Political and economic situation in Austria. Abstract economic and geographical position of austria characteristics of egp austria according to plan

Full official form of the name of the state: Republic

Form of government: Federal Republic

Membership in international organizations: is a member of the UN (since 1955) and is a member of a number of specialized UN agencies (UNESCO, UNIDO, WHO, FAO, IFAD, ILO, ICAO, ITU, UPU, WIPO, WMO, IAEA, IBRD, IFC, IMF, MAP, etc. ). is a member of the EU, WTO, OECD, OSCE, CE, CEI, EBRD, Interpol and other organizations

Square: 83,879 km² (114th in the world)

The border: total length 2562 km
* in the north with the Czech Republic - 362 km,
* in the north-east with Slovakia - 91 km,
* in the east with Hungary - 366 km,
* in the south with Slovenia - 330 km and Italy - 430 km,
* in the west with Liechtenstein - 35 km and Switzerland - 164 km,
* in the north-west with Germany - 784 km

Population: 8 401 940 people (2011, census) (94th place in the world)

Population density: 101.4 people / km² (80th place in the world)

Capital: Vienna

: 9 lands

Official language: German

Currency: Euro

Internet domain:.at

Timezone:(UTC + 1, summer UTC + 2)

Telephone code:+61

OKSM codes: AU (alpha-2) AUS (alpha-3) 040 (numeric code)

Geographical position

Flora and fauna

The country is rich forests(47% of the entire territory). The Austrian flora is characterized by an oak-beech forest in the valleys, and at an altitude of more than 500 m - a mixed beech-spruce forest. Above 1200 m, spruce prevails, larch and cedar are found. Alpine meadows in the foothills.

Fauna- typical Central European. There are roe deer, hare, deer, pheasant, partridge, fox, marten, badger, squirrel. The surroundings of the Neusiedler See lake are unique protected nesting places for birds of various species. In the high-mountainous regions of the Eastern Alps, the composition of the fauna is typically Alpine.

Political system

Legislature

The highest legislative body and the body of people's representation- a bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council (NA) and the Federal Council (Bundesrat). Joint sessions of the Federal Assembly are held when the President is sworn in and to decide on the declaration of war. It can also call a referendum to dismiss the president.

Legislative functions are performed by the National Assembly (together with the Bundesrat), elected for 4 years in direct general elections by secret ballot. The President of the National Assembly, as well as the second President of the National Assembly and the third President of the National Assembly shall govern the National Assembly. These three presidents form a collegium and act as federal president when he is unable to do so.

Representation of political parties in the National Council

The second chamber of the Austrian parliament is the Bundesrat. Its 64 members represent 9 federal states in proportion to their population (for example, Lower - 12, and Vorarlberg and Burgenland - 3 each). Members of the Bundesrat are elected and delegated by the Landtags for 4 or 6 years. The Bundesrat can challenge the law, and then the National Council votes again with a larger quorum. The President of the Bundesrat is elected in alphabetical order from each Land for a period of six months.

Representation of political parties in the Federal Council

Elections to all organs of popular representation are universal, direct, free and equal by secret ballot. The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18. Participation in the presidential elections is compulsory. Elections to the National Assembly are held according to a proportional system (three-tier proportional system: 1 vote for a certain party list, within the list - for a certain candidate in the regional and land constituencies). In the National Assembly there are parties that have won a regional mandate or have received 4% of the votes in the whole.

Executive power

Supreme body of executive power- federal government. Formed on February 28, 2003 from representatives of the ANP and the APS, the government consists of 11 federal ministries: Social Security, Generations and Consumer Protection (Minister Vice-Chancellor H. Haupt, APS); foreign affairs; internal affairs; justice; national defense; finance; economics and labor; agriculture and forestry, environment and water management; health and women's affairs; transport, innovation and technology; education, science and culture.

The government is headed by the Federal Chancellor. He forms the cabinet and coordinates its work. When making decisions, the principle of unanimity applies. The chancellor must take into account the opinion of the vice-chancellor, whose role in the Austrian coalition government is great.

Heads of government (federal chancellors)

Judicial branch

Administrative divisions

The Austrian federation consists of 9 states, which have their own parliament (Landtag), constitution and government. The Lower and Upper lands lie on both sides of the Danube, and Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia and Styria are wholly or mostly in the Alps; Burgenland is located on the outskirts of the Middle Danube Lowland in the east of the country. The city of Vienna - the capital - is administratively equated to the lands.

Population

Cities

The largest cities: Vienna, Graz (238 thousand people), Linz (203 thousand people), Salzburg (144 thousand people), Innsbruck (118 thousand people). The share of the urban population is 60%.

National composition

Ethnic composition the population is homogeneous, about 98% are German-speaking Austrians. In addition, there are 6 recognized national minorities: Croats, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, Gypsies (about 300 thousand people in total).

The number of foreigners according to the 2001 census is 707 thousand people. (8.8%), according to estimates - more than 760 thousand, of which 45% are citizens of the former Yugoslavia.

