Austria (or the Republic of Austria) is one of the countries in the central part of Europe. By arrangement, it is a federal state with a population of 8 million 460 thousand people. This is a parliamentary republic. The capital of Austria is Vienna. The area of the country is 83,871 km 2 . The regions of Austria are quite diverse.
This state borders on Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia. The state language is German. The economy of Austria is prosperous. This is a high-income country. For cash payments here use the euro.
Geographic features
Austria is located on the eastern side of the Alps, so the country is dominated by a mountainous landscape. The Eastern Alps are the dominant mountain system. They are covered with coniferous forests, meadows and rocks. The highest point is the city of Grossglockner with a height of 3797 meters.
The climate corresponds to temperate latitudes and altitudinal zonation. Winters are moderately cold in the mountains, and mild on the plains. Summer is moderate, not hot. Annual precipitation is 500–3000 mm.
The total population of Austria is 8420010 people. Among the inhabitants dominated by the Austrians.
Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe and the world as a whole. The income level of the population is growing steadily. The region has developed both industry and agriculture, however, its high dependence on imported hydrocarbons makes its economy rather vulnerable. In particular, this country is heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies.
Administrative division of Austria
Austria is shaped like a stomach. It consists of nine so-called federal states. One of them is the city of Vienna. They also include the following: Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, Burgenland, Styria, Upper Austria and Lower Austria. The westernmost is Vorarlberg, the southern is Carinthia, and the eastern is Burgenland.
Vienna is the smallest in area, and Lower Austria is the largest. The districts located in the Danube River Valley are most densely populated, due to their agricultural significance.
On each of the lands there is one legislative body and its own government. It, in turn, consists of the governor and advisers to the governor. The term of government is five years. However, in the region of Upper Austria, it is six years.
All the main decisions important for the country are made in Vienna. As for the remaining regions, their role in government is rather modest.
Federal lands are divided into counties, and counties are divided into communities.
Which regions are worth visiting?
There are many interesting places in Austria, which are distributed across different administrative lands. From the point of view of tourism, the regions of this country are divided into the following groups:
- lake ones;
- wineries;
- cultural;
- skiing.
The former include such lands as Carinthia, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria.
The wine regions of Austria are Lower Austria, Southern Styria and Burgenland. The cultural centers are Vienna and the administrative centers of the remaining districts. Salzburg, Tyrol, Carinthia and Styria are recognized as skiing.
Austria: Popular Regions
Each region of this country is unique in its own way, so it is rather difficult to answer the question "which regions of Austria are the best". It all depends on the purpose of the trip. For example, someone is interested in which region of Austria is better to live in. And someone - where better to spend a vacation.
The following article presents the most famous regions of Austria, which are quite popular among visitors.
Vein
Vienna is a center of culture, architecture, an important historical object. Of particular interest is the historic city center, known for cathedrals, palaces, museums, ancient streets. Most famous is the Cathedral of St. Stephen.
Region Lower Austria
It is considered one of the most developed in the country. This is the largest region located in the north-east of Austria. The capital is one of the most ancient Austrian cities. There are other historical settlements. Especially interesting for visitors is the city of Baden, which is located near Vienna. It is famous for its thermal spa and promoted casino.
Of the natural sites of interest is the Donau-Auen National Park, which is located in the Danube Valley and is a wetland with several thousand species of animals and birds. Vacationers also like to go there too. Also, this area is famous for winemaking with ancient traditions.
Upper austria
This is a classic rural central European region. Beautiful landscapes, small villages and forests will appeal to lovers of classics.
In the south, in mountainous areas, ski resorts are located. Pure lakes, underground hot water outlets, beautiful valleys will appeal to many mountain lovers. And fans of antiquity can enjoy cultural and historical sights.
Tyrol
This province is located in the southwest of the Austrian state. This is a real mountain world. Here you can see glaciers and limestone massifs with a height of over 3 thousand meters. Crystal clear stormy rivers and mountain valleys will meet those who come here in the summer. And for lovers of active winter recreation beautiful ski resorts with well-developed infrastructure have been created. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Burgenland
This region is located in the Danube Valley. Meadow landscapes prevail here. Winemaking is also developed and expensive quality wines are produced. Rest is more related to Lake Neusiedler - it is rather shallow, and therefore the water in it is warm. Around it there is the necessary infrastructure for recreation. Another tourist destination are mineral spas.