Austria

AUSTRIA

L A U R E N FE R R E L L

2N D PE R I O

D

A P HU M A N G

E O G R A P H Y

ECONOMY

ECONOMYBefore World War II, Austrian farmers produced 72 percent of the

nation's food requirements. With wider use of commercial fertilizers, mechanization, and scientific methods, they steadily increased that percentage to 90 by the mid-1990s, even though less than 20 percent of the land is suitable for farming.

Major crops are wheat and other grains, sugar beets, and potatoes. Austria also grows a variety of other vegetables and fruits, as well as grapes for making wine. Most farmers breed pigs, sheep, and dairy cattle, from which they obtain meat, wool, milk, cheese, and butter.

With increased mechanization, the number of people employed in agriculture decreased, and by the mid-1990s about 7 percent of the population held agricultural jobs. Most farms are small and are owned and operated by families. Many farm families supplement their income by renting out rooms or serving as tour guides or ski instructors.

Citation 9

ECONOMY CONT.Austria produces some petroleum and natural gas to meet

its own needs, and it also mines coal, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, antimony, and graphite, used in industry.

Its rivers are harnessed to produce hydroelectric energy that provides a substantial portion of the nation's energy needs, with a surplus to export to neighboring countries. Abundant forests provide materials for lumber, paper products, and fuel. Conservation has helped protect farmland from landslides and erosion.

Austria's basic unit of currency is the schilling. Banking and finance are also an important part of the economy.

Citation 9

ECONOMY CONT.Main Imports:• Machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal

goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffsTotal Imports: $167.9 billion (2013 est.)

Main Exports:• Machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper

and paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs

Total Exports: $165.6 billion (2013 est.)

Citation 9

NATIONAL DEBT AND SURPLUS

Citation 4

AUSTRIA’S GDP AND GNP

Citations 3 & 4

CURRENCY

1 US Dollar is equal to 10.10Austrian Schillings

Citation 5 & 6

PHYSICAL

GEOGRAPHY

LOCATION/AREA

Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

slightly smaller than Maine

Landlocked by 8 countries:- Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland

Citation 1 & 7

CLIMATE AND TERRAINTemperate climate; continental, cloudy; cold

winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers

Terrain in the west and south is mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping.

Citation 1 & 8

NATURAL RESOURCES

• Oil• Coal• Lignite• Timber• iron ore• Copper

• Zinc• antimony• Magnesite• Tungsten• Graphite• Salt• hydropowe

r

Citation 1

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLEOne way people in Austria can get around is by car.

Austria is known for its excellent road network. Also, a lot of people in Austria get around by riding bikes. Austria has designated cycling lanes and beautiful bicycle routes. Another good way for people to travel in Austria is by taking public transportation. Some examples it has are underground systems, buses, tramlines, and suburban railways.

Areas of major settlement are in the Danube valley and in the lowlands or hills north, east, and south of the Alps.

Austria is divided into nine provinces, Vorarlberg, Tirol, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Carinthia, Styria, Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Vienna, the capital city and a major river port on the Danube.

Citation 10

MOVEMENT OF GOODSSome of Austrias exports are machinery, motor vehicles, paper,

metal goods, chemicals, iron, steel, food, and textiles. Some of their imports are machinery, motor vehicles, metal goods, food, oil, and oil products.

The Danube River, Austria's only navigable waterway, flows from southeastern Germany across northern Austria.

Although the Alps usually did not demarcate the provinces' political boundaries, they were often impassable. Many inhabitants of Alpine valleys were thus isolated and developed their own distinct dialects, dress, folklore, and architecture, and could easily determine the origins of outsiders. Modern mass media and mobility have diminished many of these distinctions.

Citation 10

Citation 1, 20, 21

ARCHITECTUREApproximately one-third of the Austrians live in the five largest cities

—Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck—with the remainder inhabiting small towns and the countryside.

Most urban dwellers live in four- or five-story apartment buildings, high-rise buildings, or single-family homes. Many rural areas are dominated by farmhouses that have been in the family for hundreds of years. Usually made of stone and wood, the farmhouses are often equipped with a bell tower to announce mealtimes to those working in the fields. Because of the Alps, Austrian farms are small and isolated, making production relatively expensive.