»
Plan. 1. Business card 2. EGP Austria 3. Historical background. 4. Economy of the country. 5. Nature 1) Relief 2) Climate 3) Natural resources 4) Mineral resources 5) Fauna 6) Environment 6. Population. 1) Ethnic composition 2) Demographic situation 3) Population distribution structure 4) Religion 5) Education 6) Mass media 7) National holidays 8) Taxation. 7. Economy. 8. Geography of foreign economic relations Political and economic situation in Austria. Austria - a small country located in the center of Europe, consists of 9 federal states: Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgerland, Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Vienna and Salzburg. The city of Vienna - the capital of Austria - is administratively equated to the lands. The division of the country into lands has developed historically: almost each of the lands is a former independent feudal possession. In fact, modern Austria is a centralized state. Austria is landlocked. Here, on an area of ​​84 thousand square meters. km is home to about 11 million people, i.e. less than in Greater London. The geographical position of Austria contributes to its communication with other European countries, of which it directly borders on the family: in the east - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, in the west - Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein. This provides Austria with favorable transport and geographical conditions for mutually beneficial trade with neighboring countries. The territory of Austria is elongated in the form of a wedge, strongly narrowed in the west and widened in the east. This configuration of the country resembles, according to some, a bunch of grapes. The largest cities are Vienna, Graz, Linz and Salzburg. The location in the center of Europe makes Austria the crossroads of a number of trans-European meridional routes (from the Scandinavian countries and states of central Europe through the Brenner and Semmering Alpine passes to Italy and other countries). Serving the transit of goods and passengers gives Austria a certain amount of income in foreign currency. In addition, as it is easy to establish from a physical map, the state borders of Austria for the most part coincide with natural boundaries - mountain ranges or rivers. Only with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (on a small stretch), they pass almost on flat terrain. When our compatriot, heading to Austria by train, crosses the Czech-Austrian border in the northeastern corner of the country, he is somewhat disappointed. Where is Alpine Austria? Around, as far as the eye can see, a treeless, plowed plain, flat as a table. Here and there green islands of orchards and vineyards, brick houses and lonely trees on the borders and along the roads flicker. Plains and hilly lowlands extend from here far to the south along the entire border with Hungary and occupy 20% of the territory. But upon reaching Vienna, we find ourselves in a more typical Austrian natural environment: mountains, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) - the northeastern outpost of the mighty Alps and the high-hilly wide and open Danube valley, which rises noticeably in the western direction. If you climb one of the peaks of the Vienna Woods, for example, Kahlenberg (“Bald Mountain”), then far in the north and north-west in the blue haze beyond the Danube you can see the low, wooded, granite ridge of Šumava, only some peaks of which rise several above 700 meters. This ancient hill occupies 1/10 of the country's territory. Undoubtedly, the Alps are the dominant landscape in Austria, they (together with the foothills) occupy 70% of the country's area. These are the Eastern Alps. So it is customary to call the part of the Alpine mountain system lying to the east of the Upper Rhine valley, along which the state border with Switzerland passes here. What is the difference between the Eastern and Western Alps? To the east of the Rhine fault, the alpine ridges take a latitudinal direction, begin to fan out, as it were, and descend. The Eastern Alps are wider and lower than the Western ones, they are more accessible. There are fewer glaciers here, and the largest of them are about half the size of Switzerland. In the Eastern Alps there are more meadows and especially forests, and the Eastern Alps are much richer in minerals than the Western ones. If you cross the Alps from north to south, it is easy to see that the geological structure and composition of the rocks composing them are located symmetrically relative to the axial zone. This zone is the highest and most powerful group of ridges covered with glaciers and snows, among which the Hohe Tauern stands out with the highest point of the country - the double-headed peak Glosglockner (“Big Bell”), reaching 3997 m; Ötztal, Stubai, Zillertay Alps. All of them, together with the ridges adjoining from the west and east, are composed of hard crystalline rocks - granites, gneisses, crystalline schists. The largest glacier - Pastertse - has a length of about 10 km and an area of ​​32 km 2. To the north and south of the axial zone there are ridges composed of solid sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones and dolomites: the Lichtal Alps, Karwendel, Dakhshtein, Hohshvat and other ridges of the Northern The limestone Alps up to the aforementioned Vienna Woods in the extreme northeast. Unlike the peaked peaks of crystalline ridges, limestone mountains are giant blocks with more or less flat, slightly sloping surfaces and almost steep or even overhanging slopes. The years are mostly bare, there are sinkholes of soil, caves and other forms of karst relief, formed by thawed rainwater in soluble limestone and dolomite. The peripheral zone of the Alps is formed by the low with soft outlines of the peaks and slopes of the Predalps, composed of loose sedimentary rocks. And within Austria, this zone is well expressed in the north, but in the south it is absent. One of the peculiarities of the Alps is that they are dissected by deep and wide transverse valleys, thanks to which the deep parts of the Alps are relatively easily accessible, and the low, comfortable passes allow you to easily cross the country from north to south in a number of places. So, the famous Brenner Pass has a height of 1371 m, and the Semmering Pass - 985 m. It is no coincidence that railways have long been laid through the Alpine passes, some of them without tunnels. Historical reference. In ancient times and in the earlier Middle Ages, many different tribes passed through the lands of modern Austria, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, the main of which was the route along the Danube. Some of them have left their mark on the ethnogenesis of the Austrian people; a noticeable influence on the formation of the Austrian Ethnic community was exerted by the Celts who settled here in the 5th-6th centuries BC. The conquest of the Austrian lands by the Romans, which began in the 2nd century BC, led to a gradual romanization of the local Celtic population. Administratively, these lands were included in different Roman provinces: Pannonia - in the east, Noricum - in the center, Rezia - in the West. The settlement of its lands in centuries by Germanic (Bavars, Alemanni) and Slavic (mainly Slovenes) tribes was of great importance for the history of Austria. On the basis of the predominantly Germanic tribes of the Bavars and Alemans who merged with some Slavic tribes and with the remnants of the Celtic and other tribes of the early Middle Ages, the Austrian ethnic community was formed. In the 7th-8th centuries, the lands of present-day Austria did not yet form a single whole, but were included in various European states: western and northern (with a Germanic population) - into the Bavarian Duchy, eastern (with a Slavic population) - into the Slavic state of Carantania. At the end of the 8th century, both of these states were incorporated into the Frankish empire of Charlemagne, and after its partition in 843 they became part of the German East Frankish kingdom. In the 7th-10th centuries, the lands of modern Austria were subjected to devastating raids by nomads, first by the Bavars (VIII century), and then by the Hungarians (IX-X centuries). In the second half of the 10th century, on the territory of modern Upper and Lower Austria, the Bavarian Oriental mark was formed, which began to be called Ostarrichi (Austria). It was she who later became the core of the Austrian state. In the XII century, Austria, like many other European states, became part of the "Holy Roman Empire". In the 15th century, almost all of its modern lands were included in the Austrian state, with the exception of Salzburg and Burgenland. However, this political association was still unstable, its borders often changed, the regions included in the state were connected only by dynastic ties. In the XII-XV centuries, Austria was one of the economically prosperous countries in Europe. The development of feudalism in Austria was distinguished by some peculiarities. Until the 15th century, the feudal dependence of the peasants was much weaker in it than in neighboring countries; enslavement of the peasants took place here more slowly due to long-term displacement of the population and the raids of nomads. In the mountainous cattle-breeding regions, especially in Tyrol, a free peasantry remained, united in rural communities. In the 15th century, Austria became not only the economic, but also the political center of the "Holy Roman Empire", and its dukes - the Habsburgs - were emperors. Against the background of a general economic and political upsurge, the culture of medieval Austrian cities flourishes, first of all Vienna, then Graz and Linz. The foundation of the University of Vienna in 1365 was of great importance. In the 16th century, Austria led the struggle of the countries of southeastern Europe against the Turkish invasion. Taking advantage of the weakening in the wars with the Turks of the Czech Republic and Hungary, Austria included most of their territories in its possessions, starting from that time to turn into a multinational state. During this period, the country's economy is increasingly strengthening and developing. In the mining industry (mining of iron and lead ores in Tyrol, Styria, Upper Austria), the emergence of capitalist relations began in the 16th century. The first manufactories appeared in the production of velvet, silk, and luxury goods. In the 17th-18th centuries, the Austrian Habsburgs continued to expand their possessions: the entire territory of Hungary, almost all of Croatia and Slavia, the Southern Netherlands, some regions of Italy, and a number of Polish and Ukrainian lands were annexed to Austria. By its area, Austria began to occupy the second place in Europe after Russia. In the 18th-19th centuries, feudal-absolutist Austria was a stronghold of Catholic reaction in Europe. She initiated the intervention against revolutionary France, and later participated in all anti-French coalitions, led the struggle against the revolutionary movement in Europe. The defeat of Napoleonic France in the European wars of the early 19th century further strengthened Austria's external position. By decision of the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815. she not only returned the lands conquered by Napoleon, but also gave the region of Northern Italy in exchange for the southern Netherlands. In the second half of the 19th century, Austria lost its hegemony in European affairs. The struggle with Prussia for supremacy among the German states ended with the defeat of Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The creation of the union of German states (1867) took place under the auspices of Prussia and without the participation of Austria. In 1867 Austria became a dualist monarchy of Austria-Hungary. The Austrian and Hungarian ruling classes formed an alliance to exploit and suppress the resistance of other peoples. At the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century, changes took place in Austria's foreign policy: having failed to achieve hegemony among the German states that were united by Prussia in 1871, Austria launched an offensive in the Balkans, which led to aggravation of relations with Russia and rapprochement with Germany. In 1882, the so-called Triple Alliance was concluded between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy, which came out in the First World War of 1914 against the Entente countries. In 1918, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy split into three states - Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary: in addition, part of its lands became part of Romania, Yugoslavia and Poland. In 1938, the troops of Nazi Germany occupied Austria. The entire economy of the country was subordinated to the military needs of Germany. In World War II, Austria participated as part of Germany. In March 1945, Soviet troops crossed the Austrian border. On April 13, they entered Vienna, and shortly thereafter, the Soviet Army and allied forces liberated the entire country. After the defeat of Nazi Germany, by agreement between the USSR, the USA, Britain and France, the entire territory of Austria was temporarily divided into 4 zones of occupation. On the initiative of the Soviet Union in 1955, the State Treaty was signed on the restoration of an independent and democratic Austria and the occupation was ended. In the same year, the Austrian parliament passed a law on the permanent neutrality of Austria. A country's economy. Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe. In recent years, the country's economy has been developing at an accelerated pace. The largest foreign investor is Germany (about 30% of investments). Industrial production increased in 1995 by 4.6% and reached 334.5 billion shillings. The leading industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy, as well as the chemical, pulp and paper, mining, textile and food industries. One third of the volume of industrial production is accounted for by the state sector of the economy. Austria has a productive agriculture. Almost all types of agricultural products necessary to provide for the population are produced. The most important branch of agriculture is animal husbandry. Foreign tourism is one of the most profitable sectors of the Austrian economy. Annual receipts from foreign tourism amount to over 170 billion shillings. Austria trades with more than 150 countries around the world. About 65% of exports and 68% of imports go to the countries of the European Union. The main trading partners are Germany (40%), Italy, Switzerland. The share of Russia is only 1.5%. The country's gold and foreign exchange reserves in 1994 amounted to 218 billion shillings. In terms of per capita income, Austria ranks 9th in the world. The rise in prices for consumer goods in 1995 was 2.3%. The unemployment rate was 6.5%. NATURE. 1.Relief. The main thing that determines the natural features of almost not the entire territory of Austria is the Alps. Their white-headed peaks are visible from everywhere in the country. Almost ѕ of the country is occupied by the Eastern Alps, which are lower and wider than the Western ones. The border between them coincides with the western border of Austria and runs along the valley of the upper Rhine. The Eastern Alps have fewer glaciers, more forests and meadows than the Western ones. The highest point of Austria - the Großglockner mountain in the Hohe Tauern - does not reach 4 thousand meters. (3797 m). From the highest peaks flows down the largest glacier of the Eastern Alps - Pasierce - over 10 km long. Other peaks of the ridge granite-gneiss zone of the Ötztal, Stubai, and Zillertal Alps are also covered with snow and ice. In this crystalline zone, the so-called alpine landforms are most pronounced - sharp ridges, steep-walled valleys plowed out by glaciers. To the north and south of the ridge zone is the famous ice - Eisriesenwelt (world of ice giants) in the Tennengebirge mountains, south of Salzburg. The names of the mountain ranges themselves speak of the coldness, wildness of these places: Totes-Gebirge (meter-high mountains), Hellen-Gebirge (hellish mountains), etc. The limestone Alps to the north pass into the Prealps, which descend in steps to the Danube. These are low, rolling mountains, overgrown with forest, in some places their slopes are plowed up, and wide sunny valleys are quite densely populated. If it is appropriate to compare the geologically young Alps with the Caucasus, then the mountains lying on the other, left side of the Danube, resemble the Urals. These are the southern spurs of Šumava, part of the ancient Bohemian massif, almost to the ground destroyed by time. The height of this border elevation is only 500 meters and only in a few places it reaches 1000 meters. Areas with calm relief, flat or hilly lowlands occupy only about 1/5 of the country's area. This is, first of all, the Danube part of Austria and the adjacent western edge of the Middle Danube plain. The overwhelming majority of the population lives here and is the "center of gravity" of the entire country. 2. Climate. Large contrasts of relief - from lowlands to snowy mountains - determine the vertical zoning of the climate, soils, and vegetation. Austria has vast areas of fertile land, warm and rather humid (700-900 mm of precipitation per year) "grape" climate. This word is everything: a rather warm, long summer with an average temperature of + 20 degrees in July and a warm sunny autumn. On the plains and foothills, there is a relatively mild winter with an average January temperature of 1-5 degrees. However, most of the Alpine part of the country is "deprived" of warmth. With a rise for every 100 meters, the temperature drops by 0.5 - 0.6 degrees. The snow line is located at an altitude of 2500-2800 meters. Summers in the high mountains are cold, damp, windy, and often sleet. In winter, there is even more precipitation here: giant thickets of snow accumulate on the slopes of the mountains, which often for no apparent reason break down and rush down in avalanches. crushing everything in its path. A rare winter goes by without casualties; dwellings, roads, power lines are destroyed ... And sometimes in the middle of winter the snow suddenly disappears. This was the case, for example, in the days of the "White" Olympics at the beginning of 1976 in the vicinity of Innsburg. Usually snows are "driven away" by warm southerly winds - hair dryers. 3. Natural resources. The mountainous part of the country is distinguished by an abundance of clean fresh water. It accumulates in the form of snow and glaciers for most of the year, only to rush down to the Danube in summer with thousands of roaring streams, filling the lake basins along the way. Alpine rivers also determine the regime of the Danube: it is especially abundant in the summer, when plain rivers usually become shallow. Danube tributaries - Inn, Salzach, Ens, Drava - are fraught with large reserves of energy, but all of them are not navigable and are only partially used for timber rafting. There are many lakes in the country, especially in the northern foothills of the Alps and in the south, in the Klagenfurt Basin. They are of glacial origin, their pits are plowed up by ancient glaciers; the lakes are generally deep, with cold, clear water. This type is in the vast Lake Constance, partly owned by Austria. Vegetation zones on the territory of Austria replace one another in the following order: broad-leaved (oak, beech, ash) forests in the Danube Valley (though heavily thinned out) are replaced by a mixed forest of foothills. Above 2000 - 2200 m, they are replaced by coniferous (mainly spruce-fir, partly pine) forests. Mountain forests are one of the national treasures of Austria. On the vegetation map of Central Europe, the Austrian Eastern Alps appear as the only large green island. Among the small Western European states, only Finland and Sweden surpass Austria in forest area. There are especially many industrially exploitable forests in Upper (mountain) Styria, for which it is called the “green heart of Austria”. Apparently, it is no coincidence that the color of the flag of the land of Styria and its folk costumes are green. During the German occupation of World War II, the Austrian forests suffered enormous damage. Above the forests and sparse dwarf shrubs, there are subalpine (matt) and alpine (alma) meadows. In the hot summer months, rapid melting of snow begins in the mountains, which leads to large floods, including on the Danube, the level of which sometimes rises by 8 - 9 m. Nevertheless, the Alps, as “moisture collectors”, are of invaluable importance for Austria: the deep rivers flowing from them, especially the Inn, Ens, Salzach, Drava, serve as the richest sources of inexhaustible water energy. In addition, Austria has large reserves of clean fresh water, concentrated in addition to glaciers and rivers in numerous alpine lakes (the predominance of lakes in the Salzkammergut area). In addition, Austria owns the southeastern part of the large and deep Lake Constance on the western outskirts of the country and almost entirely the shallow lake Neusiedlersee on its eastern outskirts. 4. Mineral resources. In Austria, the set of minerals is quite diverse, but among them there are very few of those whose value would go beyond the borders of the country. The exception is magnesite, which is used for the production of refractories and, in part, for the production of metallic magnesium from it. Magnesite occurs in the Styrian, Carinthian and Tyrolean Alps. There are very few energy minerals. These are very modest deposits of oil (23 million tons) and natural gas (20 billion tons). cubic meters) in Lower and partly in Upper Austria. Even with the Austrian production scale, these reserves are projected to be depleted within two decades. The reserves of brown coal are somewhat larger (in Styria, Upper Austria and Burgenland), but it is of poor quality. Comparatively high quality iron ores, but with a high metal content, are found in Styria (Erzberg) and a little in Carinthia (Hüttenberg). Non-ferrous metal ores are found in small quantities - lead-zinc in Carinthia (Bleiberg) and copper in Tyrol (Mitterberg). Of the chemical raw materials, only table salt is of practical importance (in the Salzkamergut), and of other minerals - graphite and feldspar. 