| 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
- Five skiers killed in two avalanches in Austrian Alps
by The Local Austria on January 17, 2026Five people died in two avalanches in Austria's Alps on Saturday, Austrian broadcaster ORF reported.
- Why are young Europeans increasingly supporting anti-immigration parties?
by The Local Austria on January 17, 2026Younger voters across Europe are increasingly tempted by hard-right and anti-migrant parties, but experts say this can't be explained by anti-immigration politics alone.
- EU to ink long-awaited trade deal with South American bloc
by The Local Austria on January 17, 2026The European Union will on Saturday sign a deal 25 years in the making with the South American trade bloc Mercosur, creating one of the world's largest free trade areas at a time of growing protectionism and volatility.
- Inside Austria: The most outrageous things I’ve seen in Austrian bureaucracy
by The Local Austria on January 17, 2026Austrian bureaucracy regularly throws up obstacles for foreigners living in the country and editor Amanda Previdelli recalls some of the more memorable things she's seen or experienced over the years. Share your own stories below.
- Why Austria is asking tourists to 'sign' a non-disclosure pact before visiting
by The Local Austria on January 16, 2026Austria’s tourism board has launched a playful campaign inviting visitors to sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving winter travel tips.
- The salary you need in Austria in 2026 to get an EU Blue Card
by The Local Austria on January 16, 2026Thanks to its benefits and flexibility, the EU Blue Card is one of the most sought-after residence permits for non-EU nationals. Might you qualify for it in Austria?
- What is the 'cold line' in Austria and how you can use it to save lives?
by The Local Austria on January 15, 2026Two men have died in Vienna after exposure to freezing temperatures. Caritas says the cases show why using Austria’s winter cold lines can be crucial.
- Austria to push for tougher checks on private security before Eurovision
by The Local Austria on January 15, 2026Austria is racing to finalise new rules around checks on private security staff before Eurovision in Vienna. The reform push comes in light of the fact one the terror suspects linked to the 2024 foiled plot on a Taylor Swift concert worked in private security.
- Why Salzburg is worried about the rise of microhotels
by The Local Austria on January 14, 2026Salzburg city leaders want tighter rules as dozens of small, staff-free microhotels open in former shops and flats. Officials warn neighbourhoods risk being hollowed out.
- Where will it cost you more to become an Austrian citizen?
by The Local Austria on January 14, 2026From income-based provincial fees to hidden document costs, applying for Austrian citizenship can be far more expensive than many expect. Where you live matters.
- Avalanche kills 13-year-old skier in Austrian Alps
by The Local Austria on January 14, 2026A 13-year-old skier died after being swept away by an avalanche in Austria’s Alps, marking the country’s second avalanche death since Sunday.
- What are Austria's rules for walking or skating on frozen lakes?
by The Local Austria on January 13, 2026Austria’s mid-winter cold spell has turned many lakes, ponds and waterways into shimmering ice surfaces. But what are the rules for walking or skating on the ice and how can we know it's safe?
- Freezing rain hits transport in Austria and neighbouring countries
by The Local Austria on January 13, 2026Freezing rain led to widespread transport disruption across Central Europe, including flight suspensions at Vienna airport.
- The frozen Danube is tempting - but stay off, Vienna authorities warn
by The Local Austria on January 13, 2026After several days of freezing weather, people have ventured onto the frozen Old Danube in Vienna. Authorities warn that people are never officially given the all clear to go on to the ice. In fact they warn doing so can be life-threatening.
- Eva Schloss obituary
by Anne Karpf (Austria | The Guardian) on January 12, 2026Holocaust survivor, educator and bestselling author who was a co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust UKAt the time, in 1940, when the 11-year-old Eva Schloss (then Eva Geiringer), newly arrived from Vienna, played with a group of children that included Anne Frank in the grassy square between their Amsterdam flats after school, she could not have imagined how […]