Western provinces have wooden chalets with steep, pointed roofs, like those in Switzerland, whereas the eastern Danubian houses exhibit more of a Slavic influence, with simple design and stucco plastering.

Citation 2

Austrian architects created a distinctive national style, Austrian baroque, that featured irregular or undulating outlines, dynamic use of bold and delicate colors, and rich ornamentation.

Vienna achieved its modern-day look in the second half of the nineteenth century with the rise of a prosperous middle class.

"Plague columns" are a distinctive type of Austrian monument, erected in town squares throughout the nation in thanks to the Trinity or the Virgin Mary for deliverance from deadly plagues.

ARCHITECTURE CONT.

Citation 2 & 11

Citation 15, 16, 17, 18, & 19

CULTURE

DEMOGRAPHYThe 1998 population count was 8,078,449 (2000

estimate, 8,131,111), about 95 percent of whom were ethnic Austrian. Other numerically significant ethnic groups include Slovenes, Croats, and Czechs. Austria has one of the world's lowest birthrates, and much of the population is under age twenty-five or over sixty-five. About 65 percent of the population is urban, the largest city by far being Vienna (1.64 million).

Citation 2

LINGUISTIC AFFILIATIONAustria is the only country other than Germany where

the official language is German, and approximately 98 percent of the population speaks High German or a dialect of it. Austrian German sounds "softer" from that of Germany, and German speakers can easily discern the difference. There are also regional dialects of German, such as Weinerisch, spoken in Vienna. Austria's Slavic minority, located mostly in the south and the east, speak Slovenian and Croatian as their first language. English is taught in all schools as a second language.

Citation 2

FOODAustrian cooking is one of the most varied in Europe and

includes German, Hungarian, Czech, and northern Italian influences.

A typical Austrian's day begins with a light breakfast of coffee or milk with bread and butter or jam. Sausage served with mustard on a hard roll is a typical midmorning snack. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day and consists of soup and a main course of meat—sausage, the widely popular Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal), chicken, beef, pork or fish. Fresh vegetables, dumplings, noodles, or potatoes often accompany the main course. A salad may conclude the meal.

Citation 2

MARRIAGEAustria saw a boom in marriages from 1945 through the

1960s, a golden age for the economy. Today, however, fewer young people marry, more couples divorce, and more live together and raise children without marrying. More women are opting for having a child but not marrying. Couples marry later in life, and many educated women choose their profession over a family. No-fault divorce was legalized in the 1980s, and divorce has increased, especially in urban areas.

Most weddings are still held in a Roman Catholic Church, although religion plays a lesser part in the lives of urban residents in the late twentieth century.

Citation 2

HOW ARE WOMEN TREATED?The Austrian concept of "equal treatment" differs

substantially from the United States idea of "equal rights."

Austrian legislation not only aims at establishing equality in realms where there is discrimination against women, but it also attempts to provide women with additional benefits related to the inequities inherent in the gender-specific division of labor.

Citation 2 & 12

RELIGIONFreedom of religion and worship is guaranteed in

Austria. About three-fourths of Austrians are Roman Catholic. Many Austrians practice "baptismal certificate Catholicism," in which they are Catholic by baptism and religious formality but do not hold Catholic beliefs on central issues. Another major religion in Austria is Protestantism, and many foreign workers are Muslim or Serbian Orthodox. There is also a small community of Jews, mostly post World War II immigrants and their families, although the Jews have a long history in Vienna, beginning in the tenth century.

Citation 2

RELIGION, CONT.Cathedrals and churches are found throughout Austria.

One of the most magnificent cathedrals in Austria is Saint Stephen's, or Stephansdom, in Vienna, built during the fifteenth century. The Augustinian abbey and the statue of Saint Florian in the town of Saint Florian are also important religious sites.

Citation 2

WORK ETHICSA key issue for Austrians is flexible working time.

However, to achieve a balance between work, leisure time and family commitments, everyone needs to be clear about their priorities and what they want.

In Austria, some companies like IBM for example offer activities in the workplace such as yoga or massage in order for employees to find their inner balance and be relaxed at work.

Furthermore, the government supports maternity/paternity leave or reducing your working hours in order to fit in with family commitments.