5. Fauna In mountain forests, mainly in reserves, ungulates live - red deer, chamois, mountain sheep, mountain goats. From birds - wood grouse, black grouse, partridge. On the plains, where almost all the land has been cultivated, large wild animals have long been gone. But foxes, hares, and rodents are still found here. 6. Environment The environment in most of Austria is not yet under the threat of pollution as in most other industrialized countries in Europe. First of all, this applies to the Alps with their sparse population and generally insignificant industry in relation to this vast territory. The Austrian authorities, interested in attracting foreign tourists to the country, are taking some measures aimed at limiting environmental pollution, but not enough. The democratic public and academia in Austria are sounding the alarm over the unacceptable level of industrial waste pollution of the Danube below Vienna and the rivers Mura and Mürz. Reserves play an important role in the system of nature conservation measures. There are 12 of them in Austria with a total area of ​​0.5 million hectares. They are found in all natural zones - from the steppe surroundings of Lake Neusiedler See to the high Tauern. Most of the nature reserves are located in the Alps. POPULATION. 1. Ethnic composition. The population of Austria is relatively homogeneous in terms of ethnicity: about 97% of its population are Austrians. In addition, in Austria, in certain regions of Styria, Carinthia and Burgenland, small groups of Slovenes, Croats and Hungarians live, and in Vienna there are also Czechs and Jews. Many Austrian citizens consider themselves not only Austrians, but, by origin from this or that province, also Styrians, Tyroleans, etc. Austrians speak the Austro-Bavarian dialects of the German language, which differ significantly from the literary one. Literary German is used mainly in writing or on official occasions, as well as in conversations with foreigners. Under the influence of local dialects, his vocabulary and grammar also acquired some originality. 2. Demographic situation. One of the main features of the Austrian population is the cessation of its growth since the beginning of the 70s. This is explained by a large drop in the birth rate. If it were not for the markedly increased average life expectancy, which in 1990 reached 75 years, the demographic situation would have been even more unfavorable. The fall in the birth rate is associated with the difficult material situation of the majority of the Austrian population, as well as with the consequences of the Second World War. A small natural increase has been preserved even in the less developed western alpine lands, as well as in the countryside. Austrian experts predict that the population in the country will not change significantly until 2000, however, a decrease in the proportion of young ages and an increase in the proportion of the elderly threaten to reduce the labor force. 3. Population distribution structure The country's territory is populated very unevenly. With an average density in the country of 90 people per 1 sq. Km, it ranges from 150-200 or more people in the eastern regions adjacent to Vienna, to 15-20 in the Alps. In most of the country's territory, the rural population lives in farms and separate yards - the lack of convenient land affects. Due to the harsh living conditions, the proportion of the Alpine population is continuously decreasing, there is a flight from the mountains - "bergflucht". Above 1000 m above sea level, 2% of the country's population constantly lives. 77% of the population lives in cities (with a population of more than 2 thousand people), but Austria does not impress the traveler as an urban country. The fact is that more than a quarter of the city dwellers are concentrated in the largest city in the country - Vienna. Half of the entire urban population lives in small towns with a population of up to 100 thousand people. Thus, large cities with a population of 100 to 250 thousand are not typical for this country. There are only four of them Graz, Linz, Salzbkrg and Insburg. The functions of these cities, not to mention Vienna, are varied, which cannot be said about the mass of small towns, which for the most part are "unambiguous". They are dominated, as a rule, by one or two industrial sectors. The rapid growth in the number of urban residents is associated with an increase in the share of non-agricultural occupations of the economically active population. In 1990, in industry, including construction and handicrafts, its share was more than 41%, and in agriculture and forestry - about 12% (against 33% in 1960), in transport and communications - 7%. 4. Religion. According to an international study of values, conducted in 1990-91, 44% of Austrians visit churches and other houses of worship once a month and more often (8th out of 27 countries in Europe and North America). If we combine the data of these international studies in 1990-91 and 1995-97, then Austria will take 23rd place out of 59 countries in the world in terms of church attendance once a week and more often (30% of Austrians attended churches in 1990-91 with this regularity). At the same time, during the 1991 survey, only 6.1% of Austrians declared that they do not believe in God (another 8.3% believe in God, but do not believe in life after death). (On the territory of Austria, Christianity began to spread from the end. Religious organizations The largest religious organization is the Roman Catholic Church of the III century). The state supports the Church: there is a 1% church tax in the country, which all citizens of the country are obliged to pay. The Roman Catholic Church in 2000 had 5,651,479 adherents (72.1% of the population). The second largest is the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg and Helvetian Confession (ECAiGI), which unites two autonomous Churches (Lutherans and Reformed). Lutherans and reformists finally received the right to freely profess their beliefs only in 1781, and fully equal in rights with Catholics - a century later. 5. Education. Compulsory education in Austria starts at the age of six and lasts for 9 years. Education in public schools and higher education are free. There are 18 universities, 12 universities. The University of Vienna (founded in 1365) is the oldest existing university in German-speaking countries. 6. Mass media. Over 20 daily newspapers are published in Austria. The one-time circulation is about 3 million copies. Television and radio broadcasting is carried out by the state-owned company ERF. National Information Agency - Austrian Press Agency (APA). 7. National holidays. The Ascension of Christ, the Second Day of the Trinity, the Feast of the Body of Christ, the Dormition of the Theotokos (15.8), the National Day of the Austrian Republic (26.10), the Feast of All Saints (1.11): St. Virgin Mary (8.12), as well as Christmas (25 and 26.12). 8. Taxation. Austria, like most Western European countries, has a rather complex, multi-tier taxation system, with most of the taxes collected through the Federal Tax Service. Local taxes are not very significant. Austrian law divides all individuals and legal entities into taxpayers with unlimited and limited tax liability. Unlimited liability means that tax is paid on all income received both domestically and abroad. This responsibility is borne by individuals with a permanent residence in Austria, as well as companies with a registered office or management bodies in Austria. Accordingly, limited tax liability is borne by individuals residing abroad, and corporations that have neither governing bodies nor a legal address in the country. In this case, certain types of income received in Austria are subject to taxation, for example, income from activities carried out through permanent establishments or branches. The main types of taxes: 1) on investments; 2) for income; 3) corporate; 4) for entrepreneurial activity; 5) property; 6) from turnover (value added); 7) for real estate; 8) inheritance and donation. Household. 1. General information After the formation of Austria as an independent state in 1918, during the 1920s and 1930s, it experienced a severe economic and political crisis. Having lost its peripheral possessions - the industrial Czech Republic and the agricultural territories of Hungary, as well as burdened with huge expenses for the maintenance of the numerous bureaucratic apparatus that previously ruled a huge empire, and now left out of work, Austria could not adapt to new conditions for a long time. During the years of the Anschluss, the German monopolies controlled thousands of Austrian enterprises and sought to establish the exploitation of Austria's natural resources in the interests of Germany. Numerous hydroelectric power plants, enterprises of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical plants were built. After the Second World War, the former German property passed into the hands of the state in Austria, which was in the interests of the Austrian people. At the present time, the main enterprises of heavy industry and banks have been nationalized in Austria. State-owned enterprises mainly produce electricity, cast iron and steel, aluminum, mines iron ore, brown coal, oil and natural gas, refines oil, produces nitrogen fertilizers, artificial fibers, and some mechanical engineering products. Mainly enterprises of the light and food industries, as well as a group of industries related to the harvesting, processing and processing of wood, remained unnationalized. Foreign capital plays a significant role in the Austrian economy. Whole industries are under his strong influence, and in some cases even under his control: electrical, electronic, petrochemical, magnesite, and the production of certain types of equipment. Foreign capital limits the economic independence of Austria, in particular, it inhibits the development of the public sector. Austria is one of the economically developed countries with a relatively rapidly developing industry. Although the world economic crisis of 1974-1975 did not spare Austria either. but here it began a little later. The economic development of Austria is also favorably influenced by the fact that, as a neutral state, it has relatively low military expenditures. In the post-war period, the industrial development of Austria made significant headway. Now Austria belongs to the industrial countries, and although in terms of the value of production, industry surpasses agriculture by about 7 times, Austria satisfies its needs for basic agricultural products by 85% from its own production. Austria's dependence on the external market is reflected in the fact that it imports the missing energy raw materials and exports surplus products of the manufacturing industry. The main industrial and agricultural region of the country is the Danube lands. Here, on 1/5 of the territory of Austria, are its vital economic centers. The rest of the country, especially in the high-mountainous part of the Alps, is dominated by almost unpopulated areas, still little connected with the outside world and with each other. As in many Western European countries, Austrian industry is characterized by uneven development of individual industries. Some critical manufacturing industries are absent altogether, such as aircraft manufacturing, while others are not very significant - these include the automotive industry and the manufacture of electronic equipment. 1. Mining, heavy, light industries The mining industry, due to the poverty of minerals, plays an extremely insignificant role in the economy, with the exception of magnesite, which is of export importance. In these industries, Austria has excess capacity, and a significant part of their production is exported to Western European countries. 2. Fuel Industry One of the weakest points of the Austrian economy is its fuel industry. Austria imports all the necessary bituminous coal, more than half of brown coal, about 4 oil, almost half of natural gas. Since the beginning of the 70s, the cost of imports of primary energy sources began to exceed their production within the country. Especially high costs are associated with the transportation of oil and gas. Oil and natural gas account for about 60% of all energy consumption, while solid fuels and hydroelectric power account for 20% each. The country produces less than 2 million tons of oil per year, and its production is gradually decreasing. However, the oil is relatively shallow and of high quality. The main deposits are located northeast of Vienna. Near the capital, in the city of Schwechat, at the only large oil refinery, almost all oil refining is concentrated. From abroad (mainly from Arab countries) it is received through the Trieste-Vienna oil pipeline, which runs along the southeastern outskirts of Austria outside the Alps. Parallel to it, but in the opposite direction, a gas pipeline has been laid from Russia, through which Russian gas goes to Austria and Italy. 3. Power Engineering More than half of electricity is produced at numerous hydroelectric power plants, but the importance of hydropower is decreasing, and the production of electricity at thermal power plants is growing faster. Hydroelectric power plants are mainly built on alpine rivers in the west of the country, from where part of the electricity is transmitted to the eastern regions, part is exported and only a little is consumed locally. 4. Ferrous metallurgy One of the most important branches of the Austrian industry is ferrous metallurgy. Smelting of pig iron and steel far exceeds the needs of the country, and most of the ferrous metal is exported. Most of the pig iron is smelted in Linz, Upper Austria, the rest in Leoben. Steel production is roughly equally divided between Linz and the Styrian region. Austria is the birthplace of a new, more efficient technological steelmaking, namely oxygen-converter, which is increasingly replacing the open-hearth process. The needs of metallurgical plants are only covered by 3 local ore. All alloying metals and metallurgical coke are imported from abroad. 5. Non-ferrous metallurgy In non-ferrous metallurgy, only the production of aluminum is of great importance. The development of this industry in Austria, which does not have bauxite in its depths, is associated with the use of cheap electricity from numerous hydroelectric power plants on the Inn River. Here, in Ranshofen, near Braunau, one of the largest aluminum smelters in Western Europe was built. Other non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises do not even cover the domestic needs of the country. Only a little copper and lead are smelted from the local ore. 6. Mechanical engineering Although mechanical engineering forms the core of all Austrian industry, it is less developed than in other Western European countries, as a result of which Austria imports more mechanical engineering products than it exports. Machine-building enterprises, as a rule, are small: many of them employ no more than 50 people. Machines and apparatus for the light and food industries, some types of machine tools, and equipment for the mining industry are produced in large quantities. Locomotives and small sea vessels are also produced. The largest engineering center is Vienna. 7.Lumber_complex.Also typical for Austria is a complex of industries, including the harvesting of wood, its processing and the production of pulp, paper and cardboard. The significance of the timber industry complex goes far beyond the borders of the country. Forest products account for about a third of the country's total exports. Large areas of timber harvesting are carried out in the mountainous regions of Styria, and mainly its primary processing is also carried out here. 8.Agriculture In Austria, agriculture is quite developed. At present, the yield of the main grain crops - wheat and barley - exceeds 35 kg / ha, the productivity of dairy cows reaches 3 thousand kg of milk per year. More than 2 agricultural products are provided by animal husbandry. This is facilitated by the fact that natural meadows and pastures occupy more than half of the total agricultural area. In addition, about a quarter of the arable land is sown with forage crops. And another part of the feed is imported. All this allows keeping 2.5 million head of cattle. Recently, the production of meat and milk covers the entire effective demand of the population. The cultivated area is small. There are lands that are not constantly cultivated. These are the so-called egarten (transporation). They are used alternately as arable land, then as a pasture. Egarten is characteristic of the Alpine regions. The main agricultural crops - wheat, barley and sugar beets - are cultivated mainly where there is a warm climate and fertile soils - in often Danube Austria and on its eastern flat-hilly outskirts. Rye, oats and potatoes are also sown here. But their crops are spread even more widely - they are also found in the foothills of the Alps and in the mountain valleys, on the Šumava plateau. Outside the mountainous regions, vegetable growing, fruit growing and especially viticulture are widespread. The grapes are grown only in the warm regions of the northeastern and eastern outskirts of the country. 9. Transport The network of communications in Austria is quite dense and not only on the plains, but also in the mountains, which is facilitated by the significant dissection of the Eastern Alps by deep transverse and longitudinal valleys. But, despite the deep dissection of the relief, nevertheless it was necessary to go to the construction of numerous road engineering structures: tunnels, bridges, viaducts. In Austria, there are over 10 tunnels, each more than a kilometer long. The Arlberg Road Tunnel is the longest, with a length of 14 km. The construction of mountain railways and highways contributed to the development of forest, hydropower and other resources of mountain regions. The main modes of transport in Austria are rail and road. About 1 of the total length of railways is electrified. Electric traction sites are mainly located in the mountainous part of the country, where cheap electricity from local hydroelectric power plants is used and where there are many steep climbs. Electric vehicles are also the most important international directions, including to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and transalpine roads. In other directions, diesel traction prevails. From Vienna, as the largest railway junction, the most important highways diverge in a ray-like manner. The main of them departs in a westerly direction, linking the Danube and Alpine lands. In the northwest direction from this trans-Austrian highway there are roads to the countries of the former Czechoslovakia and Germany. Of great importance is the Semmering Main Line extending from Vienna to the southwest, which connects the capital with Upper Styria and Italy. The main highways are connected by two high mountain lines crossing the Alps from north to south (Linz - Leoben and Salzburg - Villach). Automobile transport successfully competes with railway transport in the transportation of both goods and especially passengers. Now, only intercity buses carry twice as many passengers as by rail. Over the past decades, several sections of new motorway-type highways have been built, the most important of which is the Vienna-Salzburg highway. The design of the highway network is similar to that of the railways. The only navigable river in Austria is the Danube. It is navigable along the entire Austrian stretch of 350 km. It is especially full of water in summer, when mountain snows and glaciers melt. Nevertheless, river transport accounts for less than a tenth of the country's total cargo turnover. The largest port in Austria is Linz, where metallurgy consumes a huge amount of coal and coke, iron ore and other raw materials imported mainly by river. Vienna is more than twice behind it in terms of cargo turnover. Geography of foreign economic relations. The Austrian economy cannot develop without close ties with foreign countries, and its import of goods and capital exceeds their export. But the services provided to foreign partners exceed the services received from them. First of all, we are talking about tourism, which plays an important role in the country's economy. Foreign trade of Austria has a negative balance, that is, the value of imports of its goods exceeds exports. Raw materials and semi-finished products occupy a significant place in Austria's exports: timber and products of its partial processing, ferrous metals, products of the chemical industry, and electricity. Some types of machinery and equipment, river vessels are exported from finished products. Small quantities of food are exported. Mostly finished products are imported, and primarily consumer goods, while the import of machinery and equipment, automobiles, and consumer and industrial electronics is of somewhat lesser importance. Oil, natural gas, coal and coke, ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores, and chemical raw materials are imported in large quantities. Food and flavoring goods, tropical agriculture products, and a lot of fodder are also imported. In general, more than 85% of Austria's foreign trade is oriented towards the world capitalist market. Germany takes the first place in exports, and especially in imports of Austria. The policy of state neutrality pursued by Austria is a good basis for the further development of foreign economic relations with all countries of the world.

