Austria (or the Republic of Austria) is one of the countries in central Europe. According to the structure, it is a federal state with a population of 8 million 460 thousand people. This is a parliamentary republic. The capital of Austria is the city of Vienna. The area of the country is 83871 km2. The regions of Austria are quite diverse.
This state borders on Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia. German is used as the state language. The Austrian economy is prosperous. This is a high income country. Euros are used here for cash payments.
Geographic features
Austria is located on the eastern side of the Alps, so the country is dominated by a mountainous landscape. The Eastern Alps are the dominant mountain system. They are covered with coniferous forests, meadows and rocks. The highest point is Grossglockner with a height of 3797 meters.
The climate corresponds to temperate latitudesand altitudinal zonation. Winters are moderately cold in the mountains, and mild in the plains. Summer is moderate, not hot. The annual amount of precipitation is 500–3000 mm.
The total population of Austria is 8420010 people. The population is predominantly Austrian.
Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe and the world as a whole. The income level of the population is growing steadily. Both industry and agriculture are developed in the region, but the high dependence on imported hydrocarbons makes its economy rather vulnerable. In particular, this country is highly dependent on Russian gas supplies.
Administrative divisions of Austria
Austria is shaped like a stomach. It consists of nine so-called federal states. One of them is the city of Vienna. They also include the following: Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, Burgenland, Styria, Upper Austria and Lower Austria. The westernmost is Vorarlberg, the southernmost is Carinthia, and the easternmost is Burgenland.
The smallest area is Vienna, and the largest is Lower Austria. The areas located in the Danube Valley are the most densely populated, due to their agricultural importance.
Each of the lands has one legislature and its own government. It, in turn, consists of the governor and the governor's advisers. The term of the government is five years. However, in the Upper Austria region it is six years.
All essential, important forcountries, decisions are made in Vienna. As for the other regions, their role in government is rather modest.
Federal lands are divided into districts, and districts are divided into communities.
Which regions are worth visiting?
There are many interesting places in Austria, which are distributed over different administrative states. From the point of view of tourism, the regions of this country are divided into the following groups:
- lake;
- wineries;
- cultural;
- ski.
The first include such lands as Carinthia, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria.
The wine regions of Austria are Lower Austria, South Styria and Burgenland. The cultural centers are Vienna and the administrative centers of the remaining districts. Salzburg, Tyrol, Carinthia and Styria are recognized as ski resorts.
Top regions in Austria
Each region of this country is unique in its own way, so answering the question "which regions of Austria are the best" is quite difficult. It all depends on the purpose of the trip. For example, someone is interested in which region of Austria is better to live in. And someone - where better to spend a vacation.
The article below presents the most famous regions of Austria, which are quite popular with visitors.
Vienna
Vienna is a center of culture, architecture, an important historical site. Particularly interesting is the historical center of the city, famous for its cathedrals, palaces, museums, ancient streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most famous.
Region Lower Austria
Considered one of the most developed in the country. This is the largest region located in the north-east of Austria. The capital is one of the most ancient Austrian cities. There are also other historical settlements. Of particular interest to visitors is the city of Baden, which is located near Vienna. It is famous for its thermal spa and hyped casino.
Of the natural objects, the Donau-Auen National Park is interesting, which is located in the Danube Valley and is a wetland with several thousand species of animals and birds. Vacationers also like to visit there. Also, this area is famous for winemaking with ancient traditions.
Upper Austria
This is a classic rural Central European region. Beautiful landscapes, small villages and forests will appeal to lovers of the classics.
In the south, in mountainous areas, there are ski resorts. The purest lakes, outlets of underground hot waters, beautiful valleys will appeal to many lovers of mountain recreation. And fans of antiquity can enjoy plenty of cultural and historical attractions.
Tirol
This province is located in the southwest of the Austrian state. This is a real mountain world. Here you can see glaciers and limestone massifs over 3 thousand meters high. Crystal clear turbulent rivers and mountain valleys will meet those who come here in the summer. And for lovers of active winter recreation, excellent ski resorts with a well-developed infrastructure have been created. This is one of the most popularholiday destinations in the world.
Burgenland
This region is located in the Danube Valley. Meadow landscapes prevail here. Winemaking is also developed and expensive quality wines are produced. Rest is more associated with Lake Neusiedl - it is rather shallow, and therefore the water in it is warm. Around it there is the necessary infrastructure for recreation. Mineral spas are another tourist destination.
