tall glass.

Attractions

Symbol of Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), the patron saint of the capital of Austria, who is more than 800 years old. Under the cathedral there are ancient catacombs - the burial place of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, its interior decoration is simply mesmerizingly beautiful, and a Turkish cannonball, which hit the cathedral during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century, is embedded in its spire. Opposite the cathedral lies the beautiful Stephansplatz square and the post-modern glass building of the Haas House commercial center. On the walls of Stefansdom you can see the measures of length, size and weight, by which in the Middle Ages goods were checked when purchasing, and from it observation deck there is a magnificent view of the Danube and Vienna. Another symbol of Vienna departs from the square - the Graben street, the “heart of the city”, on which such famous attractions as the Peitzeule Column, the Sacher Hotel and the Peterskirche Church are concentrated. The most fashionable shops are also located here. It is interesting to get acquainted with the nearby Mihalerkirche, St. Marie am Gestad, Franciskanerkirche, the neo-Gothic Town Hall (1872-1883), one of the most beautiful squares in the world - Josephplatz, with the Palace Chapel and Burgtheater located on it (1874-1888), the Houses of Parliament (1883), in front of which stands the statue of Pallas Athena, and the famous Vienna Opera (1861-1869), the venue for the iconic annual Opera Ball.
The pride of Vienna - beautiful parks, varied in appearance and purpose. Prater Park is considered the most “people's” park in Vienna (it has been in operation since the 18th century) and is famous for the largest Ferris wheel in the world (65 m) and excellent restaurants. The historic Augarten Park regularly hosts dozens of musical performances and symphony concerts. The famous Vienna Woods park, located in the vicinity of the capital, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps, is a whole forest area with its own towns and hotels, resorts and thermal springs. Bounded on one side by the picturesque Danube valley and vineyards, and on the other by the famous resort area of Baden and Bad Voslau, the “Vienna Woods” is a favorite vacation spot for Viennese and guests of the country.
Church of St. Ruprecht and the summer residence of the Habsburgs - Schönbrunn Palace, which has more than 1,400 rooms and halls. Nowadays it houses the Museum of Weapons, a collection of costumes and horse-drawn carriages "Wagenburg", a beautiful park with fountains, a greenhouse and a zoo. Excellent examples of architecture are the palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, located on a hill in the south-eastern part of the city - Belvedere Castle (1714-1723) with the Gallery of Austrian Art of the 19th-20th centuries. (the largest collection of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka) and the chambers of Archduke Ferdinand, the baroque Karlskirche (1739) and Stadtpark, the University, the palace of Count Manfeld-Fondy and the Vatican Church.
Salzburg
Salzburg Lakes, Salzburg Cathedral (founded in the 8th century, rebuilt in 1611-1628), surrounded by three squares with the luxurious residence of the prince-archbishops, the Baroque Museum, the Salt Mountains, the house in which Mozart was born, Helburn palaces with a magnificent park, decorated with joker fountains, and Mirabel, Geerfidegasse, the Eisriesenwelt cave ("world of the ice giants") in Tennengebirge, south of Salzburg. Styria and Carinthia attract with a huge number of medieval castles and majestic nature. Innsbruck: Ambras Castle (XVI century), ski resort. Kitzbühel is a resort located in the Tyrolean Alps.

Carniche- a famous sports center and resort located in the very south of Austria. Saalbach and Hinterglemm are the most popular ski resorts. Lech am Arlberg is a fashionable resort offering the highest service. Baden, a resort with healing hot sulfur springs, located 25 km south of Vienna, has been popular with crowned heads and artists for a long time.

Most Popular ski resorts- Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Badgasstein, Baden bei Wien, Seefeld, Otztal, Zillertal, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, St. Anton, Zell am See-Kaprun, Galtür, Gaschurn, Stubaital, St. Johann, Pitztal, Carinthia, Salzkammergut , St. Wolfgang, Hintertux.

Resorts

Lakes of Carinthia- Werther See (resorts Sölden, Pertschach, Maria Werth, Krumpendorf), Klopeiner See (resort Sankt Kanzian), Millstetter See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See.
Lakes of Salzkammergut— Wolfgang See (resorts St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl), Mondsee, Traunsee, Attersee and Hallstettersee.
Salzburgerland— Zeller See (resort Zell am See).
Resort Sölden
The Otztal Valley is known for its highest mountain resorts in Austria. Sölden (1,377 m), Vent (1,900 m), Obergurgl (1,930 m), Hochselden (2,050 m) and Hochgurgl (2,150 m) hold the record for attendance and rank second in popularity after Vienna.
Sölden is one of the best ski resorts in Austria. Absolute guarantee of natural snow.
Winter season is from December to April.
Glacier skiing is available all year round.
Slopes, trails, lifts:
Ski area - 1377-3250 m
Height difference - 1873 m
The total length of the tracks is 150 km
Trails for beginners - 53 km
Medium difficulty trails - 63 km
Difficult trails - 28 km
Ski route - 6 km
Illuminated trails - 4 km
The longest route is 13.5 km
Summer skiing on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers
About 20 restaurants on the mountain.
Modern high-speed lifts, on the glacier, almost all chairs have protective caps.
The main ski areas in Sölden are Gaislachkogl (1377-3058 m), Giggijoch (1377-2885 m) and the Golden Gate on two glaciers Rettenbach (1377-3250 m) and Tiefenbach (2796-3250 m).
Resort St. Kanzian
St. Kanzian is located on the warm lake Austria (water temperature heats up to +28 degrees).
There is everything for your active holiday: 65 tennis courts, a tennis hall, an 18-hole golf course, three surfing schools, a diving school, mini golf, fishing, cycling, horse riding...
There is never a dull moment in St. Kanzian: weekly children's parties, lake parties with fireworks, daily dance and entertainment programs in all hotels. Klopeinersee - the town is located on the shore of the lake - Klopeiner See.
It is surrounded on all sides by fields, meadows and mountain forest. Klopeinersee is the warmest bathing lake in Austria. The water temperature in summer reaches 26-28 degrees. The water in this lake is so clean that you can drink it.
Zell am See
Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) are located in the Salzburg region of Pinzgau and together form the famous European Sports Region (ESR).
ESR is the most popular place relaxation for a huge number of fans of both high-mountain landscapes and descents, as well as the unique alpine atmosphere that prevails here all year round.
The region offers what is most important for any skier, both beginner and professional. Residents of the region say: “We don’t talk about snow, we guarantee it!”
Skiing season is from December to April.
Slopes, trails, lifts
Scheme of the ski region (202.1 kb)
Resort altitude - 726 m above sea level
Ski area - 750-2000 m
Height difference - 1250 m
Length of trails - 75 km
Trails for beginners - 25 km
Medium difficulty trails - 25 km
Difficult trails - 25 km
The longest route is 6.2 km
Number of lifts - 28
The total capacity of the lifts is 39,695 people per hour
Cross-country ski trails - 20 km
Toboggan runs - 4
Snowboard trails -2
Fan park -1
Half-pipes - 2
Snowboard
Kitzsteinhorn: fan park, half-pipe on the route from the Alpine Center to Langviboden.
Schmittenhoch: halfpipe (100 m) under the Glocknerbahn.
Pörtschach
Poertschach is a resort town on the northern shore of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. The resort is located on a small peninsula with three cozy bays, between Velden and Klagenfurt. Pörtschach is famous for its flower-filled promenade and the 14th-century Leonstein Castle, which was visited by J. Brahms. This is a wonderful place to relax and practice all kinds of sports: rowing, surfing, parasailing, tennis, golf, hiking and cycling. The abundance of fish in the local waters attracts a huge number of people who want to go fishing successfully. For 50 years now, Pörtschach has been a kind of “tennis mecca” - every hotel has one or two tennis courts, and the Seehotel Werzer-Astoria complex has one of the largest and best tennis centers in Austria, consisting of 11 magnificent courts.

Geographical position

Austrian Republic is a continental state located in southern central Europe. This state was formed after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy at the end of the First World War.

Austria in the north Borders with Germany And Czech Republic, in the West- with Switzerland And Liechtenstein, on South borders with Italy And Slovenia, in the east the country borders Slovakia And Hungary. The length of Austria's state borders with these countries is 2,706 km, of which 816 km are with Germany, 466 km with the Czech Republic, 107 km with Slovakia, 354 km with Hungary, 330 km with Slovenia, 430 km with Italy, 166 km with Switzerland and 35 km with Liechtenstein. Total area of the country amounts to 83.858 sq. km.

Administratively, the state consists of 9 federal states: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg And Vienna city(on land rights).

Capital of Austria is a city Vein. The state is located in mountainous regions. Most of the country's territory is occupied Eastern Alps, which are lower and wider than Western ones. In addition, these mountains are distinguished by the presence of more forests and meadows, but there are fewer glaciers here. The border between them runs along the western border of the state - along the Upper Rhine valley. In the north these mountains border with Northern Alpine foothills, and in the east - from Eastern Alpine foothills. This foothills includes Viennese And Styrian pools. Further in the east it turns into Hungarian lowland.

The Eastern Alps have fewer glaciers and more forests and meadows than the Western Alps. The plains account for only 7% of the country's territory.

