| Area Total | 83,871 sq km |
| Climate | temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers |
| Natural Resources | oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower |
| Imports | Germany 41.8%, Italy 5.8%, Switzerland 5.5%, Czech Republic 4.4%, Netherlands 4.2% (2017) – machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal goods, oil and oil products, natural gas; foodstuffs |
| Exports | Germany 29.4%, US 6.3%, Italy 6.2%, Switzerland 5.1%, France 4.8%, Slovakia 4.8% (2017) – machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, manufactured goods, chemicals, iron and steel, foodstuffs |
| Government | federal parliamentary republic |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Population | 8,793,370 (July 2018 est.) |
| Ethnicity | Austrian 80.8%, German 2.6%, Bosnian and Herzegovinian 1.9%, Turkish 1.8%, Serbian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, other 10% (2018 est.) |
| Language | German (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian 2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes Slovene, official in southern Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 est.) |
News about Austria
- Explained: What is Austria’s plan to stop fuel price increases?
by The Local Austria on March 18, 2026Austria’s government has agreed on a package of temporary measures aimed at limiting further rises in petrol and diesel prices. Here's what's changing and how it could impact your expenses.
- Nine unmissable Easter markets in Austria in 2026
by The Local Austria on March 18, 2026Whether you want a palace setting in Vienna, a family-focused outing in Burgenland or a slower browse through crafts and food in Lower Austria, these are some of the best options in each province.
- Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
by The Local Austria on March 18, 2026Austria’s energy regulator has warned that a prolonged Iran conflict could lift power prices, while four workers have died in a construction collapse in Vienna, plus more stories from Austria on Wednesday.
- Vienna’s Café Central closes until autumn for major renovation
by The Local Austria on March 17, 2026Vienna’s famous Café Central has closed temporarily for a major renovation – what are they changing and where to go while the place is closed?
- The tax deadlines Americans in Austria need to know in 2026
by The Local Austria on March 16, 2026Americans living abroad must file taxes both in the US and in their country of residence. Here are the key deadlines and rules US citizens in Austria need to know this year.
- What you should know about the EU's plan to tap your savings
by The Local Austria on March 16, 2026Europe is in great need of money and the EU's plan to get hold of it is to tap the trillions of euros of EU citizens' savings. But will it work?
- German Expression of The Day: Toi, toi, toi
by The Local Austria on March 16, 2026If a friend or family member is doing something brave like performing on stage, you will need this German expression.
- How foreigners are helping drive Austria's workforce
by The Local Austria on March 16, 2026Austria's workforce has grown significantly in the last 20 years, with a large increase in foreign residents joining. But experts say it will shrink in future if action is not taken to address the country's skilled labour shortage.
- Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
by The Local Austria on March 16, 2026Austria is heading into a cooler, wetter week and the country’s energy system has come under fresh scrutiny after a dark winter, plus more stories from Austria on Monday.
- Where in Europe are people likely to live longer?
by The Local Austria on March 15, 2026Life expectancy data reveals that people are living longer in Europe on average, but major differences in gender and geography remain.
- Which European countries have the toughest rules for citizenship in 2026?
by The Local Austria on March 14, 2026Many countries across Europe have tightened citizenship rules in recent years, but which have the toughest for gaining citizenship in 2026?
- What to check before Austria’s camping season begins
by The Local Austria on March 13, 2026Driving a camper abroad from Austria this season? A few routine checks can help you avoid hassles on the road and at borders
- What is Austria's 'three strike' system for driving offences?
by The Local Austria on February 23, 2026Anyone driving in Austria needs to be aware of the 'three strike' system that may lead to motorists who break rules having to take extra training or losing their licence.
- Does Austria's German test for schoolchildren do more harm than good?
by The Local Austria on March 18, 2025Every year, children in Austria, including foreign born infants, must take the MIKA-D test to assess their German skills. But why is this test facing such heavy criticism, and could it soon be reformed?
- Reader question: Do I need special permits to buy a home in Austria?
by The Local Austria on January 13, 2025Austria’s rules for buying property differ depending on your nationality. Learn what permits are needed, and what taxes to expect.