Economic and geographical location

Austrian Republic - Austria is a state located in the center of Europe. The territory of the country is surrounded by land on all sides. The state borders on: the Czech Republic (in the north); with Slovakia (in the north-east); with Hungary (in the east); with Italy and Slovenia (in the south); with Switzerland and Liechtenstein (in the west) and with Germany (in the north-west).

Austria is a union state. It includes:

• Lower and Upper Austria,
• Styria,
• Burgerland,
• Carinthia,
• Vorarlberg,
• Tyrol,
• Vein,
• Salzburg.

The territory of Austria is elongated in the form of a wedge. The total area of ​​the territory is 83.8 thousand square meters. km.

The country's main marinas are located near Vienna and Linz. Largest cities: Vienna, Linz, Graz, Salzburg.

The geographical location favors the development of economic ties with neighboring states.

Austria is the crossroads of a number of trans-European traffic flows.

Natural conditions

The natural features of Austria are largely predetermined by the presence in the country of the mountain system of the Eastern Alps. Mountain ranges occupy up to 70% of the entire territory of the country, most of which are represented by the Eastern Alps. The Eastern Alps are subdivided into: the Salzburg Alps and the North Tyrol Alps (in the north) and the Karnik and Zillertal Alps (in the south). High Taeurn is the most powerful mountain range in the country. Mount Grossglockner is the highest point in the country (3797 m).

Pasterets is the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps (over 10 km long).

The Stubai, Ötztal and Zillertal Alps represent a ridge granite-gneiss zone of the mountains. Alpine landforms are clearly expressed here - steep-walled valleys and sharp ridges. To the south and north of the ridge zone, the Limestone Alps stretch, in the northern regions turning into the Pre-Alps, which descend to the Danube. The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is located in the Tennengebirge mountains. The Prealps are rolling low mountains overgrown with forest.

On the left side of the Danube lies a part of the old Bohemian massif - the southern spurs of the Shumava, up to 500 m high (in some places the height reaches 1000 m).

1/5 of the entire area of ​​the country is occupied by flat territories and hilly lowlands: the Danube part of Austria, part of the Central Danube plain. Significant areas of fertile land are located here.

The climate is temperate. In the western parts of the country, the influence of the Atlantic can be traced. In the eastern regions and in the mountains, the climate is more continental.

The climatic conditions of the plains are warm and humid. The average temperature in July is + 20º С. The winter is mild, the average temperature in January is + 1-5º С. The average annual rainfall is 700-900 mm.

With a rise for every 100m, the average temperature drops by 0.5-0.6 ° C.

Snow occurs at an altitude of 2500-2800 m. Summer in the mountains is windy, damp, cold, wet snow often falls. In winter, huge layers of snow accumulate on the slopes of the mountains, which often form avalanches.

Remark 1

A characteristic feature of the mountainous regions of the country is the abundance of clean fresh water that accumulates during the main part of the year in the form of glaciers and snows, and in summer flows down to the Danube and forms lake basins.

Natural resources

Water resources... The largest river in the country is the Danube. The river is most full-flowing in the summer (due to the melting of snow and ice in mountainous regions). The Danube tributaries - Salzach, Inn, Drava, Ends - have great hydropower potential. Partially these rivers are used for timber rafting. In the northern foothills of the Alps and in the Klagenfurt Basin (in the south) there are many deep lakes of glacial origin. The largest lake - Constance - belongs to Austria in part. The largest waterfalls in the world include the Krimml Falls. Mineral springs - Bad Ischl, Baden.

Forest resources... Forests occupy almost 2/3 of the country's territory. Most of all forests are spread in the mountains. Mountain forests are the national treasure of Austria.

Minerals... The main minerals of the country are: oil and natural gas (Vienna Basin), brown coal (Upper Austria, Styria), magnesite (Faich, Styrian Alps). The territory contains deposits of iron ores (Eisenertz region, Mount Erzberg; Carinthia, Hüttenberg), lead-zinc ores (Klagenfurt, Bleiberg, etc.), copper ores (Tyrol, Mitterberg). Salt (Salzkammergut), marble, graphite, feldspar, granite, limestone, and kaolin are mined in the country.

Recreational resources... The Austrian Alps are a popular destination for skiers. The most visited resorts of the provinces: Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia. Tourists visit Styria and Forlarlberg. Resorts where you can combine relaxation and wellness (on thermal springs): Bad Hofgastein, Bad Gastein in the Gastein ral region. Comfortable temperatures, clean air, beautiful landscapes attract mountain tourists and other vacationers.

Flora and fauna

The foothills and lower areas of the mountain slopes are covered with broad-leaved trees - beech, oak, hornbeam forests. Above, there are mixed beech-spruce and coniferous forests, mainly fir. Above 1200 m, there are larch, spruce, cedar. The zone of subalpine meadows - matty - is located above the forest belt and is distinguished by an abundance of high-grass representatives, and after - low-grass ones - alpine meadows - almas. In the belt of eternal snow and ice, you can find a stunted plant - a silvery edelweiss.

The vegetation cover of the flat-hilly territories of the country is almost completely changed under the influence of the anthropogenic factor. Most of the land is plowed up, there are small oak and beech groves.

The fauna of Austria is Central European. In high-mountainous regions it is typically alpine. In the protected areas in forest mountain ranges live: red deer, roe deer, elk, brown bear, mountain sheep, chamois, ibex, alpine marmot, mountain eagle, black grouse, capercaillie, partridge.

On the plains, there are hares, foxes, and rodents. In the steppe region near Lake Neisiedler See, the purple heron is found.

Austria is known throughout the world for its ski resorts. Here beginners and amateurs rest, professionals train. Excellent conditions for recreation and developed infrastructure attract more and more tourists to Austria every year. The cleanliness of the local lakes and the beauty of nature will amaze the most sophisticated travelers. Austria really has something to see - beautiful mountain landscapes, mysterious caves and, of course, quiet streets of Vienna with cozy cafes and an exquisite menu.
A trip to Austria is a chance to get in touch with the innermost. A trip to Austria is an opportunity to get to know the country from the inside. The best way to travel around Austria is by train. A dense network of railways covers all the cities of the country. Particularly convenient, you can buy long-term tickets. This, by the way, is quite beneficial. There is also a specialized agency in Austria, which for a relatively small fee picks up a passing car for you to hitchhike from one city to another.

Geography

Republic of Austria (Republik Osterreich), a state in Central Europe, in the Danube basin. It shares borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland. Area: 83849 km2. The capital is Vienna. Major cities are Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck. About 3/4 of the country's territory is occupied by the Eastern Alps and their foothills. Height up to 3797 m (Grossglockner). Mountain ranges are separated by deep longitudinal valleys. In the east of the country - the western part of the Middle Danube Plain, including the Vienna Basin. The climate of the plains and foothills is moderately continental and humid. Main rivers: Danube (350 km) and its tributaries: Inn, Drava, Morava. The largest lakes are Constance and Neusiedler-Seewinkel. There are many glacial lakes in the highlands. About 1/2 of the territory of Austria is covered with forests: up to a height of 600-800 m, oak and beech forests alternate with fields, orchards and vineyards: up to 1400-1800 m - mainly coniferous forests, higher - shrubs, alpine meadows. The landscapes are protected in the nature reserves Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel, Karwendelgebirge and others.

Time

Lags behind Moscow by 2 hours.

Climate

The climate in Austria is temperate. In the western regions of the country, the influence of the Atlantic is noticeable, and in the mountains and in the east it is more continental. The coldest month is January. In the flat areas in winter, the temperature is mostly slightly negative, in the east of the country - it does not drop below +10 degrees, and in the mountainous regions there are frosts down to -15 degrees. Summer in the east of Austria is hot, for example, in Vienna in July and August in the daytime the air warms up to +30 degrees. In the western regions, summer is warm - the daytime air temperature reaches +21 .. + 23 degrees, while at night it is noted up to +13 degrees. In the mountains in the summer months, the air temperature ranges from +25 degrees during the day to +10 degrees at night. Annual precipitation in the east of Austria is about 600 mm, and in the west - up to 2000 mm. They mostly fall out in the summer. In high mountainous areas, the snow cover lasts up to 8 months a year. The water in local lakes warms up to +25 .. + 27 degrees in summer. The average maximum temperature in January in Vienna is approximately + 1 ° С, the average April temperature is + 15 ° С, in July there is up to + 25 ° С, and in October about + 14 ° С. In Salzburg and Innsbruck, temperatures are about the same as in the capital, with the exception of winter, when these alpine cities are somewhat cooler. Inland waters.

Language

The official language is German (with a characteristic Austrian pronunciation). In big cities and resort centers, in hotels, it will not be difficult to find a person who speaks English, but it is advisable to know at least a few German phrases. All announcements on trains and buses are made in German only.

Religion

Religion plays an important role in the life of every Austrian. The approach to freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution is quite interesting: up to the age of 10, religious preferences are determined by the parents; from 10 to 12, a small citizen has the right to express his opinion, which must be taken into account; and after 12 years, he can freely choose the religion that he likes. Most of the population of Austria professes the Catholic religion, but in Austria 11 more confessions are officially recognized. According to the 2001 census, 73% of the population is Catholic, 4.7% is Protestant, 4.2% of Austrians are Muslims, and 2.2% are Orthodox Christians. 12% of the population do not belong to any of the official religious denominations. There are two archbishoprics in the country - Vienna and Salzburg, as well as 7 Catholic dioceses. Thirteen official holidays are celebrated in Austria, including ten church holidays.

Population

In 2003, the population of Austria was just over 8 million. About 9% of the population are foreigners. The bulk of the population lives in the lands of Upper and Lower Austria and Styria, as well as in the capital of Austria - Vienna, where almost 20% of the indigenous population is concentrated. In the highlands (Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia), the population density is significantly lower than in large cities.
The indigenous people of Austria are of mixed ancestry, typical of other European peoples. Yet the Austrians generally have the traits of the Alpine-Dinaric group.
The urban population is 56%, the population density is 97.6 people per sq. Km. Other ethnic groups also live in Austria. Six ethnic groups are officially recognized: Hungarians, Roma, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, and Slovenes. In the south and east of the country (the states of Carinthia, Burgenland and Styria) there are Slavic minorities, whose representatives speak Slovenian and Croatian languages.

Electricity

The mains voltage in Austria is 220 volts. The electrical outlets are in accordance with the European standard.