The largest and only navigable river Austria is Danube. Its length in Austria is about 350 km. It's leaking from Passau on the border with Germany to the suburbs of Bratislava in Slovakia. The main tributary of the Danube in Austria it is considered Inn.
There are a large number of lakes on the territory of the country, there are thermal springs with warm water. Most of them in the area Salzkammergut in Upper Austria and also in Styria And Salburg.

The tallest Mountain peak countries - Grossglockner in the Hohe Tauern, whose height is 3797 m. There are also a large number of other high peaks. The largest glacier The Eastern Alps are called Pasierce, its length exceeds 10 km.

The most famous arrays The Central Alps are: Retikon, Ötztal, Zillertal, Kitzbühel Alps, Hohe Tauern And Semmering.

Most of the country's territory is located in the mountains, for this reason the climate of Austria is quite diverse. In the West country prevails humid climate, in the south and east Austria continental climate. The climate is subject to Atlantic, continental and Mediterranean influences. In the northern and western regions country prevails soft And wet weather With Atlantic Ocean. Average annual temperatures here make up from 7 to 9 degrees C. During the winter months temperature can drop to - 1-7 degrees. In the mountains the climate is cooler. In summer usually here 18-24 degrees.

Winter in Austria it is soft, no frost. average temperature during this period is about 0 degrees. Summer warm, but not hot. average temperature air in summer is 22°C.

In the eastern regions The country is dominated by continental influences. There is less precipitation here, but in the summer there are showers. The annual precipitation rate in Austria exceeds 760 mm. The only exceptions are: the Vienna Basin, some areas of Burgenland and intermountain valleys. Snow remains on the plains from one to six months a year. Very common in the valleys in winter fogs.

Visas, entry rules, customs regulations

For entry to the territory of Austria for citizens of Russia requiredinternational passport and current Schengen visa. In addition, you also need design health insurance policy. At customsmay ask present return tickets or confirmation of hotel reservation or voucher from a travel agency.

When entering Austria by personal carneed to also have with you international driving license And registration certificate. In addition, it is necessary design international compulsory insurance policy civil liability of vehicle owners.

Apply for a visa You can visit the consular section of the Austrian Embassy in Moscow. The visa process takes 7 days.

In Austria no restrictions for the import and export of foreign and local currency. Without special permission cannot be imported into the country objects that have historical or artistic value. When entering Austria from non-EU countries, must be declared amounts over 10 thousand euros.

Persons over 17 years old they have a right import into Austria 200 pcs. cigarettes or 500 cigars or 250 g of tobacco. Can be imported 2.25 liters of wine or 3 liters of beer and an additional 1 liter of other alcoholic drinks. In addition, other goods may be imported in an amount not exceeding US$200 per person. If the tourist arrives by train or car, then import allowed goods totaling 80 US dollars.

Gold items and jewelry with a total weight of more than 500 g must be declared.

From May 1, 2009 to the territory of the European Union countries cannot be imported products containing meat or milk. This ban does not apply for baby food and special medications.

Without the appropriate permit to Austria cannot be imported drugs and drug-containing drugs, medications, weapons, ammunition, pornographic materials.

All plants, animals and plant products must be presented quarantine officials. Required for pets design vaccination certificate and medical certificate. A medical certificate must be issued no earlier than 10 days until departure.

Population, political status

Population of Austria is 8188 thousand people.

Largest cities countries are: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. About 30% of the country's population lives in these cities.

Capital Vein represents economic and cultural center of the country. The city stretches on both banks of the Danube.

State language is Austrian.Colloquial represents Austrian dialect of German.

More than 98% of the population make up Austrians. In Austria there is also six recognized national minorities - Croats, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, Gypsies(total approx. 300 thousand people). Slovenes, Croats and Hungarians live in some areas Styria, Carinthia And Burgenland. In Vienna also live Czechs And Jews.

Number of foreigners in Austria it is about 8.8%. 45% of them are immigrants from the former Yugoslavia. The share of the urban population is 65%.

Austria is parliamentary federal republic. The state gained independence on May 15, 1955.

Head of State and Executive Power - the president. He is elected by direct popular vote for a term of 6 years. Head of government is chancellor. Austria consists of 9 federal states. The population of each land elects its own parliament (landtag). Parliament elects head of the state government. Lands are divided into districts. In villages and small towns the population elects municipal councilors, which are electedburgomasters.

Legislative branch represents in the country bicameral parliament - Federal Assembly. Federal states is Federal Council (Bundesrat). Population of the country is national council (nationalrat).

Head of the Federal Government costs Federal Chancellor. The government carries out executive and administrative functions.

What to see

Largest cities Austria are: Vienna, Salzburg And Graz. It is here that a large number of tourists come every year. But not only big cities are interesting, but also small ones, for example, Furstenfeld or Feldbach. They also have interesting sights.

Of course, most tourists come to the capital of Austria - Vienna. This is a very beautiful traditional European city with a unique charm. Vienna has many attractions. Symbol of the city considered gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. The cathedral is surrounded famous streetRingstrasse, which has the shape of a horseshoe. On this street are the most fashionable and sophisticated restaurants, shops And cafe. Both ends of the street are connected by an embankment.

In Vienna there are more than 80 museums. Many museums in Austria are dedicated to famous musicians. So, in Salzburg There is two Mozart house museums. In Mürzzuschlag you can visit Brahms house. In Vienna There are many memorials dedicated to musicians. Among them we can highlight four Beethoven house museums.

Austria is interesting for its large number of different architectural monuments. There are cathedrals, palaces, castles and monasteries. The most important artistic treasures are kept in the museums of Vienna. Of them the main ones are: Schönbrunn, Albertina Gallery And Kunsthistorisches Museum. Vienna is also famous for its parks.

Archaeological Park Carnuntum is one of the most interesting attractions in Austria. He is in between Vienna And Bratislava. On south coast Danube, at the intersection of ancient trade routes used to be capital of the Roman province of Upper Pannonia- city Carnuntum. In the park, tourists have an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Carnuntum.

Prater- This Vienna's most famous park. It is located northeast of the capital city center. You can get to this park through the Danube Canal, along Praterstrasse. In 1766, Emperor Joseph II opened these park estates of the imperial family to everyone. The Prater is famous for its magnificent boulevard, which is more than 4 km long. In addition, this park has excellent training opportunities different types sports. There is golf course, stadium, racecourse and swimming pool. For fun the park has planetarium And fairground Würstelprater. Runs throughout the park miniature railway. Main stop is Ferris wheel Riesenrad, whose height is 60 meters. This wheel was built in 1897 for the Vienna World Exhibition. The Ferris wheel completes a full rotation in 20 minutes.

Vienna Woods Park located near Vienna, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps. The park is a whole forest area. It housed various hotels And thermal spring resorts. On one side of the park lies the picturesque Danube Valley, and on the other side is the famous district of Baden. A large number of Austrians and foreigners come here on vacation.

Old Augarten park famous for its numerous musical performances And symphony concerts.

You can also have a great rest in the city’s natural Lobau Nature Reserve.

Schönbrunn represents summer residence Habsburgs. This beautiful ensemble includes park area And castle. Here you can admire not only the architecture, but also nature. In Schönbrunn, tourists can also visit crew exhibition. French park decorated mythological sculptures. Located at the foot of the hill Neptune fountain. There is a summer one here palace theater, and several museums And zoo.

Ancient St. Stephen's Cathedral built in honor of the patron saint of Vienna. This is a grandiose structure that attracts many tourists. The cathedral is already more than 800 years old. He survived despite wars and disasters. Below the cathedral are located ancient catacombs, in which representatives of the Habsburg dynasty were buried. The interior of the cathedral also deserves special attention. Here you can see ancient stone statues and fantastically diverse carving.

Into the cathedral spire done Turkish cannonball. This core came here during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century. A powerful masonry of supports is noticeable at the top. There are niches, arches and turrets. The colored roof tiles are laid out in zigzag patterns. In the cathedral itself you can enjoy the solemn sounds of the organ. Opposite the cathedral is Stephansplatz square. In the square there is a post-modern glass Haas commercial center building. On the walls of Stefansdom you can see measures of length, size and weight. These measures were used in the Middle Ages to verify goods when purchasing.

Belvedere Palace consists of 2 magnificent mansions, designed in the Rococo style. They were built at the beginning of the 18th century. The buildings are located opposite each other on a slope above Vienna. These buildings offer wonderful views of the capital. Belvedere Palace was built by Evgeny Savoysky. This famous general liberated Vienna from the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is considered the most beautiful palace complex of the Austrian capital.

The museums of the two palaces contain some of the most famous art galleries Vienna. Here tourists can admire Austrian paintings from different time periods. Museum exhibitions include a magnificent a collection of paintings by Klimt, famous works by Schiele and Kokoschka, Renoir and Monet. IN lower palace many rooms are still preserved in their original appearance. Exhibited here works in the Baroque style of the Middle Ages.

