Austria
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in the heart of Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
History
- Early History: The territory of modern Austria was part of several Roman provinces and later became part of the Holy Roman Empire. The area saw the rise of the House of Babenberg, which ruled over the Duchy of Austria until the 13th century.
- Habsburg Monarchy: From the 13th century onwards, Austria was largely controlled by the Habsburg Dynasty. The Habsburgs expanded their influence through strategic marriages and military conquests, eventually leading to the creation of the Austrian Empire in 1804.
- World War I and the Collapse of the Empire: The defeat in World War I led to the dissolution of the Austrian Empire, which was followed by the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1918.
- Anschluss and World War II: Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, an event known as the Anschluss. After World War II, Austria was occupied by the Allied forces but regained its sovereignty in 1955 with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty.
- Modern Austria: Since 1955, Austria has remained neutral, which was a condition for the withdrawal of Allied troops. It joined the European Union in 1995, but chose not to join NATO.
Geography
Austria's landscape is diverse, with the Alps covering two-thirds of the country, providing a picturesque backdrop for its cities and villages. The highest peak in Austria is Grossglockner, standing at 3,798 meters.
Culture
Economy
Austria has a well-developed social market economy, with a strong emphasis on exports, particularly machinery, motor vehicles, and tourism. Vienna serves as a major international business hub.
Politics
Austria operates under a federal parliamentary republic system, with the President serving as the head of state and the Chancellor as the head of government.
Sources
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