Emergency phones

Major city codes:
Baden - 2252
Brand - 5559
Vienna - 1
Graz - 316
Salzburg - 662
Innsbruck - 512
Linz - 732
Ferlach - 4227
Fire department: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Transportation of patients:
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund. Tel .: 891 44
Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe. Tel .: 476 00-0
Service for the sick in Vienna. 717 18-0, 711 19-0
Red Cross. 17 74
Answering machine with a record of the schedule of duty of dentists (duty at night and on weekends): 512 20 78
Information about the nearest pharmacies (opening hours, address, night duty): 1550 (153 50)
Providing medical assistance in the event of a leak of toxic substances (reference): 406 43 43-0
First aid for animals - the central telephone number of the veterinary service: 531 16
Pharmacy inquiry - 15-50. If the pharmacy closest to you is closed, the address of the nearest open pharmacy should be on the door. If you need a doctor and do not speak German, contact the hotel staff or, in an emergency, the Russian consulate.

Connection

The country code is 42, when dialing a number within Austria, dial 0 before the area code, when entering international communication - 00. All Austrian localities have an automatic direct telephone connection with all European countries. Telephone booths (you can call both with coins and with Telefonkarte cards) are installed in post offices and on the streets (calls from post offices are cheaper). Telefonkarte telephone cards (packed in plastic) are sold at tobacco kiosks or post offices. Calls on weekdays from 18.00 to 8.00 are 33% cheaper, significant discounts are also valid on weekends and holidays around the clock.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange is possible in banks and specialized exchange offices, as well as in most travel agencies and hotels (with a small surcharge for the exchange operation) and at the main post offices - in large cities they work daily and around the clock. In addition, dollars can be exchanged at ATMs, in which case only 10, 20 and 50 USD bills are accepted. Credit cards are accepted in almost all major stores, gas stations, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
For purchases over € 75, VAT can be refunded (approx. 13%). To do this, it is necessary to receive from the store a “tax-free” check filled out by the seller with the form “Tax Free for tourist Austria Tax-Free Shopping” or “Europa-Tax-Free Plakette”. A customs stamped check must be sent to a store or duty-free department. VAT refunds can be made in cash directly at customs or by check or bank transfer (some goods are subject to a commission). Banks are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 15.00, and on Thursday from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 17.30. Bank branches at airports and major train stations are open from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm, including on weekends.

Visa

TYPES OF VISA
Visa A(transit through the controlled area of ​​the airport) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit to third countries through the international airports of Austria. At the same time, this visa gives the right to stay in the controlled area of ​​the airport during a transfer from one aircraft to another, but does not allow its holder to leave the transit area and stay in Austria.
Visa B(transit visa) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is to transit through the territory of Austria to third countries. This visa gives the right to stay in Austria for up to 5 days each time.
Visa C(short-term stay) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is tourism, visiting relatives or friends, business trips. This visa entitles you to visit the countries of the Schengen area.
Visa D(national visa) - valid only on the territory of Austria and gives the right to stay in the country from 3 to 6 months without a temporary residence permit or residence permit. This visa entitles only to transit through other Schengen countries for up to 5 days, but not to stay in them.
Visa processing time
The usual time for consideration of applications and processing of documents in the consular section is from five working days from the date of payment of the consular fee to two weeks. In exceptional cases, it is possible to issue an urgent visa of category C - at least three days before the intended trip.
Consular fee
The consular fee for a tourist visa (category C) and a transit visa (category B) is 35 euros, for an urgent visa of category C - 70 euros, for a national Austrian visa (category D or D + C) - 75 euros. The consular fee is paid at the bank in rubles at the rate of the bank. To pay the fee, the consular department issues a payment notification when accepting documents. Upon receipt of ready-made visas, it will be necessary to present this notice with the bank's mark of the payment made. In case of visa refusal, the fee is not refundable.
The following categories of citizens are exempt from paying the consular fee:
... close relatives of citizens of the Russian Federation legally residing in Austria;
... close relatives of EU citizens;
... schoolchildren, university students, graduate students and accompanying teachers (provided that the purpose of the trip is to study);
... children under 6 years old.

Customs regulations

Citizens of foreign countries can bring with them for their personal consumption or as gifts, but not for commercial purposes: 200 pcs. cigarettes or 50 cigars, manila or thin cigars or 250 gr. tobacco (or any combination of them, the total weight of which should not exceed 250 grams.); 2 liters of wine or fruit liqueur or tincture with an ethyl alcohol content of not more than 22% or any combination thereof, but not more than 2 liters, as well as 1 liter of alcohol, the ethyl alcohol content of which does not exceed 22%, or 3 liters of beer and additionally 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages. Goods other than those mentioned above can be imported for a total amount of 175 euros per person. If these goods are not imported by air, but through the common border with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, then the maximum amount is reduced to 100 euros. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency.

Holidays and non-working days

New Year - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
Easter Monday
Labor Day - May 1
Ascension
Whit Monday
Corpus Christi
Dormition
National holiday of the Austrian Republic - October 26
All Saints Day - November 1
Conception of the Virgin Mary - December 8
Christmas Day - December 25
Saint Stephen's Day - December 26

Transport

Railway
As in Germany, trains of different classes run in Austria: high-speed and local. The lettering is slightly different:
ICE, IC / EC - high-speed trains, intercity and international
D - average between local and fast
E - fast local train
R - local train
The cost depends on the distance, class, number of people and whether the ticket is one way or there and back. As in Germany (and in any other European country, however), we must not forget what class your ticket is: the class is written on the carriage, on the doors of the carriage compartments, on the walls. One carriage can have first and second class compartments. The first class is not much different from the second: most often there is a compartment, fewer seats, maybe a table, and most importantly, there are simply fewer people. All trains have soft comfortable seats and a toilet in the carriage. It is also worth paying attention to whether smoking is allowed in the carriage - on the outside there will be a crossed out image of a cigarette or not. If you have heavy suitcases and do not want to drag them up the stairs to the platform, take a look around - there is a high probability that there will be an elevator nearby, which you can safely use.
Buses in Austria
Buses in Austria are very comfortable. The only thing to remember is that after 18 hours there may be no flights. The prices are less than for the train, but not significantly. For a one and a half hour trip, for example from Salzburg to Bad Ischl or from Zell am See to Krimml, you have to pay about 8.50 euros per person.
Buses on the same route may not stop at all stops depending on the time, so if you need intermediate stops, check the timetable carefully. And the 670 bus from Krimml to Zell am See runs either to the final stop (Zell am See), then to the Mittersill stop (halfway to Zell am See), where you need to change to the train.
Taxi
It is best to call by phone from the hotel or from the restaurant where you sat, and you can also find it at special parking lots at railway stations, in the center of large cities, at the airport (it is not accepted to "catch" a car on the street: even if you try, no one will stop) ... The cost of moving around the city is indicated on the counter + payment for boarding. When traveling long distances, it is better to negotiate the amount with the driver in advance.
Public transport in Vienna
Vienna has metro (U), trams, buses and trains (S). The city authorities are constantly modernizing their transport system: now two main stations in Vienna are being rebuilt at once, and elevators are being actively added to the metro. It should be noted that the excessive comfort in the form of elevators spoiled the Viennese residents: you can often see how hefty foreheads or vigorous girls, burdened with a maximum of a cell phone, quickly fill the elevator car, while an old woman with a stick does not have time to reach its door.
The most convenient transport is the metro. There are stops near almost all strategic tourist points. The tram is the second most convenient. Trams run both completely modern and old, similar to ours. I didn't have to use the bus, and somehow they didn't come across.
The ticket is bought either from the machine or from the driver. It needs to be punched in a small drawer at the entrance.

Tips

Tipping is 5% of the order value; in large restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the invoice amount. The waiter will certainly return the change on the account, and after that, in the same napkin, you must leave a tip. Small coins can be left in the bar and cafe. In street cafes, tips are not given. It is customary for the taxi driver to leave 10% over the counter, you can just leave a change from the change. In the hotel, if you decide to tip, the following general rules apply: boys helping to bring suitcases can be given 50 cents each, the maid receives a tip not less than about 3 euros per week.

The shops

Stores in Austria are allowed to trade from Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, and on Saturdays, sales in stores are allowed until 5:00 pm. The actual opening hours of stores in Austria vary. Shops are usually open from 8.00 to 18.30, and some of them may be closed for a lunch break for 1-2 hours. There is no uniformity on this issue. Visitor centers and resorts may have special opening hours for shops. From Monday to Friday until 21.00, and on Saturday and Sunday - until 18.00. Shops at railway stations and airports are open during peak traffic hours (until about 23.00 hours).
One of the best souvenirs from Austria is a bottle of Yaga-te concentrate, which can be bought in any supermarket. It is enough to add four parts of ordinary boiling water to one part of the concentrate, and you get a classic New Year's national drink - "Yaga-te", that is, "hunting tea". And for lovers of stronger drinks - a classic souvenir from Austria - a bottle of schnapps (fruit moonshine). Real schnapps should be 38% ABV.

National cuisine

meat on the bone - dish No. 1 in Austria (up to 17 EUR);
Gluewein - a hot drink consisting of red wine and water (3: 1), cinnamon, spices; fundamentally differs from the Bavarian mulled wine in the absence of zest and the presence of water (up to 5 EUR);
river schnapps! The most pleasant and correct souvenir from Austria is a bottle of fruit moonshine - schnapps. Classic schnapps should be 38% ABV (deviations affect flavor). For a pungent sensation, put in a glass a piece of canned pear (if schnapps is pear) or peach (if schnapps is peach); plum schnapps are not placed in plum schnapps ... Also, you will find more expensive varieties of raspberry schnapps, schnapps from a bouquet of blackberries and wild apples, and so on;
a typical Austrian cocktail - Vodka Red Bull (vodka - redbull) - the Austrians themselves believe that the combination of Smirnov's table wine No. 21 with an energy drink gives the body a feeling of weightlessness and flight. It is difficult to say how it is with the flight, but it does not demolish the tower - it is checked: you can drink. (Between us: it is better to prepare vodka - a redbull on your own: buy Red Bull in any supermarket, get crystal stocks and ... 3: 1);
Germknoedl - a fluffy sweet roll with poppy seeds and sauce (vanilla or fruit);
wheat beer (Weizenbier - Weizenbier) - absolutely incomparable taste (up to 3 EUR);
apple pie (Apfel Strudel - apfel strudel) - Served hot in Salzburg and alpine villages: be careful (up to 9 EUR);
natural sweets "Mozartkugel" ("Mozartkugel") - an enchanting invention of the Salzburg confectionery "Fuerst" - the only place where these and other sweets are still made by hand (in truth, the "other sweets" include primarily the best invention of "Fuerst" - candies "I.-S. Bach"); "genuine" "Mozartkugel" is sold only in silver-blue packaging and contains more marzipan and cocoa than golden-red American counterfeits (from 0.9 EUR per item);
cinnamon pancakes (Strauben / Stauben) are simply an exclusive Salzburg delicacy;
Mozart's favorite beer - Stiegelbreu (up to 2 EUR);
magic souffle Nockerln / Nockerln - sweet as love, tender as a kiss;
coffee, coffee and more coffee: "Merchant" - strong double espresso, "ferlengerter" - weaker, "melange" - coffee with milk and whipped cream, "Einspenner" - double mocha in a tall glass.