Vienna State Opera famous all over the world. Her repertoire includes about a hundred operas, operettas and ballets. Performances take place here every day. the season lasts from September to June. The Opera building was opened at the beginning of the 18th century. During the war in 1945, the building was destroyed, and in 1955 it was reconstructed. The Opera building has a majestic atmosphere. It's very difficult to get to the show here.. It is especially difficult to buy tickets for seated seats in the hall. But tickets for standing seats can be purchased at a fairly affordable price. You just have to stand in line for them. The State Opera works closely with Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Their joint New Year's concert is especially famous, tickets for which must be purchased a year in advance. The waiting list for subscription concerts stretches for 13 years.

Augustinian Church of the 14th century located in the Hofburg palace complex. The parishioners of this church were the imperial court. At the end of the 18th century, the church returned to its former Gothic appearance. Chapel of St. George was built in 1337. It is located at the right nave. Buried in the church Maria Christina, darling daughter of Maria Teresa. Her grave is located in the central nave, near the rear entrance to the church. But the body of Maria Christina is in the Imperial Crypt. The grave represents masterpiece of the Italian architect Canova. In a small room in the Loreto chapel urns were installed in which the hearts of representatives are stored Habsburg imperial family. You can see them through the window in the iron door. Tourists can only visit the Chapel of St. George and the Chapel of Loreto on a pre-booked tour.

In addition, the church is also interesting because in 1736 it Maria Teresa got married to Francois de Lorrain. The Augustinian Church also married other royal couples. They got married here in 1770 Marie Antoinette And Louis XVI, in 1810 - Marie Louise And Napoleon, in 1854 - Franz Joseph And Elizabeth of Bavaria. The best time to visit this church is at 11 am. At this time, the choir, soloists and orchestra perform the High Mass.

Imperial Palace Hofburg located in the center of the Austrian capital. IN different time this palace was the residence of many influential people, including representatives Habsburg dynasty. Today is here official residence of the country's president.

Hofburg represents complex of imperial buildings. The first of these buildings was built in 1279. The oldest part of the residence is Swiss court. It got its name in honor of the Swiss Guard, which was responsible for protecting the Kaiser. The architectural styles of the Hofburg are somewhat different. This is due to the fact that each new emperor sought to bring something of his own to the appearance of the palace. The Hofburg suffered three major sieges and a great fire. It has more than 2,600 rooms, but only about 20 are open to the public.

Of great interest to tourists are State Halls And museums. They house rich collections from the Habsburg dynasty. Here you can also visit the famous Spanish Riding School, National Library. IN Imperial Chapel Every Sunday since 1498, the famous boys' choir performs.

The oldest church in Vienna is Church of St. Ruprecht (Ruprechts-Kirche). It is believed that its construction began back in 740. This church was founded by the Archbishop of Salzburg. Previously, this place was located “ House for prayer and reflection" The nave and lower part of the tower were built in the 11th century. Some parts of the church building can most likely be dated to an even earlier period.

Fucking is an old town. It is located near Salzburg. The city received its name in the middle of the 6th century in honor of its founder Foko. This small settlement is the most popular among tourists among all the towns in the southeastern region of the country. This is due to the fact that in English the name of the city is written as “Fucking”. Numerous tourists always try to take a road sign with them as a souvenir. with such funny name cities. This is wreaking havoc on this small town's budget. The cost of one such sign is several hundred dollars. Residents and city authorities are not happy about their popularity. In 2004, there was even a vote to change the name of the city, but it was decided to keep it the same. The town authorities are constantly trying to strengthen the structure with the sign.

Small federal province Burgenland located in the very east of Austria, on the border with Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Capital of Burgenland is Eisenstadt. Here tourists can see the square Esterhazy Platz. Also interesting Esterhazy Palace with 4 Baroque wings, the Haydn Hall and magnificent state rooms. Sights of the town are also: park on Haydngasse, house - museum of Haydn, Franciscan Church(1625) with the crypt of the Esterhazy family, city hall . Interesting Kalvarinbergkirche church And Haydn's mausoleum Near Bergkirche church.

Austria is home to Europe's only large steppe lake Neuwiedlersee - Seewinkel. This lake is surrounded on all sides by thickets of reeds, salt marshes and swamps. The lake is 33.5 km long, 12 km wide, and only 1.8 m deep. The lake is home to a large number of animals and rare birds. Residents of Austria very often come here on vacation. To the southwest of the shores of the lake stretches a chain of ancient castles and monasteries. You can see it here baroque palace in Halbturn, built in 1711. Of interest is the former Servite monastery 1651, located in Loretto, as well as ruinthe largest fortress in Burgenland in Landsee. In the vicinity of the lake there is also Burg Schlaining fortress, built in 1272, medieval fortress(XV - XVII centuries) and Franciscan monastery 1648, located in Güssing.

Large Austrian city Graz represents capital of Styria. The city is spread out on the banks of the Mur River in fertile Graz Basin. It is an important industrial, commercial and educational center of the country.

City Linz located on the Danube River. He is administrative center of Upper Austria. This industrial centre and port. This city is located the oldest active church in Austria- St. Martin's Church was built back in Roman times.

Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and famous cities in Austria. Moreover, this second largest city in the country. He settled down on the Salzach River at the foot of the Alps. Salzburg became famous, first of all, as birthplace of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There are a large number of monuments and museums dedicated to the great composer. In the city music and theater festivals are held annually. The architecture of Salzburg is dominated by Baroque buildings. There are a lot of areas here. Located not far from the city large deposit of rock salt. It was this circumstance that once allowed the city to become major retail outlet in Europe.

City Innsbruck lies on the Inn River, high in the Tyrolean Alps. He is world famous sports center.

St. Pölten is one of the oldest cities in Austria.

Tourists are attracted here City Hall building, Shallaburg Palace. It is also interesting to visit here Historical Museum Lower Austria And Modern Art Museum.

Carinthia is a beautiful lakeland in Austria. This place is often called " Austrian Riviera" Carinthia has sunshine for about 2,000 hours a year. Here is located a huge number of lakes, there are warm mineral springs . All resorts in this area are distinguished by excellent quality of service. A large number of Austrians and foreigners come here every year to have a great rest in comfort and receive medical treatment.

The nature of Carinthia is amazingly picturesque. Here are located the most famous lakes in Austria: Wörther See, Ossiacher See, Millstater See And Weissensee. Here you can also see small Afritzer See, Faaker See with unique landscapes, Feld See And Keutschacher See. Klopeiner See is the warmest lake in Austria. Lakes Pressegger See And Langsee are distinguished by amazing purity of water. Thanks to thermal springs, the water in these lakes is warm. We can say that each lake in this region has its own unique flavor.

In various provinces of Austria, tourists can admire magnificent castles with a centuries-old history. The most famous in this regard province of Styria. Here is the so-called " Road of Castles" There are more than 10 castles along the border with Hungary. These castles once belonged to the feudal lords of Styria and Burgenland. Of the most popular can be distinguished: Kornberg, Herberstein, Obermayerhofen And Pellau. Some of these castles belong today to descendants of ancient family lines. But despite this, castles and family estates are open to tourists.

Austria is famous throughout the world for its magnificent ski resorts, located in the Alps. Many fans of active sports come here winter holiday.

Ischgl counts one of the most popular resorts countries. Its territory is equipped with the most modern ski lifts. For the convenience of vacationers, there is even Internet cafe. The hotels in this resort offer high quality service. The resort regularly hosts concerts of various rock And pop musicians and singers. The only disadvantage of this resort is the absence of difficult descents. Ischgl is very popular among lovers go snowboarding. Resort belongs to the Silveretta region. This region is traditionally one of the four best European snowboarding areas.

Innsbruck is Austrian center winter sports . This city is located in the heart of the Eastern Alps. Innsbruck became twice capital of the Winter Olympics. It perfectly combines the comfort of a high-class ski resort and the sophistication of one of the most interesting cities peace. Located around the city 7 popular ski areas And snowboarding. Located here Stubai Glacier. The ski resorts of this city meet the highest European requirements. It provides everything you need for skiing and winter recreation. Numerous tourists visit Innsbruck not only for skiing. It is also of great interest as a city. Here you can admire the beautiful architecture of cathedrals and other buildings. The city has a large number of different museums, cafes, restaurants. In addition, Innsbruck also provides great shopping opportunities.

Mayrhofen represents one of the most popular Alpine ski resorts. Here you can see amazing mountain landscapes. The nature of the Tyrolean Alps is simply mesmerizing. The resort attracts many tourists with a wide selection of trails that vary in difficulty. These trails will please even the most discerning visitors. This ski resort is famous all over the world. What makes Mayrhofen particularly popular is its proximity to Tuxer glacier, whose height is 3250 meters. This peak is distinguished by the fact that there is snow here even in summer. Mayrhofen is dominated by red and blue pistes. The system of chairlifts and rope tows is very well developed here.

Sant Anton(St. Anton am Arlberg) is one of the most popular and prestigious resorts Austria. This largest ski resort is located in the Alberg area. Representatives of the world elite come to this resort every year. The Arlberg ski area covers an area of more than 50 sq. km. The elevation difference here reaches 1500 meters. The highest peak in the region is Valluga, whose height is 2811 meters. The resort offers its guests more than 260 kilometers of well-prepared trails. For especially trained skiers, there are 180 kilometers of slopes along unprepared trails.

