History of Austria

Landlocked in central Europe, the Republic of Austria—in full, Austria—is evidence of human presence in the Paleolithic era; its history goes back far further.

Ancient History

About 800 BC, Austria was home to a sizable Celtic colony. The main residents of this land were the Austri, from whom the nation's name came. From 15 BC until almost 400 years later, Austria was a component of the Roman Empire.

Etymology of Austria

Old High German Ostarrîchi, meaning "eastern realm," forms Austria's name. This term knew the eastern lands of Charlemagne's realm in the ninth century. Eventually, this name came to be known as Vienna in English, but, over time, it evolved into contemporary German "Österreich" and subsequently Austria.

Prehistory and antiquity 

Human presence in Austria may be found, as was already established, since the Paleolithic age. During this period, one tribe and culture settled: the Romans, Celts, and Illyrians. From the Roman Empire, this era had the most important impact on Austrian history.

Middle Ages

The previous Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century, and the Huns, a Germanic nation, entered Austria. Invaded by Slavs, Avers, and the Bavarians. However, Charlemagne only acquired these areas in the late 8th century.

Rise of Austria

Emerging in the 10th century, the House of Babenberg ruled most of modern-day Austria. Later, the Habsburgs expanded their land by armed conquest and calculated marriages, succeeding them. They were the ones turning Austria into one of Europe's major powers.

17th and 18th centuries

Austria participated in several wars, notably the Austro-Turkish War and the Thirty Years' War. Still, the nation made success and saw significant cultural change.

Medieval Times

Germanic tribes ruled Austria initially until the early Middle Ages, but Charlemagne took it in the late 8th century. By the tenth century, Austria had evolved into Austria, a component of the Holy Roman Empire under Babenberg's and Habsburg's authority.

Rise of the Habsburg Dynasty

Rising in the 13th century, the Habsburg dynasty ruled over Austria for about 600 years. Strategic marriages were well-known as they expanded their area and made them among the strongest families in Europe.

Austro-Hungarian Empire

From 1867, Hungary belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Austria was a dual monarchy. Austria had political evolution, cultural flowering, and economic growth despite politically turbulent neighbors.

World War I

After Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, was assassinated, Austria joined World War I in 1914. The nation's economy fell while war paid a great toll on people.

Republic of Austria

Austria became a republic after the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell in World War One. Political upheaval; financial crisis; Nazi Germany took authority in 1938.

Post-World War II

The Allies occupied Austria after World War II; it became independent in 1955. It became a neutral country between opposing nations during the Cold War.

Modern Austria

Austria has lately developed into an affluent country with a high quality of living.  Its economy is strong; its landscape is beautiful; and its cultural tradition is great. Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and still finds great influence in EU politics and economy.

Cultural Heritage

Given its rich cultural past moulded by numerous civilizations, Austria is rightly among the most interesting places to visit. Its many sources affected art, music, architecture, and literature as well as other fields. Renowned Austrians include Joseph Haydn, Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Scenic Beauty

Apart from that, Austria boasts breathtaking natural surroundings; the Alps cover the bulk of them. Popular for its skiing and hiking opportunities, the nation Attracts visitors from all around. It also presents stunning cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

Strong Economy

Despite difficulties, Austria has developed a robust economy with a high degree of human development. One of the richest nations in the world, it boasts contemporary infrastructure, a highly qualified workforce, and an advanced industry base.

Independence

Though it has been altered occasionally, Austria has overcome many challenges on its route through history and has survived them to become the modern, powerful country it is today. The long history of Austria is shown from the early Romans to the present in Europe—Austria is still one valuable nation in the world, one that is flourishing and helping the world.

Government and politics

Our nation boasts a federal parliamentary republic as its democratic administration. The head of state and government is a President accompanied by a Chancellor. Austria's multi-party system is dominated by the Social Democratic Party and the Austrian People's Party.

Foreign relations

The UN, EU, and OSCE are among Austria's international memberships. The nation helps create peace and stability in the region and maintains excellent relations with its neighbors. Austria is distinguished by close diplomatic relations with most nations worldwide and active participation in international diplomacy.

Military 

Austria boasts a well-trained and equipped military known as the Austrian Armed Forces. Its primary purposes are national defense and peacekeeping operations. Austria eliminated conscription in 2005 and set up a professional military. It has no military affiliations and a long history of neutrality. Still, it helps the United Nations with international peacekeeping initiatives.

Administrative divisions 

Austria comprises nine federal states, each with its own capital and government. These states further separate local administration into districts and municipalities. The nation's government is dispersed, and the powers vested in the states are strong.

Geography and Climate

With mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, Austria is a varied country right in the middle of Europe. The eastern areas have flatter and rich plains, while the Western Alps rule the Western and southern sections of the nation. 

Economy

Austria's economy and service sectors—banking, insurance, and tourism—are highlighted.  Cathode ray tube assembly, electronics, machinery, chemicals, plastics, and medicines thrive in the country.  Austria's economy relies on agriculture and dairy production.

Ethnic groups 

Although most of the population consists of ethnic Austrians, there is a significant minority of Turks, Serbs, and Croats. The nation also has a small but significant Jewish community. Austria is relatively cohesive despite its varied population.

Demographics

Most of Austria's almost 8 million residents live in cities. This nation boasts minimal unemployment and a high standard of living. Austria's society is rather varied and features many distinct ethnic groups and cultures. Officially German, additional minority languages are Hungarian, Slovene, and Croatian.

Largest cities 

Comprising 1.8 million people, Vienna is Austria's capital and biggest city. Some large cities of Austrian are Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Linz.

Language 

Though most people speak another, German is the official language of Austria.  Turkish, Hungarian, Slovene, and Croatian are also spoken in Austria.

Religion

Austrians are mostly Roman Catholic, with a Protestant minority. Additionally, developing via immigration in recent years is a Muslim community.

Education

Austria values education highly and makes it free until you reach the secondary level. It has a very advanced educational system and several world-class universities, such as the Graz University of Technology and Vienna.

Cuisine

Austrian cuisine is rich and substantial, shaped by her surrounding nations. Along with strudel (pastry stuffed with fruit or cheese) and sausages, schnitzel, breaded and fried meat, is also popular. It also boasts Viennese coffee culture, and cafés abound in the cities.

Sports

Skiing is the most often used sport in Austria and a pillar of Austrian culture. Tennis, ice hockey, and football are also popular sports. Austria has produced many outstanding athletes who have made their nation proud at international events.

Festivals and Celebrations

Austria celebrates several celebrations at the end of the year: Christmas markets (during the holiday season), Fasching (Carnival) in February, and the venerable Wiener Wiesn-Fest (Oktoberfest) in Vienna. Every area celebrates different customs.

Culture and Art

Austria is the birthplace of Strauss, Beethoven, and Mozart, and it is Famous for its culture. The nation values the Baroque palaces from Vienna and Salzburg. Austrian artists have also made an impression in film, literature, and fine arts.

Tourism

Rich culture, historical cities, and amazing natural settings make Austria a popular travel destination. Every year, millions of visitors come to ski the Alps or discover the little towns and villages.