sights

Vienna symbol - St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), patron saint of the Austrian capital, more than 800 years old. Under the catacombs are the ancient catacombs - the burial place of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, its interior is simply mesmerizingly beautiful, and a Turkish cannonball is embedded in its spire, which fell into the cathedral during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century. Opposite the cathedral lies the beautiful Stephansplatz square and the postmodern glass building of the Haas House commercial center. On the walls of the Stephansdom you can see the measures of length, size and weight, which were used to check the goods during the purchase in the Middle Ages, and from its observation deck you can see a magnificent view of the Danube and Vienna. Another symbol of Vienna departs from the square - the Graben street, "the heart of the city", where such famous sights as the Peitzoile Column, the Sacher Hotel and the Peterskirche Church are concentrated. The most fashionable shops are also located here. It is interesting to get acquainted with the nearby Michalerkirche, San Marie am Gestade, Franciscanerkirche, the neo-Gothic Town Hall (1872-1883), one of the most beautiful squares in the world - Josefplatz, with the Palace Chapel and the Burgtheater located on it (1874-1888), the parliament building (1883), in front of which the statue of Pallas Athena rises, and the famous Vienna Opera (1861-1869) - the venue for the cult annual Opera Ball.
The pride of Vienna - beautiful parks, various in their appearance and purpose. The Prater Park is considered the most "popular" park in Vienna (has been operating since the 18th century) and is famous for the largest Ferris wheel in the world (65 m) and excellent restaurants. The historic Augarten Park regularly hosts dozens of musical performances and symphony concerts. The famous Vienna Woods park, located in the vicinity of the capital, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps, is a whole forest area, with its own towns and hotels, resorts and thermal springs. Bounded on one side by the picturesque Danube Valley and vineyards, and on the other by the famous spa region of Baden and Bad Voslau, the Vienna Woods is a favorite vacation spot for Viennese and visitors alike.
Church of St. Ruprecht and the summer residence of the Habsburgs - Schönbrunn Palace, which has more than 1400 rooms and halls. Now it houses the Museum of Weapons, a collection of costumes and horse-drawn carriages "Wagenburg", a beautiful park with fountains, a greenhouse and a zoo. The palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy - Belvedere Castle (1714-1723) with the Gallery of Austrian Art of the 19th-20th centuries, located on a hill in the southeastern part of the city, is an excellent example of architecture. (the largest collection of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka) and the chambers of Archduke Ferdinand, the Karlskirche baroque church (1739) and Stadtpark, the University, the palace of Count Manfeld-Fondi and the Vatican Church.
Salzburg
Salzburg Lakes, Salzburg Cathedral (founded in the 8th century, rebuilt in 1611-1628), surrounded by three squares with the luxurious residence of the princes-archbishops, the Baroque Museum, Salt Mountains, the house where Mozart was born, the palaces of Helburn with a magnificent park, decorated with fire fountains, and Mirabel, Geerfidegasse, Eisriesenwelt ("world of the ice giants") cave in Tennengebirge, south of Salzburg. Styria and Carinthia attract with a huge number of medieval castles and majestic nature. Innsbruck: Ambras Castle (16th century), ski resort. Kitzbühel is a resort located in the Tyrolean Alps.

Carnish is a famous sports center and resort located in the very south of Austria. Saalbach and Hinterglemm are the most popular ski resorts. Lech in Arlberg is a fashionable resort offering the highest level of service. Baden is a spa with healing hot sulfur springs, located 25 km south of Vienna, and has been popular with crowned heads and artists for a long time.

Most Popular ski resorts- Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Badgastein, Baden bei Vin, Seefeld, Otztal, Zillertal, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, St. Anton, Zell am See-Kaprun, Galtür, Gaschurn, Stubaital, Santal Johannes, Pitztal, Pitztal , St. Wolfgang, Hintertux.

Resorts

Lakes of Carinthia- Werther See (resorts Sölden, Pertchach, Maria Werth, Krumpendorf), Klopeiner See (resort St. Kanzian), Milstetter See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See.
Salzkammergut lakes- Wolfgang See (resorts St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl), Mondsee, Traunsee, Uttersee and Hallstättersee.
Salzburgerland- Zeller See (resort of Zell am See).
Spa Sölden
The Otztal Valley is known for its highest mountain resorts in Austria. Sölden (1,377 m), Vent (1,900 m), Obergurgl (1,930 m), Hochselden (2,050 m) and Hochgurgl (2,150 m) are the record-holders in terms of attendance and are the second most popular after Vienna.
Sölden is one of the best ski resorts in Austria. An absolute guarantee of natural snow.
The winter season is from December to April.
Glacier skiing - all year round.
Slopes, tracks, lifts:
Ski area - 1377-3250 m
Vertical drop - 1873 m
Total length of tracks - 150 km
Trails for beginners - 53 km
Intermediate trails - 63 km
Difficult tracks - 28 km
Ski route - 6 km
Illuminated trails - 4 km
Longest track - 13.5 km
Summer skiing on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers
About 20 restaurants on the mountain.
Modern high-speed lifts, on the glacier almost all seats have protective caps.
The main ski areas in Sölden are Gaislachkogl (1377-3058 m), Giggijoch (1377-2885 m) and the Golden Gate on two Rettenbach glaciers (1377-3250 m) and Tiefenbach (2796-3250 m).
Spa Sankt Kanzian
St. Kanzian is located on the warmest lake in Austria (the water temperature heats up to +28 degrees).
There is everything for your active holiday: 65 tennis courts, a tennis hall, an 18-hole golf course, three surf schools, a diving school, minigolf, fishing, cycling, horse riding ...
St. Kanzian is never boring: weekly children's parties, lake parties with fireworks, daily dance and entertainment programs in all hotels. Klopeinersee - a town located on the shore of the lake - Klopeiner See.
It is surrounded on all sides by fields, meadows and mountain forest. Klopeinersee is the warmest bathing lake in Austria. The water temperature in summer reaches 26-28 degrees. The water in this lake is so clean that you can drink it.
Zell am See
Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) are in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg and together make up the famous European Sporting Region (ESR).
ESR is the most popular vacation spot for a huge number of fans of both high-altitude landscapes and slopes, as well as the unique alpine atmosphere that reigns here all year round.
The region offers what is most important to any skier, both beginner and professional. Residents of the region say: "We are not talking about snow, we guarantee it!"
The skiing season is from December to April.
Slopes, tracks, lifts
Ski region map (202.1 kb)
The height of the resort is 726 m above sea level
Ski area - 750-2000 m
Vertical drop - 1250 m
Length of tracks - 75 km
Trails for beginners - 25 km
Intermediate trails - 25 km
Difficult tracks - 25 km
Longest piste - 6.2 km
Number of lifts - 28
The total capacity of the lifts - 39 695 people per hour
Cross-country skiing trails - 20 km
Toboggan runs - 4
Snowboard slopes -2
Fan Park -1
Halfpipes - 2
Snowboard
Kitzsteinhorn: fun park, half-pipe on the route from the Alpin Center to Langwiboden.
Schmittenhoch: halfpipe (100 m) under the Glocknerbahn lift.
Pertchach
Poertschach is a resort town on the northern shore of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. The resort is located on a small peninsula with three cozy bays, between Velden and Klagenfurt. Pertschach is famous for its flower-filled promenade and the Leonstein castle of the 14th century, which was visited by J. Brahms. It is a great place to relax and practice all kinds of sports: rowing, surfing, parasailing, tennis, golf, hiking and cycling. The abundance of fish in the local waters attracts a huge number of people who want to fish successfully. For over 50 years, Pertschach has been a kind of "tennis Mecca" - every hotel has one or two tennis courts, and the Seehotel Werzer-Astoria complex has one of the largest and best tennis centers in Austria, consisting of 11 magnificent courts.

Geographical position

Austrian republic is a continental state located in the southern part of Central Europe... This state was formed after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy at the end of the First World War.

Austria in the north Borders with Germany and Czech Republic, in the West- with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, on South border with Italy and Slovenia, in the east the country borders on Slovakia and Hungary... The length of Austria's state borders with these countries is 2.706 km, of which 816 km with Germany, 466 km with the Czech Republic, 107 km with Slovakia, 354 km with Hungary, 330 km with Slovenia, 430 km with Italy, 166 km with Switzerland and 35 km with Liechtenstein. Total area of ​​the country is 83.858 sq. Km

Administratively, the state consists of 9 federal states: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna city(on the basis of land rights).

Capital of Austria is the city Vein... The state is located in mountainous regions. Most of the country's territory is occupied Eastern Alps, which are lower and wider than Western ones. In addition, these mountains are distinguished by the presence of more forests and meadows, but there are fewer glaciers here. The border between them runs along the western border of the state - along the valley of the upper Rhine. In the north, these mountains are bordered by Northern Alpine foothills, and in the east - with Eastern Alpine foothills. This foothill includes Viennese and Styrian basins... Further in the east, it turns into Hungarian lowlands.

The Eastern Alps have fewer glaciers, more forests and meadows than the Western ones. The plains account for only 7% of the country's territory.

The largest and only navigable river Austria is Danube... Its length in Austria is about 350 km. It flows from Passau on the border with Germany to the suburbs of Bratislava in Slovakia. The main tributary of the Danube in Austria it is considered Inn.
There are a large number of lakes on the territory of the country, there are thermal springs with warm water. Most of them are in the area Salzkammergut in Upper Austria, as well as in Styria and Salburg.

Highest mountain peak country - Grossglockner in the Hohe Tauern, the height of which is 3797 m... There are also a large number of other high peaks. The largest glacier Eastern Alps bears the name Pasierce, its length exceeds 10 km.

The most famous arrays The Central Alps are: Reticon, Ötztal, Zillertal, Kitzbühel Alps, Hohe Tauern and Semmering.

Most of the country's territory is located in the mountains, for this reason the climate of Austria is quite diverse. In the West countries prevail humid climate, in the south and east Austria continental climate. The climate is influenced by Atlantic, continental and Mediterranean influences. In the northern and western regions countries prevail soft and wet weather from the Atlantic Ocean. Average annual temperatures here make up from 7 to 9 degrees C. During the winter months the temperature can drop to - 1-7 degrees. In the mountains the climate is cooler. Summer here usually 18-24 degrees.

Winter soft in Austria, no frost. average temperature during this period is about 0 degrees. Summer warm but not roast. average temperature summer air is 22 ° C.

In the eastern regions countries are dominated by continental influences. There is less rainfall here, but in the summer there are heavy showers... The annual rainfall in Austria exceeds 760 mm. The only exceptions are: the Vienna Basin, some areas of Burgenland and intermontane valleys. Snow stays on the plains for one to six months a year. In the valleys in winter are very frequent fogs.

Visas, entry regulations, customs regulations

For entry to the territory of Austria for Russian citizens requiredinternational passport and the current Schengen visa... In addition, you also need arrange health insurance policy. At customsmay ask present return tickets or confirmation of hotel reservation or voucher from a travel company.

When entering the territory of Austria by private carnecessary also have with you international driving license and technical passport... In addition, it is necessary arrange international compulsory insurance policy civil liability of vehicle owners.

Apply for a visa can be at the consular section of the Austrian Embassy in Moscow. The visa application process takes 7 days.

In Austria no restrictions for the import and export of foreign and local currency. Without special permission cannot be imported to the country items that have historical or artistic value. When entering Austria from non-EU countries, need to declare amounts over 10 thousand euros.

Persons over 17 years old they have a right import 200 pieces into the territory of Austria. cigarettes or 500 cigars or 250 g of tobacco. Can be imported 2.25 liters of wine or 3 liters of beer and additionally 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages. In addition, other goods may be imported for an amount not exceeding US $ 200 per person. If a tourist arrives by train or car, then import allowed goods totaling $ 80.

Gold items and jewelry with a total weight of more than 500 g need to declare.

From May 1, 2009 to the territory of the EU countries cannot be imported foods containing meat or milk. This prohibition does not apply for baby food and special preparations.

Without a permit to Austria cannot be imported drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, weapons, ammunition, pornographic materials.

All plants, animals and plant products must be presented quarantine officials. On pets it is necessary arrange vaccination certificate and medical certificate. A medical certificate must be issued not earlier than 10 days until departure.

Population, political status

Population of Austria is 8188 thousand people.

The largest cities countries are: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck... These cities are home to about 30% of the country's population.

Capital Vein represents economic and cultural center of the country... The city is spread out on both banks of the Danube.

State language is an Austrian.Colloquial represents Austrian German.

More than 98% of the population make up austrians... Austria also has six recognized national minorities - Croats, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, Gypsies(total approx. 300 thousand people). Slovenes, Croats and Hungarians live in selected areas Styria, Carinthia and Burgenland. In Vienna also live Czechs and Jews.

Number of foreigners in Austria is about 8.8%. 45% of them are immigrants from the former Yugoslavia... The share of the urban population is 65%.

Austria is parliamentary federal republic... The state gained independence on May 15, 1955.

Head of State and Executive Branch - the president... He is elected by direct popular vote for 6 years. Head of government is an chancellor... Austria consists of 9 federal states. The population of each land chooses its own parliament (Landtag). Parliament elects the head of the land government... The lands are divided into districts. In villages and small towns the population chooses municipal councilors, which electburgomasters.

Legislature in the country represents bicameral parliament - Federal Assembly. Federal states presents Federal Council (Bundesrat). Population of the country presents national council (nationalrat).

At the head of the federal government costs federal chancellor... The government exercises executive and administrative functions.