In Sant Anton there are also ample opportunities for skiing on virgin snow. On this ski resort There is a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere. Local hotels, restaurants, bars And cafe are distinguished by their unique comfort. For lovers of discotheques there are night clubs.

On the territory of modern Austria in the 2nd millennium BC livedAryan tribes. Then, in 300 BC this land was populated Gauls And by the Celts.

In the 1st century AD uh. southern part lands captured by the Romans. The invaders began to introduce Christianity here. Barbarian tribes They always tried to capture the cities of the Romans, therefore, the cities were surrounded by fortifications.

Over time, they settled in this territory Germans, Hungarians And Slovenian peoples. They created the Austrian nation. For many years the duchy was headed by representatives of the Habsburg dynasty.Rise of the Duchy arrived in the 18th century. Austria then participated in a long war with Prussia over Germany. She was defeated, after which a state called Austria-Hungary. It has developed at a fairly rapid pace and has already by the end of the 19th century has become the second largest European state.

But then the state was defeated in the First World War, which undermined its power. A in 1918 the revolution that took place led to the overthrow of the monarchy.

During the Second World War Austria occupied by fascist troops. After the war The territory of the country was occupied by 4 victorious countries. Independence Austria was only able to get in May 1955 of the year. October 25, 1955 years she gained federal republic status.

Currently Austria is a member of the UN, the European Union, the European Economic Society And Commonwealth of Schengen countries. It is a developed democratic state, which is considered one of the most significant cultural and economic centers in Europe.

International trade

Austria has very good location in the very center of Europe. A country has a fairly small domestic market. For this reason, the country's economy is very Foreign trade plays a big role.

Main trading partners states are: Germany, Italy, America, Switzerland And France.

Main export items are: cars And equipment, trucks And spare parts for cars, steel, metal And products made from it. The country also actively exports paper And cardboard, medical And pharmaceutical products, polymers And polymer products, food And beverages.

The export of services is also important for the country’s economy, in which the first place traditionally occupies tourism.

The shops

Shopping It is very popular among guests of Austria, especially in large cities of the country. There is large department stores, various boutiques, antique And jewelry stores, bookstores And designer furniture stores And lamps.

There are no longer uniform opening hours for stores in Austria. Usually shopping centers and shops work on weekdays from 09.00 to 18.30, A on Saturdays they are open from 09.00 to 18.00 hours. Thursdays and Fridays many shops are open until 21 hours. There are shops at the stations (groceries, flowers, tobacco products, books, etc.) open daily from 7 to 22:30.

Tobacco products sold only in specialized licensed kiosks or vending machines.

In Vienna located one of the largest auction complexes in the world, former pawn shop. You can purchase here unique books, postage stamps, jewelry, carpets, various artistic products. The most popular ones are also sold here famous Viennese souvenirs:miniature Lipizzan horses for the slide in the living room.

Hammerer - national clothing and youth fashion. Goess - the best shop interior items in Europe.

In Vienna The main streets for shopping are considered: Favoritenstrasse(between squares Sudtiroler And Reumannplatz),Landstrasse And Meidlinger Hauptstrasse, and MariahilferStrasse(Mariahilfer Strasse). You can get to Mariahilfer Strasse by driving Metro(lines U2, U3, U6). The most interesting for shopping is the area between Westbahnhof (Westbahnhof) And Ringstrasse (Ringstrasse).

Shopping centers in Vienna:

On the southern outskirts of the city there is inexpensive shopping center SCS - Shopping City Süd.

Shopping City South - second by size shopping mall Europe - more than 300 stores!

Shopping center address: 2334 Vösendorf-Süd, Bürocenter SCS 4. Stock. Tel. 01/699 39 69-0, Fax: 01/699 48 66

Opening hours:

The shops: Mon-Wed 9.30-19.00, Thu 9.00-21.00, Fri 9.00-19.00, Sat 9.00-18.00;

The biggest Vienna bookshop is Morawa, 1, Wollzeile 11. It has been recently renovated.

Art products And souvenirs tourists can buy at Augarten-Porzellanmanufaktur, Stock-im-Eisen-Platz 3 A-1010 Wien.

The most luxury shopping streets of Vienna- They are located in the golden triangle between

Outlets and discount centers:

40 km from Vienna there is a wonderful outlet (discount) center - Designer Outlet Parndorf, where presented more than 150 famous brands with very big discounts. Information about the center in Russian

If an Austrian store has a sign “ Ausverkauf”, then here prices will be slightly lower. Ubiquitous chains of stores where, along with groceries, essential items and personal hygiene items are presented, various consumer goods periodically appear: “Hofer”, “ Spar", "LIDL", "Zielpunkt" and "Billa".

Foreign tourists have the opportunity refund paid VAT. This can be done when purchasing in stores that have the “ Tax Free for tourists Austria Tax Free-Shopping” or silver-black-blue sign “ Europa-Tax-Free Plakette" To do this, in the seller’s store they should receive a check“Tax-free-Scheck” along with the envelope. This check is then presented at customs when leaving the country. The refund amount is approximately 13% of the purchase amount.

Demography

Population of Austria amounts to about 8188 thousand people. Population of Vienna - about 1.8 million people.

About 71% population lives in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria and Vienna. Densely populated cities are also Salzburg and Innsbruck.Fewer people live in the mountainous regions of the country.

Since the early 70s, the country's population has stopped growing. The reason for this can be attributed to the decline in the birth rate. But in Austria there has been a noticeable increase average life expectancy. It amounts to 78,8 of the year. Average life expectancy for men - 75,9 of the year, women - 81,7 of the year.

There is practically no natural population growth in the country. The number of births and deaths is almost the same and amounts to: 75.5 thousand. on 74.8 thousand. Human. It should be noted that there is a decrease in both the birth rate and the death rate. A small natural increase in population still persists in rural areas. Besides, in last years More and more foreigners are coming to live in Austria.

Increasing in the country number of residents 60 years and older. Their share is OK. 20%. This threatens Austria with a decrease in labor resources.

Industry

Main industries in Austria are considered mechanical engineering, chemical, food, pulp and paper And metallurgical.

After 1995, the country experienced a noticeable increase in industrial production. The greatest increase was observed in Carinthia, where production increased on 56,5% . But in Vienna industrial production decreased on 3,6% .

During the same period growth in production of investment goods made up 56,5% , A consumer durables decreased on 0,5% . Especially rapid growth production occurred in the field of office equipment and information processing devices.

Main industrial and agricultural area Austria are Danube lands. Here are located the most significant economic centers. The highlands of the country are dominated by sparsely populated areas with no industrial production.

Happening in Austria uneven development of individual industries. Some of the most important branches of the manufacturing industry are completely absent here - aircraft manufacturing. Other industries are not sufficiently developed, such as automobile manufacturing and electronic equipment manufacturing.

Automotive industry in Austria consists mainly in the production of engines and gearboxes. Their share export amounts to 90% . Austria is famous throughout the world for custom production. integrated circuits and chips. Plays a fairly large role in the country's economy export

Monetary unit in Austria - Euro (EURO), 1 EURO = 100 EURO cent. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. More profitable total exchange currency in the country's banks.

Banks are open on weekdays from 8.00 to 12.30 And from 13.30 to 15.00.Banks close on Thursday at 17.30. At exchange offices The exchange rate is not that favorable. But they work daily seven days a week. They are open and a “trade margin” is added at the stations, but they are open from 8.00 to 20.00. There are currency exchange offices at airports, railway stations and hotels. In addition, currency can be exchange also at the main post offices. They are open in major cities around the clock. When exchanging dollars at ATMs accepted Only banknotes in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 USD. Credit cards you can pay in almost all major stores, restaurants, hotels and cafes.

When purchasing goods worth over 1000 euros in one store tourists have the opportunity return value added tax. For this you need to get a receipt from the store. When leaving the country, this check is presented at customs. In this case, the tax paid upon purchase will be refunded ( up to 20%).

Main religion in Austria is Catholicism. He is confessed around 78% residents of the country. Protestants are about 5% , the main part of them are Lutheran Evangelicals. Muslims make up 4.2% of the total number of believers in the country. There is a fairly large increase in Muslims, especially in Vienna. Austria also has a small Jewish community, which is about 10 thousand people. Near 9% do not belong to any religion. The influence of the Catholic Church is constantly declining. Austrian trains are distinguished by their reliability and comfort. Directions to intercity buses costs slightly less than by rail.

Travel tickets You can buy it at the box office, newsstand or on the transport itself, but it will be a little more expensive. Tickets can be: for 1 day, 3 days, week, month. In Austria it is very well developed network of city bus lines. Public transport runs from 5 to 24 hours. Between 0.30 and 4.00 hours at intervals of 30 minutes they travel night buses.

You can also use the services of taxi drivers. Taxi You can order by phone, they are also always on duty near airports and train stations.

Right on the street catching a taxi is almost impossible— You can “vote” for hours, but no one will stop. It's better to find a taxi stand or ask to call a taxi from some hotel or restaurant.

