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| Official Name: |
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Republik Österreich |
| Capital City: |
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Vienna (Wien) |
| Main Cities: |
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Linz, Graz, Salsburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Bregenz, Eisenstadt, St Pölten |
| Area: |
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32,430 sq. Miles (84,000 sq km) |
Population: |
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8,265,900 |
| Currency: |
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Euro |
Time: |
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Central European Time |
| Language: |
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German
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Austria is a small landlocked country whose influence has far exceeded its size. The impact of Austrian musicians, artists, and thinkers on European culture has been profound, and its cultural life, even now, draws tourists from far and wide. Its magnificent mountain setting is famous for winter’s sports. Beautiful in all seasons and with an enviable quality of life it is highly desirable country in which to live and work.
Austria has worked hard to find a role in the modern world. The collapse of the Communism in Europe has allowed it once again to engage with the countries of Central and Easter Europe.
 Geographical Snapshot
Austria has a strategic location in the Alps, at the crossroads of Central Europe, with many easily traversable passes and valleys. It covers an area of 32,340 sq. miles (83,871 sq. km), and shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovania and Italy to the south, and Lichtensten and Switzerland to the west. The greater part of Austria is mountainous. Toward the northern and eastern margins the terrain is mostly gently sloping of flat. The magnificent Eastern Alps dominate landscape of the south and west, with the Grosslockner being the highest point at 12,461 feet (3,798 meters). In both the extreme west and east, Austria shares a lake with one or more of its neighbours: in the west is the Bodensee , or Lake Constance, as it is better known by English-speaking visitors, and in the east in the Neisiedlersee. A major feature of the Austrian landscape is it many rivers, most of which flow into the Danube River. The flow from these mountains streams and rivers varies with the seasons, and the level of the Danube rises considerably. During the past three decades much work has been undertaken to control the river and harness its energy by way of hydroelectric power stations and dams. The Danude is a major transport route between eastern and western Europe, now fully open again since the end of the Balkan wars, allowing river traffic to travel freely from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
The glorious Alpine scenery is a major attraction for tourists. The abundant ski slopes make the west and south a winter sports venue for visitors from all over the world, and the successes of Austrian Alpine skiers in Olympic and World Cup events also pay a significant role. Tourism is a major industry in Austria, in both winter and summer seasons. The western areas of the Tyrol and Salzkammergut attract visitors throughout the year. The clever strategic planning of both small and major music festivals also draws tourists at all times.
Climate
Austria ’s climate is temperate. The summers are moderate, with occasional showers, and temperatures can be high, with plenty of sunshine. There are cold winters with fog, rain and snow in the lowlands and snow in the mountains. Very different climatic and weather conditions occur over quite short distances in the deep Alpine valleys. As a visitors don’t take risks: always be sure to seek and follow local advice and opinion, particularly in mountainous regions. The southeast of the country lies south of the main Alpines ranges and here in the lower valleys and around the lakes the summers may, at times, experience almost Mediterranean heat and dryness. The lakes of southern Austria boast warm water temperatures in the summer months. In the east and north the weather can be changeable at all times of the year. The summer months are frequently very hot, but rainfall in the seasons is more likely to be heavy and thundery, and of short duration. Temperatures range from 14ºF (-10ºC) in the mountains and 21ºF (-6ºC) in the lowlands in winter, although recent experiences has shown temperatures much lower than this. Summer temperatures range from 68ºF (20ºC) in the mountains to 86ºF (30ºC) in the east and south.
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The Austrians are very different from their German neighbours. More broad-minded and relaxed, they have been molded by a different history and by the close proximity of many other nations. This is however, still a well-organized and very tidy country. The Austrians are aware that an ordered society requires rules, and his is something they value and appreciate.
Toward a new identity
Austria today consists only of the German-speaking regions of its former empire. Not wishing to be seen as the poor relations of Germany, the Austrians spent most of the twentieth century searching for a new identity. Even today people see themselves primarily not as Austrian but as a native of their region, as Carinthian , Styrian , or Tyrolean. After the First World War, however, the people of Salzburg expressed a wish to become part of Germany, and after the Second World War those of the Vorarlberg wanted to join Switzerland.
Since joining the European Union, most Austrians have been content to be Austrian, and their confidence has grown after the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. Relations with former provinces and neighbouring nations have never been so positive. The business and social interchange with Slovaks, Czechs, Hungarians, and Croatians grown daily. Vienna has been totally refurbished, its splendid buildings restored to their former glory, and the business community is once again the centre of activity in Central Europe. The recent celebration of fifty years of the State Treaty has become a watershed, and Austria is firmly looking to the future.
As a result of the recent influx of peoples, Austrians once again live in a multicultural society, and are exposed to diverse traditions. However, local patriotism is strong in rural areas; in Carinthia for example, a notorious chauvinism is sometimes evident that is not unconnected with the presence of a sizable Slovene minority. Austrians may argue vociferously against immigration from the erstwhile Eastern Bloc while being eager and happy to employ “illegal” care workers to look after the old and infirm.
Patriotism
The Austrians have a great love for their Heimat , or region. This love is often not fully realized or appreciated until they are abroad. Then even the mention of Mannerschnitten (Viennese hazelnut wafers) of Almdudler (a soft drink) will bring tears of nostalgia to the eye. The sound of Viennese music or an Alpine folk song can reduce them to quivering wrecks. The typical Austrian is a complex character, giving the immediate appearance of laid-back conviviality ( Gemütlichkeit ) and friendly hospitality. He is charming, well able to mediate and compromise, and generally honest. He is well educated, can hold forth on diverse topics of conversation with a good sense of humour, and has style.
Quality of life
The Austrians have an enviably high quality of life, and they know when they are well-off. They live in a beautiful country, and they care deeply about their environment, going to some lengths to protect it. The cost of living is not as high as in many other European countries, and it is generally possible to have a comfortable life. They enjoy generous holiday allowances, and have achieved a happy work-life balance. Austrians eat and drink well, and take a considerable amount of exercise. They revel in the outdoor life, and often walk or cycle for hours in the mountains or countryside, ending up in a good country restaurant or lakeside tavern. Elegant modern housing, a good car, good clothes, and good food all indicate status. Being able to build one’s own house, for example, even if it takes years, is enormously important.
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 The above extract is kindly provided by Culture Smart! the essential guide to customs & culture. The 168-page guide retails at £6.95 + P&P and is available directly from Kuperard, the publishers of Culture Smart! guides.
CultureSmart!Consulting in conjunction with Cactus Language Training creates tailor-made seminars and consultancy programs to meet a wide range of corporate, public sector, and individual needs. Find out more at www.cactuslanguagetraining.com.
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