What to see

The largest cities Austria are: Vienna, Salzburg and Graz... It is here that a large number of tourists come every year. But not only big, but also small cities are interesting, for example, Fürstenfeld or Feldbach... They also have interesting sights.

Of course, most of the tourists come to the capital of Austria - Vienna. It is a very beautiful traditional European city with a unique charm. Vienna has many attractions. City symbol considered to be gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral... Cathedral surrounded famous streetRingstrasse which is shaped like a horseshoe. On this street are the most fashionable and sophisticated restaurants, shops and a cafe... Both ends of the street are connected by an embankment.

In Vienna there are more than 80 museums... Many museums in Austria are dedicated to famous musicians. So, in Salzburg there is two houses-museums of Mozart. In Mürzzuschlag can be visited Brahms house. In Vienna there are many memorials dedicated to musicians. Among them are four Beethoven house-museums.

Austria is interesting for a large number of different architectural monuments. There are cathedrals, palaces, castles and monasteries here. The most important artistic treasures are kept in Vienna's museums. Of them the main ones are: Schönbrunn, Albertina Gallery and Museum of art history... Vienna is also famous for its parks.

Archaeological Park Karnuntum is one of the most interesting sights in Austria. He is in between Vienna and Bratislava... On the southern bank of the Danube, at the intersection of ancient trade routes, there used to be capital of the Roman province of Upper Pannonia- town Carnuntum... In the park, tourists have an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Carnuntum.

Prater- this is Vienna's most famous park... It is located northeast of the center of the capital... You can get to this park through the Danube Canal, along the Praterstrasse. In 1766, Emperor Joseph II opened this park estate of the imperial family to everyone. The Prater is famous for its magnificent boulevard, which is over 4 km long. In addition, this park has excellent opportunities for practicing various sports... There is golf course, stadium, racetrack and swimming pool. For fun the park has planetarium and fair area Würstelprater... Throughout the park runs miniature railway. Main stop is an ferris wheel Riesenrad, the height of which is 60 meters. This wheel was built in 1897 for the Vienna World's Fair. The Ferris wheel makes a full revolution in 20 minutes.

Park "Vienna Woods" located near Vienna, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps... The park is a whole forest area. It houses various hotels and thermal springs... On one side of the park lies the picturesque Danube Valley, and on the other side is the famous district of Baden. A large number of Austrians and foreigners come here on vacation.

Old park Augarten famous for its many musical performances and symphony concerts.

You can also have a great rest in the urban natural nature reserve Lobau.

Schönbrunn represents summer residence of the Habsburgs... This lovely ensemble includes park area and Castle... Here you can admire not only architecture, but also nature. In Schönbrunn, tourists can also visit carriage show... French park decorated mythological sculptures... At the foot of the hill is located fountain of neptune... There is a summer palace theater, and several museums and zoo.

Ancient St. Stephen's Cathedral built in honor of the patron saint of Vienna. This is a grandiose structure that attracts many tourists. The cathedral is over 800 years old. He survived despite wars and disasters. Under the cathedral are ancient catacombs, in which representatives of the Habsburg dynasty were buried. The interior of the cathedral also deserves special attention. Here you can see ancient stone statues and fantastically diverse carving.

Into the spire of the cathedral done turkish cannonball... This core came here during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century. Above, the powerful masonry of the supports is noticeable. There are niches, arches and turrets here. The colored roof tiles are lined with zigzag patterns. In the cathedral itself you can enjoy the solemn sounds of the organ... Opposite the cathedral is Stephansplatz square... There is a postmodern glass in the square. Haas commercial center building... On the walls of the Stephansdom you can see measures of length, size and weight. These measures were used in the Middle Ages to check goods upon purchase.

Belvedere Palace consists of 2 magnificent Rococo mansions. They were built at the beginning of the 18th century. The buildings are located opposite each other on a hillside above Vienna. These buildings offer a wonderful view of the capital. Belvedere Palace was built by Evgeny Savoysky... This illustrious general freed Vienna from the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is considered the most beautiful palace complex in the Austrian capital.

The museums of the two palaces house some of the most famous art galleries in Vienna... Here tourists can admire Austrian paintings from different periods. Museum expositions include an excellent a collection of paintings by Klimt, the famous works of Schiele and Kokoschka, Renoir and Monet... In the lower palace, many of the rooms are still preserved in their original appearance. Exhibited here works in the Baroque style of the Middle Ages.

Vienna State Opera famous all over the world. Her repertoire includes about a hundred operas, operettas and ballets. Shows take place here every day season lasts from September to June... The Opera House was opened at the beginning of the 18th century. During the war in 1945, the building was destroyed, and in 1955 it was reconstructed. The Opera building has a magnificent atmosphere. It's very difficult to get to the show here... It is especially difficult to buy tickets for seating in the hall. But tickets for "standing" seats can be purchased at a fairly affordable price. Only now you will have to stand in line for them. The State Opera cooperates closely with Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra... Their joint New Year's concert is especially famous, tickets for which must be bought a year in advance. The waiting list for subscription concerts stretches for 13 years.

Augustine Church of the 14th century situated in the Hofburg palace complex... The parishioners of this church were the imperial court. At the end of the 18th century, the church returned to its former Gothic appearance. Chapel of St. George was built in 1337. It is located at the right nave. Buried in the church Maria Christina, Darling daughter of Maria Teresa... Her grave is located in the central nave, not far from the back entrance to the church. But the body of Maria Christina is in the Imperial Crypt. The grave is masterpiece by the Italian architect Canova... In a small room in the chapel of Loreto urns were installed in which the hearts of representatives are kept imperial family of Habsburgs... You can see them through the window in the iron door. The Chapel of St. George and the Chapel of Loreto can only be visited by tourists by pre-booked tour.

In addition, the church is also interesting because in 1736 there Maria Teresa married with François de Lorrain... The Augustine Church also married other royal couples. In 1770 they got married here Marie antoinette and Louis XVI, in 1810 - Maria Louise and Napoleon, in 1854 - Franz Joseph and Elizabeth of Bavaria... It is best to visit this church at 11 o'clock in the morning. During this time, the choir, soloists and orchestra perform a high mass.

Hofburg Imperial Palace located in the center of the Austrian capital. At various times, this palace was the residence of many influential people, including representatives dynasty of Habsburg... Today is here official residence of the president of the country.

Hofburg represents complex of imperial buildings... The first of these buildings was built in 1279. The oldest part of the residence is Swiss yard... It got its name in honor of the Swiss Guard, which was responsible for protecting the Kaiser. The architectural styles of the Hofburg are somewhat different. This is due to the fact that each new emperor sought to bring something of his own to the appearance of the palace. The Hofburg suffered three major sieges and a great fire. It has over 2,600 rooms, but only about 20 are open to the public.

Of great interest to tourists are State Halls and museums... They contain rich collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Here you can also visit the famous Spanish Riding School, National Library... V The imperial chapel every Sunday since 1498, the famous boys' choir has performed.

The oldest church in Vienna is an Church of St. Ruprecht (Ruprechts Kirche). It is believed that its construction began as early as 740. This church was founded by the Archbishop of Salzburg. Before that, this place was located “ House for Prayer and Reflection”. The nave and the lower part of the tower were built in the 11th century. Some parts of the church building can most likely be attributed to an even earlier period.

Fucking is an old town. It is located near Salzburg. The city got its name in the middle of the 6th century in honor of its founder Foko. This small settlement is the most popular among tourists among all towns in the southeastern region of the country. This is due to the fact that in English the name of the city is written as "Fucking". Numerous tourists are always trying to take a road sign with them as a souvenir. with such a funny name of the city. This is hurting the budget of this small town. The cost of one such plate is several hundred dollars. Residents and authorities of the city are not happy with their popularity. In 2004, a vote was even held to change the name of the city, but it was decided to leave the old one. The town authorities are constantly trying to strengthen the structure with the sign.

Small federal province Burgenland located in the very east of Austria, on the border with Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. The capital of Burgenland is an Eisenstadt... Here tourists can see the square Esterhazy Platz... Also interesting Esterhazy Palace with 4 baroque wings, Haydn's hall and magnificent state rooms. Attractions of the town are also: park on Hydngasse, Haydn House Museum, Franciscan Church(1625) with the crypt of the Esterhazy family, city ​​hall... Interesting Kalvarinbergkirche church and Haydn's mausoleum Near the Bergkirche church.

Austria is home to Europe's only large Steppe Lake Neuwidlersee - Seewinkel... On all sides this lake is surrounded by thickets of reeds, salt ponds and swamps. The lake is 33.5 km long, 12 km wide, and only 1.8 m deep. A large number of animals and rare birds live on the lake. Residents of Austria very often come here on vacation. A chain of ancient castles and monasteries stretches to the southwest of the shores of the lake. Here you can see baroque palace in Halbturn, built in 1711. Of interest is the former Servite monastery 1651, located in Loretto as well ruinthe largest fortress of Burgenland in Landsee... In the vicinity of the lake there is also fortress Burg Schlaining, built in 1272, a medieval fortress (XV - XVII centuries) and Franciscan monastery 1648, located in Güssing.

Large Austrian city Graz represents the capital of Styria... The city is spread out on the banks of the Mur River in a fertile Graz Basin... It is an important industrial, commercial and educational center of the country.

Town Linz located on the Danube River. He is administrative center of Upper Austria... It is an industrial center and a port. This city is located the oldest functioning church in Austria- St. Martin's Church was built in the days of the Romans.

Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and famous cities in Austria. Moreover, it is second largest city in the country... He settled down on the Salzach river at the foot of the Alps. Salzburg became famous primarily as birthplace of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart... There are a large number of monuments and museums dedicated to the great composer. In the town music and theater festivals are held annually... The architecture of Salzburg is dominated by buildings from the Baroque era. There are a lot of squares here. Not far from the city is located large deposit of rock salt. It was this circumstance that once allowed the city to become major retail outlet in Europe.

Town Innsbruck lies on the Inn River, high in the Tyrolean Alps. He is world famous sports center.

St. Pölten is an one of the oldest cities in Austria.

Tourists are attracted here City Hall building, Schallaburg Palace. It is also interesting to visit here Historical Museum of Lower Austria and Modern Art Museum.

Carinthia represents the beautiful lakeside land of Austria. This place is often called " Austrian Riviera". About 2000 hours a year are sunny in Carinthia. Here is located a huge number of lakes, there are warm mineral springs... All resorts in this area are distinguished by excellent quality of service. A large number of Austrians and foreigners come here every year to have a great rest in comfort and receive medical treatment.

The nature of Carinthia is amazingly picturesque. Here are located the most famous lakes in Austria: Wörther See, Ossiacher See, Millstater See and Weissensee... Here you can also see small Afritzer See, Faaker See with unique landscapes, Feld See and Koychacher See. Klopeiner See is an the warmest lake in Austria... Lakes Pressegger See and Langsee are distinguished by the amazing purity of the water. Thanks to thermal springs, the water in these lakes is warm. We can say that each lake of this region has its own unique flavor.

In various provinces of Austria, tourists can admire the magnificent castles that have a long history. Most famous in this regard province of Styria... Here is the so-called " Road of Castles". More than 10 castles are located along the border with Hungary. Once these castles belonged to the feudal lords of Styria and Burgenland. Of the most popular can be distinguished: Kornberg, Herberstein, Obermaierhofen and Pellau... Some of these castles belong today to the descendants of old family families. But, despite this, castles and family estates are open to tourists.

Austria is famous all over the world for its magnificent ski resorts located in the Alps... Many fans of active winter recreation come here.

Ischgl counts one of the most popular resorts in the country... Its territory is equipped with the most modern lifts. For the convenience of tourists, there is even Internet cafe... The hotels in this resort offer high quality service. The resort regularly hosts concerts of various rock and pop musicians and singers... The only drawback of this resort is the absence of difficult slopes. Ischgl is very popular with amateurs go snowboarding... Resort belongs to the region of Silveretta... This region is traditionally one of the four best European snowboarding areas.

Innsbruck is an Austrian winter sports center... This city is located in the heart of the Eastern Alps. Innsbruck became twice the capital of the Winter Olympics... It perfectly combines the comfort of a high-end ski resort with the sophistication of one of the most exciting cities in the world. Around the city is located 7 of the most popular ski areas and snowboarding. Here is located Stubai glacier... The ski resorts of this city meet the highest European requirements. Everything you need for skiing and winter recreation is provided here. Numerous tourists visit Innsbruck not only for skiing. It is quite interesting as a city. Here you can admire the beautiful architecture of cathedrals and other buildings... The city has a large number of various museums, cafes, restaurants... In addition, Innsbruck also provides great shopping opportunities.