Tourists can also rent a car. For this must have with me international law And credit card. The tourist must be at least 21 years old. The most reliable car rental company in Austria it is considered " Europcar". Car rental locations are available at all airports and major cities in the country. In their own country, tourists can also pre- reserve a car at a special rate.

Rent price car from 30 euro for a rental period of a week. Necessarily Must have credit card. We recommend company "Europcar" as the best for Austria in terms of price-quality ratio.

Driving on motorways and expresswayspaid. The traffic is on the right. Need to know, that in winter some roads and passes in Tyrol may be closed due to the risk of avalanches. In some regions Necessarily Need snow chains. Parking lots in AustriapaidMonday through Friday. Almost 39% of the entire territory of Austria is covered by forests. About 19% of Austria's land is completely unsuitable for agricultural use. Most of the agricultural land busy meadows and pastures.The rest is allocated under growing crops, fruits and grapes.

The most fertile lands located in the foothills of the Alps And in the Styrian regions And Vienna basins. A country by 90% provides himself with the necessary food products. A small amount of meat, wheat, corn And dairy products for sale for export. Livestock farming is very important for the country's agriculture. Leading industry is dairy farming.

If tip is included in the bill, then give extra money no need. Tips accepted give restaurant waiter, taxi driver and hotel porter. To the porter usually give 10 cents for one piece of luggage. Maid hotel usually don't pay.

In restaurants tip is given in the amount 10-15% from the account. Porter services at train stations and at the airport are paid at fixed rates.

National characteristics

Austrians may seem a little arrogant. But at the same time they are quite hospitable And friendly. They easy to get in touch with with foreigners, responsive and always ready to help. The main distinctive features of this people can be called their politeness And punctuality.

Austrian national cuisine traditionally considered one of the best in Europe. Its formation was greatly influenced by people from border states. Traditional food

Medical service in Austria paid. To enter the country vaccination certificate not required.

The best for Russian tourists addressto the medical center at the Russian Embassy.

In all cities and populated areas there are countries pharmacies And doctors. Pharmacies take turns open at night And on Sundays. In the event that the pharmacy is in this moment closed, there will be announcement indicating the nearest working pharmacy.

Information about emergency medical care tourists can get at police stations or in the phone book. All mountain resorts countries are equipped rescue services.

1. Business card

2. EGP of Austria

3. Historical background.

4. The country's economy.

5. Nature

3) Natural resources

4) Minerals

5) Fauna

6) Environment

6. Population.

1) Ethnic composition

2) Demographic situation

3) Population distribution structure

4) Religion

5) Education

6) Media

7) National holidays

8) Taxation.

7.Housekeeping.

8. Geography of foreign economic relations

Political and economic situation in Austria.

Austria - small country located in the center of Europe, consists of 9 federal states: Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgerland, Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Vienna and Salzburg. The city of Vienna - the capital of Austria - is administratively equal to the lands. The division of the country into lands has developed historically: almost each of the lands is a former independent feudal possession. In fact, modern Austria is a centralized state.

Austria is landlocked. Here on an area of 84 thousand square meters. km are home to about 11 million people, i.e. less than in Greater London. The geographical position of Austria facilitates its communication with other European countries, of which it directly borders seven: in the east - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, in the west - Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein. This provides Austria with favorable transport geographical conditions for mutually beneficial trade with neighboring countries.

The territory of Austria is elongated in the form of a wedge, greatly narrowed in the west and expanded in the east. This configuration of the country resembles, according to some, a bunch of grapes.

The largest cities are Vienna, Graz, Linzi Salzburg.

Its position in the center of Europe makes Austria the crossroads of a number of trans-European meridional routes (from the Scandinavian countries and central European countries through the Alpine passes of Brenner and Semmering to Italy and other countries). Service transit transportation cargo and passengers provide Austria with certain income in foreign currency.

In addition, as can be easily established from a physical map, the state borders of Austria for the most part coincide with natural boundaries - mountain ranges or rivers. Only with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (for a short distance) do they pass on almost equal terrain.

When our compatriot, heading to Austria by train, crosses the Czech-Austrian border in the north-eastern corner of the country, he is somewhat disappointed. Where is Alpine Austria? All around, as far as the eye can see, is a treeless, plowed plain, as flat as a table. Here and there you can see green islands of gardens and vineyards, brick houses and lonely trees along the borders and along the roads. Plains and hilly lowlands extend from here far to the south along the entire border with Hungary and occupy 20% of the territory. But having reached Vienna, we find ourselves in a more typical natural environment for Austria: mountains, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) - the northeastern outpost of the mighty Alps and the sublime, hilly, wide and open Danube valley, rising noticeably in a westerly direction. If you climb to one of the peaks of the Vienna Woods, for example, Kahlenberg (“Bald Mountain”), then far to the north and north-west in the blue haze beyond the Danube you can see the low undulating, forest-covered granite ridges of Sumava, only some of the peaks of which rise slightly above 700 meters. This ancient hill occupies 1/10 of the country's territory.

Undoubtedly, the Alps are the dominant landscape in Austria; they (together with the foothills) occupy 70% of the country's area. These are the Eastern Alps. This is the common name for the part of the Alpine mountain system lying east of the Upper Rhine Valley, along which the state border with Switzerland passes. What is the difference between the Eastern Alps and the Western Alps? To the east of the Rhine Fault, the Alpine ridges take on a latitudinal direction, begin to fan out and descend. Eastern Alps and lower than Western Alps, they are more accessible. There are fewer glaciers here, and the largest ones are about half as long as in Switzerland. The Eastern Alps have more meadows and especially forests, and the Eastern Alps are much richer in mineral resources than the Western Alps.

If you cross the Alps from the north to the south, it is easy to notice that the geological structure and composition of the constituent rocks are located symmetrically relative to the axial zone. This zone is the highest and most powerful group of ridges covered with glaciers and snow, among which the Hohe Tauern stands out with the highest point of the country - the double-headed peak Glossglockner (“Big Ringer”), reaching 3997 m; Ötztal, Stubai, Zillertai Alps. All of them, together with the adjacent ridges from the west and east, are composed of hard crystalline rocks - granites, gneisses, and crystalline schists. The largest glacier - Pasterce - has a length of about 10 km and an area of 32 km2.

To the north and south of the axis zone lie ridges composed of hard sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones and dolomites: the Lichtal Alps, Karwendel, Dachstein, Hochschwat and other ridges of the Northern Limestone Alps up to the aforementioned Vienna Woods in the extreme northeast. In contrast to the peaked peaks of crystalline ridges, limestone mountains are giant blocks with more or less flat, slightly inclined surfaces and almost vertical or even overhanging slopes. The years are mostly bare, and there are sinkholes, caves and other forms of karst relief formed by melted rainwater in soluble limestones and dolomites.

The peripheral zone of the Alps is formed by low, softly contoured peaks and slopes of the Pre-Alps, composed of loose sedimentary rocks. Within Austria, this zone is well defined in the north, but absent in the south.

One of the features of the Alps is that they are dissected by deep and wide transverse valleys, due to which the deep parts of the Alps are relatively easily accessible, and low, convenient passes make it possible to easily cross the country from north to south in a number of places. Thus, the famous Brenner Pass has a height of 1371 m, and the Semmering Pass - 985 m. It is no coincidence that railways have long been laid through the Alpine passes, some without tunnels.

Historical reference.

In ancient times and the early Middle Ages, many different tribes passed through the lands of modern Austria, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, the main of which was the route along the Danube. Some of them left their mark

in the ethnogenesis of the Austrian people; the Celts, who settled here in the 5th-6th centuries BC, had a noticeable influence on the formation of the Austrian ethnic community.

The conquest of Austrian lands by the Romans, which began in the 2nd century BC, led to the gradual Romanization of the local Celtic population. Administratively, these lands were included in different Roman provinces: Pannonia in the east, Noricum in the center, Raetia in the West.

Of great importance for the history of Austria was the settlement of its lands in the centuries by Germanic (Bavarians, Alemannics) and Slavic (mainly Slovenes) tribes. On the basis of the predominantly Germanic tribes of the Bavarians and Alemanni, merging with some Slavic and remnants of Celtic and other tribes of the early Middle Ages, the Austrian ethnic community was formed.

In the 7th-8th centuries, the lands of present-day Austria did not yet constitute a single whole, but were included in various European states: western and northern (with a Germanic population) - to the Bavarian Duchy, eastern (with a Slavic population) - to the Slavic state of Carantania. At the end of the 8th century, both of these states were included in the Frankish Empire of Charlemagne, and after its division in 843 they became part of the German East Frankish Kingdom.

In the 7th-10th centuries, the lands of modern Austria were subjected to devastating raids by nomads, first the Bavarians (8th century), and then the Hungarians (9th-10th centuries).

In the second half of the 10th century, in the territory of modern Upper and Lower Austria, the Bavarian East Mark was formed, which began to be called Ostarrichi (Austria). It subsequently became the core of the Austrian state.

In the 12th century, Austria, like many other European states, became part of the “Holy Roman Empire”.

In the 15th century, almost all of its modern lands were included in the Austrian state, with the exception of Salzburg and Burgenland. However, this political union was still unstable, its borders often changed, and the regions included in the state were connected to each other only by dynastic ties.

In the XII-XV centuries, Austria was one of the economically prosperous countries in Europe. The development of feudalism in Austria was distinguished by certain features. Until the 15th century, the feudal dependence of the peasants was much weaker in it than in neighboring countries; the enslavement of the peasants occurred more slowly here due to long-term population movements and raids by nomads. In the mountainous pastoral areas, especially in the Tyrol, a free peasantry remained, united in rural communities.

In the 15th century, Austria became not only the economic, but also the political center of the “Holy Roman Empire,” and its dukes, the Habsburgs, became emperors. Against the backdrop of general economic and political growth, the culture of medieval Austrian cities flourished, first of all Vienna, then Graz and Linz. The founding of the University of Vienna in 1365 was of great importance.

In the 16th century, Austria led the struggle of the countries of southeastern Europe against the Turkish invasion. Taking advantage of the weakening of the Czech Republic and Hungary in the wars with the Turks, Austria included most of their territories into its possessions, beginning from that time to turn into a multinational state.

During this period, the country's economy is increasingly strengthened and developed. IN mining industry(mining of rugelez and lead in Tyrol, Styria, Upper Austria) already in the 16th century the emergence of capitalist relations began. The first manufactories appeared in the production of velvet, silk, and luxury goods.

In the 17th-18th centuries, the Austrian Habsburgs continued to expand their possessions: the entire territory of Hungary, almost all of Croatia and Slovenia, the Southern Netherlands, some regions of Italy, and a number of Polish and Ukrainian lands were annexed to Austria. In terms of area, Austria began to take second place in Europe after Russia.

In the 18th-19th centuries, feudal-absolutist Austria was a stronghold of the Catholic reaction in Europe. She was the initiator of the intervention against revolutionary France, and later participated in all anti-French coalitions and led the fight against the revolutionary movement in Europe.

The defeat of Napoleonic France in the European wars of the early 19th century further strengthened Austria's external position. By decision of the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815. Not only were the lands conquered by Napoleon returned to her, but the region of Northern Italy was also given to her in exchange for the southern Netherlands.

In the second half of the 19th century, Austria lost its hegemony in European affairs. The struggle with Prussia for supremacy among the German states ended with the defeat of Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The creation of the union of German states (1867) took place under the auspices of Prussia and without the participation of Austria.

In 1867, Austria became the dualist monarchy of Austria-Hungary. The Austrian and Hungarian ruling classes entered into an alliance to exploit and suppress the resistance of other peoples.

IN late XIX century - the beginning of the 20th century, changes occurred in Austria's foreign policy: having failed to achieve hegemony among the German states that were united by Prussia in 1871, Austria launched an attack on the Balkans, which led to a worsening of relations with Russia and rapprochement with Germany. In 1882, the so-called Triple Alliance was concluded between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy, which acted in the First World War of 1914 against the Entente countries.

In 1918, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy broke up into three states - Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary: in addition, part of its lands became part of Romania, Yugoslavia and Poland.

In 1938, troops of Nazi Germany occupied Austria. The entire economy of the country was subordinated to the military needs of Germany. Austria participated in World War II as part of Germany.

In March 1945, Soviet troops crossed the border into Austria. On April 13, they entered Vienna and soon after, the Soviet Army and allied forces liberated the entire country.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany, according to an agreement between the USSR, the USA, England and France, the entire territory of Austria was temporarily divided into 4 occupation zones.

On the initiative of the Soviet Union, in 1955, the State Treaty on the restoration of an independent and democratic Austria was signed and the occupation was ended. In the same year, the Austrian parliament passed a law on the permanent neutrality of Austria.

A country's economy.

Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe. In recent years, the country's economy has been developing at an accelerated pace. The largest foreign investor is Germany (about 30% of investments). Industrial production increased in 1995 by 4.6% and reached 334.5 billion shillings.

The leading industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy, as well as chemical, pulp and paper, mining, textile and food industries. One third of industrial production is accounted for by the public sector of the economy.

Austria has productive agriculture. Almost all types of agricultural products necessary to provide for the population are produced. The most important branch of agriculture is animal husbandry.

Foreign tourism is one of the most profitable sectors of the Austrian economy. Annual receipts from foreign tourism amount to over 170 billion shillings.

Austria trades with more than 150 countries around the world. About 65% of exports and 68% of imports come from the countries of the European Union. The main trading partners are Germany (40%), Italy, Switzerland. Russia accounts for only 1.5%.

The country's gold and foreign exchange reserves amounted to 218 billion shillings in 1994.

In terms of per capita income, Austria ranks 9th in the world. The increase in prices for consumer goods in 1995 amounted to 2.3%. The unemployment rate was 6.5%.

NATURE.

1.Relief. The main thing that determines the natural features of almost the entire territory of Austria is the Alps. />Their white-headed peaks are visible from everywhere in the country. Almost ¾ of the country is occupied by the Eastern Alps, which are lower and wider than the Western Alps. The border between them coincides with the western border of Austria and runs along the Upper Rhine valley. The Eastern Alps have fewer glaciers and more forests and meadows than the Western Alps. The highest point in Austria - Mount Großglockner in the Hohe Tauern - does not reach 4 thousand meters. (3797 m). From the highest peaks flows the largest glacier of the Eastern Alps - Pasierce - over 10 km long. The other peaks of the ridge granite-gneiss zone of the mountains - the Ötztal, Stubai, and Zillertal Alps - are covered with snow and ice. In this crystalline zone, the so-called alpine relief forms are most clearly expressed - sharp ridges, steep-walled valleys plowed by glaciers.

To the north and south of the ridge zone is the famous ice - Eisriesenwelt (world of the ice giants) in the Tennengebirge mountains, south of Salzburg. The names of the mountain ranges themselves speak about the inhospitability and wildness of these places: Totes-Gebirge (meter-high mountains), Hellen-Gebirge (hellish mountains), etc. The limestone Alps to the north turn into the Pre-Alps, descending in steps to the Danube. These are low, rugged mountains overgrown with forest, their slopes are plowed in places, and the wide, sunny valleys are quite densely populated.

If it is appropriate to compare the geologically young Alps with the Caucasus, then the mountains lying on the other, left side of the Danube resemble the Urals. These are the southern spurs of the Sumava, part of the ancient Bohemian massif, almost to its foundation, destroyed by time. The height of this border hill is only 500 meters and only in a few places it reaches 1000 meters.

Areas with calm terrain, flat or hilly lowlands occupy only about 1/5 of the country's area. This is, first of all, the Danube part of Austria and the adjacent western edge of the Middle Danube Plain. The vast majority of the population lives here and is the “center of gravity” of the entire country.

2.Climate. Large relief contrasts - from the lowlands to the snow-covered mountains - determine the vertical zonation of climate, soils, and vegetation.

Austria has vast areas of fertile land, a warm and fairly humid (700-900 mm of precipitation per year) “grape” climate. This word has it all: a fairly warm, long summer with an average July temperature of + 20 degrees and a warm, sunny autumn. The plains and foothills have a relatively mild winter with an average January temperature of 1-5 degrees. However, most of the alpine part of the country is “deprived” of heat. With every 100 meters of rise, the temperature drops by 0.5 - 0.6 degrees. The snow line is at an altitude of 2500-2800 meters. Summer in the high mountains is cold, damp, windy, and wet snow often falls. In winter, there is even more precipitation here: gigantic layers of snow accumulate on the mountain slopes, which often break down for no apparent reason and rush down in avalanches. crushing everything in its path. Rarely does a winter go without casualties; Homes, roads, power lines are destroyed... And sometimes in the middle of winter the snow suddenly disappears. This was the case, for example, during the days of the “white” Olympics in early 1976 in the vicinity of Insburg. Usually the snow is “driven away” by warm southern winds - hair dryers.

3. Natural resources. The mountainous part of the country is distinguished by an abundance of clean fresh water. It accumulates in the form of snow and glaciers for most of the year, in order to fall into them, towards the Danube, in the summer, in thousands of roaring streams, filling the lake basins along the way. Alpine rivers also determine the regime of the Danube: it is especially rich in water just in the summer, when lowland rivers usually become shallow . The tributaries of the Danube - Inn, Salzach, Enns, Drava - contain large reserves of energy, but all of them are not navigable.

we are only partially used for timber rafting. The country has many lakes, especially in the northern foothills of the Alps and in the south, in the Klagenfurt Basin. They are of glacial origin, their pits are plowed by ancient glaciers; As a rule, lakes are deep, with cold, clear water. This type is located in the vast Lake Constance, partly owned by Austria.

Vegetation zones on the territory of Austria replace one another in the following order: broad-leaved (oak, beech, ash) forests in the Danube Valley (although greatly thinned out) are replaced by mixed forest of the foothills. Above 2000 - 2200 m they are replaced by coniferous (mainly spruce-fir, partly pine) forests.

Mountain forests are one of Austria's national treasures. On a map of the vegetation of Central Europe, the Austrian Eastern Alps look like the only large green island. Among the small Western European states, only Finland and Sweden exceed Austria in forest area. There are especially many forests suitable for industrial exploitation in Upper (mountainous) Styria, for which it is called the “green heart of Austria.” Apparently, it is no coincidence that the color of the flag of the land of Styria and its folk costumes is green. During the German occupation of the Second World War, Austrian forests suffered enormous damage. Above the forests and sparse dwarf shrubs there are subalpine (mattas) and alpine (almas) meadows.