Mayrhofen represents one of the most popular alpine ski resorts... Here you can see amazing mountain landscapes. The nature of the Tyrolean Alps is simply mesmerizing. The resort attracts numerous tourists with a wide selection of trails that vary in difficulty. These trails will appeal to even the most discerning visitors. This ski resort is famous all over the world... Mayrhofen is especially popular due to its proximity to Tuxer glacier, whose height is 3250 meters. This peak is distinguished by the fact that snow lies here even in summer. Mayrhofen is dominated by red and blue tracks. The system of chairlifts and drag lifts is very well developed here.

Sant Anton(St. Anton am Arlberg) is an one of the most popular and prestigious resorts in Austria... This largest ski resort is located in the Ahlberg district... Representatives of the world elite come to this resort every year. The skiing region in Arlberg is located on an area of ​​more than 50 square kilometers. The height difference here reaches 1500 meters. The highest peak in the region is an Valluga, the height of which is 2811 meters. The resort offers its guests more than 260 kilometers of well-groomed trails. For highly trained skiers, there are 180 kilometers of slopes on unprepared pistes.

In Sant'Anton there are also ample opportunities for skiing on virgin snow... This ski resort has a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere. Local hotels, restaurants, bars and a cafe are distinguished by their unique comfort. For lovers of discos are offered here night clubs.

On the territory of modern Austria in the 2nd millennium BC livedaryan tribes... Then, in 300 BC this land was populated Gauls and Celts.

In the 1st century AD. NS... southern part of the land captured by the Romans... The invaders began to introduce Christianity here. Barbarian tribes all the time they tried to capture the cities of the Romans, therefore, the cities were surrounded by fortifications.

Over time, they settled on this territory Germans, Hungarians and Slovenian peoples... They created Austrian nation... For many years, the duchy was headed by representatives of the Habsburg dynasty.The heyday of the duchy came in the 18th century... Then Austria took part in a long war with Prussia for Germany. She was defeated, after which a state appeared called Austro-hungary... It developed at a fairly rapid pace and already by the end of the 19th century became the second largest European state.

But then the state was defeated in the First World War, which undermined its power. A in 1918 the revolution that took place led to the overthrow of the monarchy.

During the Second World War Austria occupied by fascist troops. After the war the territory of the country was occupied by 4 winning countries. Independence Austria was able to receive only in May 1955 of the year. October 25, 1955 years she found federal republic status.

Currently Austria is a member of the UN, European Union, European Economic Society and Commonwealth of the Schengen countries... It is a developed democratic state, which is considered one of the most significant cultural and economic centers in Europe.

International trade

Austria has very convenient location in the very center of Europe... Country has a fairly small domestic market... For this reason, the country's economy is very foreign trade plays an important role.

Main trading partners states are: Germany, Italy, America, Switzerland and France.

The main objects of export are: cars and equipment, trucks and spare parts for cars, steel, metal and products from it... The country is also actively exporting paper and cardboard, medical and pharmaceutical products, polymers and polymer products, food and beverages.

The export of services is also important for the country's economy, in which the first place is traditionally held by tourism.

The shops

Shopping very popular with guests of Austria, especially in large cities of the country. There is large department stores, various boutiques, antique and jewelry stores, bookstores and designer furniture stores and lamps.

There is no longer a uniform opening hours for stores in Austria. Usually shopping malls and shops work on weekdays from 09.00 to 18.30, a on Saturdays they are open from 09.00 to 18.00 hours. Thursdays and Fridays many shops are open up to 21 hours. At train stations, shops (groceries, flowers, tobacco products, books, etc.) open daily from 7 to 22:30.

Tobacco products sold only at specialized licensed kiosks or vending machines.

In Vienna situated one of the largest auction complexes in the world, a former pawnshop. Here you can buy unique books, postage stamps, jewelry, carpets, various art products... It also sells the most famous Viennese souvenirs:miniature horses of the Lipizzan breed for the slide in the living room.

Hammerer - national clothes and youth fashion. Goess -the best home furnishings store in Europe.

In Vienna the main shopping streets are: Favoritenstrasse(between the squares Sudtiroler and Reumannplatz),Landstrasse and Meidlinger Hauptstrasse, and MariahilferStrasse(Mariahilfer Strasse). You can get to Mariahilfer Strasse by Metro(lines U2, U3, U6). Most interesting for shopping is the section between Westbahnhof (Westbahnhof) and Ringstrasse (Ringstrasse).

Vienna shopping centers:

On the southern outskirts of the city there is inexpensive shopping center SCS - Shopping City Süd.

Shopping City Süd - the second largest shopping center in Europe - over 300 stores!

Shopping center address: 2334 Vösendorf-Süd, Bürocenter SCS 4. Stock. Tel. 01/699 39 69-0, Fax: 01/699 48 66

Opening hours:

The shops: Mon-Wed 9.30-19.00, Thu 9.00-21.00, Fri 9.00-19.00, Sat 9.00-18.00;

The biggest Vienna bookstore is Morawa, 1, Wollzeile 11. It was recently renovated.

Art products and souvenirs tourists can buy at Augarten-Porzellanmanufaktur, Stock-im-Eisen-Platz 3 A-1010 Wien.

Most luxury shopping streets of Vienna- They are located in the golden triangle between

Outlets and discount centers:

40 km from Vienna there is a wonderful outlet (discount) center - Designer Outlet Parndorf where presented more than 150 famous brands with very big discounts. Information about the center in Russian

If the Austrian store has a sign “ Ausverkauf”, Then here prices will be slightly lower... The ubiquitous chain stores where along with products are presented essential items, personal hygiene, various consumer goods periodically appear: “Hofer”, “ Spar ", "LIDL", "Zielpunkt" and "Billa".

Foreign tourists have the opportunity return paid VAT... This can be done when buying in stores that have the sign “ Tax Free for tourist Austria Tax Free-Shopping"Or silver-black-blue mark" Europa-Tax-Free Plakette”. To do this, in the store with the seller, they should get a check“Tax-free-Scheck”Together with the envelope. Then this check is presented at customs when leaving the country. The refund amount is approximately 13% of the purchase amount.

Demography

Population of Austria is about 8188 thousand people. Population of Vienna - about 1.8 million people.

About 71% population lives in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria and Vienna... Densely populated cities are also Salzburg and Innsbruck There are fewer people living in the mountainous regions of the country.

Since the beginning of the 70s, the country's population has stopped growing. The reason for this can be attributed to the decline in the birth rate. But, in Austria, the average life expectancy... She makes 78,8 of the year. Average life expectancy for men - 75,9 of the year, women - 81,7 of the year.

There is practically no natural population growth in the country. The number of births and deaths is almost the same and amounts to: 75.5 thousand... on 74.8 thousand... human. It should be noted that there is a decrease in both fertility and mortality. A small natural increase in the population is still preserved in rural areas. In addition, more and more foreigners have come to live in Austria in recent years.

Increasing in the country number of residents 60 years and older... Their share is OK. twenty%... This threatens Austria with a decrease in labor resources.

Industry

Main industries in Austria are considered mechanical engineering, chemical, food, pulp and paper and metallurgical.

After 1995, there has been a noticeable increase in industrial production in the country. The highest growth was observed in Carinthia, where production increased on 56,5% ... But in Vienna industrial production declined on 3,6% .

During the same period growth in the production of investment goods made up 56,5% , a consumer durables decreased on 0,5% ... A particularly rapid growth in production took place in the field of office equipment and information processing devices.

Main industrial and agricultural area Austria are Danube lands... Here are located the most significant economic centers... In the highland territory of the country, sparsely populated areas, in which there is no industrial production, prevail.

In Austria there is uneven development of individual industries... Some of the most important manufacturing industries are completely absent here - aircraft construction. Other industries are underdeveloped, such as automotive and electronics manufacturing.

Automotive in Austria is mainly in the manufacture of engines and gearboxes... Share them export is 90% ... Austria is world renowned for its bespoke production integrated circuits and chips... A fairly large role in the country's economy is played by export

Monetary unit in Austria - Euro (EURO), 1 EURO = 100 EURO cent. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. More profitable exchange currency in total in the banks of the country.

Banks work on weekdays from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 15.00.Banks close on Thursday at 17.30. In exchange offices the exchange rate is not so favorable. But they work every day without days off... They are open and a "trade margin" is added at train stations, but they are open from 8.00 to 20.00... There are currency exchange offices at airports, train stations and hotels. In addition, currency can be exchange also at the main post offices... They are open in large cities around the clock... When exchanging dollars at ATMs accepted only banknotes of 10, 20 and 50 USD. Credit cards you can pay in almost all major stores, restaurants, hotels and cafes.

When buying goods over 1000 euros in one store tourists have the opportunity return value added tax... For this you need to take a check from the store. When leaving the country, this check is presented at customs. In this case, the tax paid upon purchase will be refunded ( up to 20%).

Main religion in Austria is Catholicism... It is practiced around 78% residents of the country. Protestants are about 5% , most of them are Evangelical Lutheran. Muslims make up 4.2% of the total number of believers in the country. There is a fairly large increase in Muslims, especially in Vienna. Austria also has a small Jewish community which has about 10 thousand people... About 9% do not belong to any religion... The influence of the Catholic Church is constantly decreasing .. Austrian trains are distinguished by their reliability and comfort. Travel to intercity buses costs slightly less than by rail.

Travel tickets can be purchased at the box office, newsstand or in the transport itself, but it will be a little more expensive. Tickets can be: 1 day, 3 days, week, month. In Austria, very well-developed urban bus network. Public transport runs from 5 to 24 hours. Between 0.30 and 4.00 o'clock with an interval of 30 minutes they drive night buses.

You can also use the services of taxi drivers. Taxi can be ordered by phone, they are also always on duty near airports and train stations.

Right on the street catching a taxi is almost impossible“You can“ vote ”for hours, but no one will stop. Better to find a taxi rank or ask to call a taxi from some hotel or restaurant.

Tourists can also rent a car... For this must have with me international law and credit card... The tourist must be at least 21 years old. Most Trusted Car Rental Company in Austria it is considered " Europcar". Car rental points are available at all airports and in major cities of the country. In their own country, tourists can also pre- reserve a car at a special rate.

Rent price car from 30 euro for a rental period of one week. Necessarily you need to have a credit card. Recommended the company "Europcar", as the best for Austria in terms of price-quality ratio.

Traveling on motorways and expresswayspaid... Right-hand traffic. Need to know that in winter some roads and passes in Tyrol may be closed due to the danger of avalanches. In some regions necessarily need snow chains. Parking in AustriapaidMonday through Friday... Almost 39% of the entire territory of Austria is covered with forests. About 19% of the land in Austria is completely unsuitable for agricultural use. Most of agricultural land busy meadows and pastures.The rest is set aside under growing crops, fruits and grapes.

The most fertile lands located in the foothills of the Alps and in the areas of Styrian and Vienna basins... Country by 90% provides himself with the necessary food. A small amount of meat, wheat, corn and dairy products for sale for export... Livestock raising is very important for the country's agriculture. Leading industry is an dairy farming.

If tip is included in the bill, then give extra money not necessary... Tips accepted to give restaurant waiter, taxi driver and hotel porter. To the porter usually give 10 cents for one piece of baggage. Maid hotel usually do not pay.

In restaurants tip is in the amount 10-15% from the account. Porters services at train stations and at the airport are paid at fixed rates.

National characteristics

Austrians may seem a little arrogant... But at the same time they are enough hospitable and friendly... They easily make contact with foreigners, responsive and always ready to help. The main distinguishing features of this people can be called their politeness and punctuality.

Austrian national cuisine traditionally considered one of the best in Europe. Its formation was greatly influenced by immigrants from border states. Traditional food

Medical service in Austria paid... To enter the country vaccination certificate not required.

Russian tourists are best addressto the first-aid post at the Russian Embassy.

In all cities and towns there are countries pharmacies and doctors... Pharmacies in turn open at night and on Sundays... In the event that the pharmacy is currently closed, it will announcement with indication of the nearest working pharmacy.

Emergency Medical Information tourists can get in police stations or in the phone book. All mountain resorts countries equipped rescue services.