In the hot summer months, rapid melting of snow in the mountains begins, which leads to large floods, including on the Danube, the level of which sometimes rises by 8 - 9 m.

Nevertheless, the Alps, as “moisture collectors,” are of invaluable importance for Austria: the deep rivers flowing from them, especially the Inn, Enns, Salzach, and Drava, serve as rich sources of inexhaustible water energy. In addition, Austria has large reserves of clean fresh water, concentrated in addition to glaciers and rivers in numerous alpine lakes (the predominance of lakes in the Salzkammergut area). In addition, Austria owns the southeastern part of the large and deep Lake Constance on the western outskirts of the country and almost the entire shallow lake Neusiedler See on its eastern outskirts.

4. Minerals. Austria has a fairly diverse range of minerals, but among them there are very few whose significance would extend beyond the country's borders. The exception is magnesite, which is used for the production of refractories and partly for the production of non-metallic magnesium. Magnesite occurs in the Styrian, Carinthian and Tyrolean Alps.

Energy minerals are very scarce. These are very modest deposits of oil (23 million tons) and natural gas (20 billion cubic meters) in Lower and partly in Upper Austria. Even with the Austrian scale of production, these reserves are projected to be exhausted within two decades. Brown coal reserves are somewhat larger (in Styria, Upper Austria and Burgenland), but it is of low quality.

Relatively high-quality iron ores, but with a high metal content, are found in Styria (Erzberg) and a little in Carinthia (Hüttenberg). Non-ferrous metal ores are found in small quantities - lead-zinc in Carinthia (Bleiberg) and copper in Tyrol (Mitterberg). Of the chemical raw materials, only table salt (in Salzkamergut) is of practical importance, and of other minerals - graphite and feldspar.

5. Animal world

Mountain forests, mainly in nature reserves, are home to ungulates - red deer, chamois, mountain sheep, and mountain goats. Birds include wood grouse, black grouse, and partridge. On the plains, where almost all the land is already cultivated, there are no large wild animals for a long time. But there are still foxes, hares, and rodents here.

6. Environment

The environment in most of Austria is not yet as threatened by pollution as in most other industrialized countries in Europe. This primarily concerns the Alps with their sparse population and generally insignificant industry in relation to this vast territory. Austrian authorities interested in attracting foreign tourists in the country, they are taking some measures aimed at limiting environmental pollution, but to an insufficient extent. The democratic public and scientific circles in Austria are sounding the alarm about the unacceptable degree of pollution from industrial waste of the Danube below Vienna and the rivers Mur and Mürz.

Nature reserves play an important role in the system of environmental protection measures. There are 12 of them in Austria with total area 0.5 million hectares. They are in everyone natural areas- from the steppe surroundings of Lake Neusiedler See to the high Tauern. Most of the reserves are located in the Alps.

POPULATION.

1. Ethnic composition. The population of Austria is relatively homogeneous in ethnic terms: about 97% of its population are Austrians. In addition, in Austria, in certain areas of Styria, Carinthia and Burgenland, small groups of Slovenes, Croats and Hungarians live, and in Vienna there are also Czechs and Jews. Many Austrian citizens consider themselves not only Austrians, but, by origin from one or another province, also Styrians, Tyroleans, etc.

Austrians speak Austro-Bavarian dialects of German, which differ significantly from the literary one. Literary German used mainly in writing or on official occasions, as well as in conversations with foreigners. Under the influence of local dialects, his vocabulary and grammar also received some originality.

2.Demographic situation.

One of the main features of the population of Austria is the cessation of its growth since the early 70s. This is explained by a large drop in the birth rate. If it were not for the noticeably increased average life expectancy, which reached 75 years in 1990, the demographic situation would have been even more unfavorable. The decline in the birth rate is due to the difficult financial situation of the majority of the Austrian population and the consequences of the Second World War. A small natural increase remained in the less developed western Alpine lands, as well as in rural areas. Austrian experts predict that until 2000 the population in the country will not change significantly, but the reduction in the proportion of young people and the increase in the proportion of older people threatens to reduce the labor force.

3.Structure of population distribution

The territory of the country is populated very unevenly. With an average national density of 90 people per 1 sq. km, it ranges from 150-200 or more people in the eastern regions adjacent to Vienna, to 15-20 in the Alps. In most of the country's territory, the rural population lives in farmsteads and individual courtyards - this is due to the lack of convenient land. Due to difficult living conditions, the proportion of the Alpine population is continuously decreasing, and there is an escape from the mountains - “bergflucht”. 2% of the country's population permanently lives above 1000 m above sea level.

77% of the population lives in cities (with a population of over 2 thousand people), but to the traveler, Austria gives the impression of an urban country. The fact is that more than a quarter of the city’s residents are concentrated in the very big city countries - Vienna. Half of the city's population lives in small towns with a population of up to 100 thousand people. Thus, big cities- with a population of 100 to 250 thousand are not typical for this country. There are only four of them: Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Insburg. The functions of these cities, not to mention Vienna, are varied, which cannot be said for the mass of small cities, which are mostly “one-size-fits-all”. As a rule, they are dominated by one or two industrial sectors.

The rapid growth in the number of urban residents is associated with an increase in the share of non-agricultural occupations of the economically active population. In 1990, in industry, including construction and crafts, its share was more than 41%, in agriculture and forestry - about 12% (versus 33% in 1960), in transport and communications - 7%.

4.Religion. According to an international study of values conducted in 1990-91, 44% of Austrians attend churches and other houses of worship once a month or more (8th place out of 27 European countries and North America). If we combine the data of these international studies in 1990-91 and 1995-97, then Austria will take 23rd place out of 59 countries in the world in terms of church attendance once a week or more (30% of Austrians attended churches with such regularity in 1990-91).
At the same time, during a 1991 survey, only 6.1% of Austrians said that they did not believe in God (another 8.3% believed in God, but did not believe in life after death).

(in Austria, Christianity began to spread from the end Religious organizations
The largest religious organization is the Roman Catholic Church of the 3rd century). The state supports the Church: the country has a 1% church tax, which all citizens of the country are required to pay. The Roman Catholic Church in 2000 had 5,651,479 adherents (72.1% of the population).
The second largest is the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg and Helvetine Confession (ECA&HC), uniting two autonomous Churches (Lutherans and Reformed). Lutherans and Reformed people finally received the right to freely practice their faiths only in 1781, and were completely equal in rights with Catholics another century later.

5. Education.

Universal compulsory education in Austria begins at the age of six and lasts for 9 years. Studying in public schools and obtaining higher education is free. There are 18 universities, 12 universities. The University of Vienna (founded in 1365) is the oldest existing university in German-speaking countries.

6.Media.

More than 20 daily newspapers are published in Austria. The one-time circulation is approximately 3 million copies. Television and radio broadcasting is carried out by the state company ERF. The national news agency is the Austrian Press Agency (APA).

7. National holidays. Ascension of Christ, Second Day of Trinity, Feast of Corpus Christi, Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15.8), National Holiday of the Republic of Austria (26.10), Feast of All Saints (1.11): St. Virgin Mary (8.12), as well as Christmas (25 and 26.12).

8.Taxation.

Austria, like most Western European countries, has a rather complex, multi-level taxation system, with most taxes collected through the Federal Tax Service. Local taxes are not too significant.

Austrian legislation divides all individuals and legal entities into taxpayers with unlimited and limited tax liability. Unlimited liability means that tax is paid on all income received both in the country and abroad. Such liability is borne by individuals with permanent residence in Austria, as well as companies whose legal address or management bodies are located in Austria. Accordingly, limited tax liability is borne by individuals living abroad and corporations that have neither management bodies nor a legal address in the country. In this case, certain types of income received in Austria are subject to taxation, for example, income from activities carried out through permanent establishments or branches.

Main types of taxes: 1) on investments; 2) on income; 3) corporate; 4) for entrepreneurial activities; 5) on property; 6) from turnover (added value); 7) real estate; 8) for inheritance and donations.

Farming.

1.General information

After the formation of Austria as an independent state in 1918, it experienced a severe economic and political crisis during the 20s and 30s. Having lost its outlying possessions - the industrial Czech Republic and the agricultural territories of Hungary, and also burdened with the enormous costs of maintaining a large bureaucratic apparatus, which previously ruled a huge empire, and now remained out of work, Austria for a long time could not adapt to the new conditions. During the years of Anschluss, German monopolies gained control over thousands of Austrian enterprises and sought to establish the exploitation of Austria's natural resources in the interests of Germany. Numerous hydroelectric power stations, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises, and chemical plants were built.

After the Second World War, former German property passed into the hands of the state in Austria, which was in the interests of the Austrian people. Currently, the main heavy industry enterprises and banks in Austria have been nationalized. State-owned enterprises produce mainly electricity, cast iron and steel, aluminum, iron ore, brown coal, oil and natural gas are mined, oil is processed, nitrogen fertilizers, artificial fibers, and some mechanical engineering products are produced. Mainly light and food industry enterprises, as well as a group of industries related to the procurement, processing and processing of wood, remained not nationalized.

Foreign capital plays a significant role in the Austrian economy. Entire industries are under its strong influence, and in some cases under its control: electrical engineering, electronics, petrochemicals, magnesite, and the production of certain types of equipment. Foreign capital limits the economic independence of Austria, in particular it slows down the development of the public sector.

Austria is one of the economically developed countries with a relatively rapidly developing industry. Although the global economic crisis of 1974-1975 did not spare Austria. but here it began a little later. On economic development Austria is also favorably influenced by the fact that, as a neutral state, it has relatively small military expenditures.

In the post-war period, Austria's industrial development advanced significantly. Nowadays Austria is classified as an industrial country, and although industry exceeds the cost of production Agriculture approximately 7 times, Austria meets its needs for basic agricultural products by 85% through its own production.

Austria's dependence on the foreign market is reflected in the fact that it imports missing energy raw materials and exports surplus manufacturing products.

The main industrial and agricultural region of the country is the Danube lands. Here, on 1/5 of the territory of Austria, its vital economic centers are located. The rest of the country, especially in the high Alps, is dominated by almost uninhabited areas, still poorly connected with the outside world and with each other.

As in many Western European countries, Austria's industry is characterized by uneven development of individual sectors. Some important manufacturing sectors are completely absent, such as aircraft manufacturing, while others are of little importance, such as automobile manufacturing and electronic equipment manufacturing.

1.Mining,_heavy,_light_industry

Due to the poverty of mineral resources, the mining industry plays an extremely insignificant role in the economy, with the exception of magnesite, which has export importance. In these industries, Austria has excess capacity, and a significant part of their products is exported to Western European countries.

2.Fuel industry

One of the weakest points of the Austrian economy is its fuel industry. Austria imports all the necessary coal, more than half of brown coal, about 4/5 of oil, and almost half of natural gas. Since the beginning of the 70s, the cost of imports of primary energy sources began to exceed their production within the country. Particularly large costs are associated with the transportation of oil and gas. Oil and natural gas account for approximately 60% of total energy consumption, while solid fuels and hydropower each account for 20%.

The country produces less than 2 million tons of oil per year, and its production is gradually declining. However, oil occurs relatively shallowly and differs high quality. The main deposits are located northeast of Vienna. Near the capital, in the city of Schwechat, at the only large oil refinery, almost all oil refining is concentrated. From abroad (mainly from Arab countries) it is obtained through the Trieste-Vienna oil pipeline, laid along the south-eastern edge of Austria outside the Alps. Parallel to it, but in the opposite direction, a gas pipeline is laid from Russia, through which Russian gas goes to Austria and Italy.

3.Energy

More than half of the electricity is produced at numerous hydroelectric power plants, but the importance of hydropower is falling, and electricity production at thermal power plants is growing faster. Hydroelectric power plants are mainly built on Alpine rivers in the west of the country, from where part of the electricity is transmitted to the eastern regions, part is exported and only a little is consumed locally.

4. Ferrous_metallurgy One of the most important branches of Austrian industry is ferrous metallurgy. The smelting of iron and steel significantly exceeds the country's needs, and most of the ferrous metal is exported. Most of the pig iron is smelted in Linz, in Upper Austria, the rest in Leoben. Steel production is approximately equally distributed between Linz and the Styrian region. Austria is the birthplace of a new, more efficient technological steel smelting, namely the oxygen-converter process, which is increasingly replacing the open-hearth process. The needs of metallurgical plants are only 3/4 covered by local ore. All alloying metals and metallurgical coke are imported from abroad.

5. Non-ferrous_metallurgy

In non-ferrous metallurgy, only aluminum production is important. The development of this industry in Austria, which does not have bauxite in its depths, is associated with the use of cheap electricity from numerous hydroelectric power stations on the Inn River. Here, in Ranshofen, near Braunau, one of the largest Western Europe aluminum smelters. Other non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises do not even cover the country’s internal needs. Only a little copper and lead are smelted from local ore.

6.Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering, although it forms the core of Austria's entire industry, is less developed than in other Western European countries, as a result of which Austria imports more mechanical engineering products than it exports. Mechanical engineering enterprises, as a rule, are small: many of them employ no more than 50 people.

Machines and apparatus for the light and food industries, some types of machine tools, and equipment for the mining industry are produced in large quantities. Locomotives and small sea vessels are also produced. The largest center of mechanical engineering is Vienna.

7. Timber industry_complex. Austria is also characterized by a complex of industries, including timber harvesting, wood processing and the production of pulp, paper and cardboard. The importance of the timber industry goes far beyond the country's borders. Forest products account for about a third of the country's total exports. Large timber harvesting areas are carried out in the mountainous regions of Styria, and primary processing is mainly carried out here.

8.Agriculture Agriculture is quite developed in Austria. Currently, the yield of the main grain crops - wheat and barley - exceeds 35 centners per hectare, the productivity of dairy cows reaches 3 thousand kg of milk per year.

More than 2/3 of agricultural production comes from livestock farming. This is facilitated by the fact that natural meadows and pastures occupy more than half of the total agricultural area. In addition, approximately a quarter of the arable land area is occupied by forage crops. And some of the feed is imported. All this makes it possible to keep 2.5 million heads of cattle. Recently, the production of meat and milk covers the entire effective demand of the population.

The area to be processed is small. There are lands that are not constantly cultivated. These are the so-called egarten (relogues). They are used alternately as arable land and as pasture. Egarten is characteristic of alpine regions.

The main agricultural crops - wheat, barley and sugar beets - are cultivated mainly where the climate is warm and fertile soils - in the Danube region of Austria and on its eastern flat-hilly outskirts. Rye, oats and potatoes are also sown here. But their crops are even more widespread - they are also found in the foothills of the Alps in mountain valleys, on the Šumava plateau. Outside the mountainous regions, vegetable growing, fruit growing and especially viticulture are widespread. Grapes are grown only in warm areas of the northeastern and eastern outskirts of the country.

9.Transport

The network of communication routes in Austria is quite dense, not only on the plains, but also in the mountains, which is facilitated by the significant dissection of the Eastern Alps by deep transverse and longitudinal valleys.

But, despite the deeply dissected terrain, it was still necessary to build numerous road engineering structures: tunnels, bridges, viaducts. There are over 10 tunnels in Austria, each more than a kilometer long. The longest is the Arlberg road tunnel, which is 14 km long.

The construction of mountain railways and roads contributed to the development of forestry, hydroelectric power and other resources in mountainous areas.

The main types of transport in Austria are rail and road. About 1/2 of the total length of the railways is electrified. Areas with electric traction are mainly located in the mountainous part of the country, where cheap electricity from local hydroelectric power stations is used and where there are many steep climbs. The most important international routes have also been electrified, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and transalpine roads. In other directions, diesel traction predominates.

The most important highways radiate from Vienna as the largest railway junction. The main one goes in a western direction, connecting the Danube and Alpine lands. In the northwestern direction from this trans-Austrian highway there are roads to the countries of the former Czechoslovakia and Germany. The Semmering Mainline, which runs southwest from Wenyn and connects the capital with Upper Styria and Italy, is of great importance. The main highways are connected by two high-mountain lines crossing the Alps from north to south (Linz - Leoben and Salzburg - Villach).

Road transport successfully competes with railway transport in the transportation of both cargo and especially passengers. Now intercity buses alone carry twice as many passengers as railways. Over the past decades, several sections of new highways such as motorways have been built, the most important of which is the Vienna-Salzburg highway. The drawing of the highway network is similar to that of the railways./>

The only navigable river in Austria is the Danube. It is navigable along the entire Austrian section, 350 km long. It is especially rich in water in the summer, when mountain snows and glaciers melt. However, on river transport accounts for less than a tenth of the country's total cargo turnover. The largest port in Austria is Linz, where metallurgy consumes a huge amount of coal and coke, iron ore and other raw materials imported mainly by river. In terms of cargo turnover, Vienna is more than twice as large.

Geography of foreign economic relations.

The Austrian economy cannot develop without close ties with foreign countries, and its import of goods and capital exceeds their export. But the services provided to foreign partners exceed the services received from them. We are primarily talking about tourism, which plays a big role in the country’s economy.

Austria's foreign trade has a negative balance, that is, the import of its goods exceeds exports in value. A significant place in Austria's exports is occupied by raw materials and semi-finished products: wood and products of its partial processing, ferrous metals, chemical products, and electricity. Some types of machinery and equipment and river vessels are exported from finished products. Food is exported in small quantities.

Predominantly finished products are imported, and primarily consumer goods; imports of machinery and equipment, automobiles, household and industrial electronics products are somewhat less important. Oil, natural gas, coal and coke, ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores, and chemical raw materials are imported in large quantities. They also import food and flavoring products, tropical agricultural products, and multi-feed products.

In general, Austria's foreign trade is more than 85% oriented towards the world capitalist market. Germany occupies the first place both in exports and especially in imports of Austria.

Austria's policy of state neutrality is a good basis for the further development of foreign economic relations with all countries of the world.

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