Citation 2 & 13

SOCIAL STRUCTUREAustrian society was traditionally highly stratified, with well-

defined social distinctions. In the early 1800s, the three major social classes were aristocrats, "citizens," and peasant-farmers or peasant-serfs.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, a small aristocracy remained, along with a small middle class of entrepreneurs, a larger working class, and a large class of peasant-farmers (about 55 percent of the population).

During the period between World War I and World War II, these classes developed separate political affiliations as well, dividing the people into camps based on beliefs in either social democracy, conservative Christian politics, or liberalism. These camps dissolved after World War II, and a growing middle class effected change in the social structure.

Citation 2

SOCIAL STRUCTURE, CONT.Prosperity, mobility, and more government benefits in

the late twentieth century resulted in a higher standard of living for nearly all Austrians. There are more middle-class citizens than any other group, and education is considered the means to upward mobility. Equality is promoted throughout Austria, although foreign workers, immigrants, and Gypsies are still generally less accepted by the middle class.

Citation 2

HOLIDAYSNew Year’s Day January 1Epiphany January 6Easter Sunday March /

AprilEaster Monday March /

AprilLabour Day May 1Ascension MayWhit Sunday (Pentecost) MayWhit Monday MayCorpus Christi May / JuneAssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15Austrian National Day October 26All Saints Day November 1Immaculate Conception December 8Christmas Day December

25Boxing Day December

26

Citation 13

RECREATIONAL PRACTICESOutdoor winter sports are a favorite pastime.Birthplace of downhill skiingMountain climbing and hiking also are popular, and

thousands of well-marked trails crisscross the Alps. Residents of the lowlands enjoy thousands of venues—

swimming pools, stadiums, riding arenas, bicycle paths, and other facilities—for a wide range of sports. Eastern Austria’s rivers and lakes attract countless swimmers and boaters in the warmer months and skaters in winter.

Citation 14

CITATIONSCitation 1 - "Austria." CIA World Factbook, n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. https

://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/au.html.Citation 2 - "Austria." Countries and Their Cultures. Everyculture.com,

n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Austria.html>.

Citation 3 - "Austria's GDP." Trading Economics. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. http://www.tradingeconomics.com/charts/austria-gdp.png?s=wgdpasti

Citation 4 - "Austria's GNP." Trading Economics. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://www.tradingeconomics.com/charts/austria-gross-national-product.png?s=austriagronatpro>.

Citation 5 - "Gold Schilling Coins." Coins Value Inc., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://www.coinsvalue.info/coins-images/100-schilling-gold-Austria.jpg>.

CITATIONSCitation 6 - "Redeem Pre-euro Money from Austria." Leftovercurrency.com.

N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://www.leftovercurrency.com/Resources/banknote-100-austrian-schilling.jpg>.

Citation 7 - "Geography of Austria." Howstuffworks.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/willow/geography-of-austria0.gif>.

Citation 8 - "Austria: Country Profile." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBDYNUTu5E6b8UMwu7qO4h1JabciWCaN2qdRcmJgr8bP5iga0ZZQ>.

Citation 9 - "Austria: Economy." Global Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/austria/economy>.

Citation 10 - "Five Themes of Geography: Austria." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://austria7aa.weebly.com/five-themes-of-geography.html>.

CITATIONSCitation 11 - "Austria." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <https://encrypted-

tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS4JLaS8KhcYCVQHsS1FisQVG5CMhVXlsLEhM90GjKIsKbKkMyUtA>.

Citation 12 - Lewis, Jone J. "Status of Women - Austria." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://womenshistory.about.com/library/ency/blwh_austria_women.htm>.

Citation 13 - "Work Life Balance in Austria." Businessculture.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-austria/work-life-balance-in-austria/>.

Citation 14 - "Austria: Cultural Institutions." Britannica.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/44183/Austria/33415/Cultural-institutions>.

Citation 15 - "Vienna, Austria." Tourist-Destinations.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbllOOZJ1XQ/TvdhFfez1WI/AAAAAAAAMJw/e1QanWw79F4/s1600/Vienna_Austria_Pallas_Athene_Fountain_Parliament_Building.jpg>.

CITATIONSCitation 16 - "Vienna Architecture." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014.

<http://worldalldetails.com/sightseeing/vienna_architecture_296270.jpg>.Citation 17 - "LIFE ABROAD!: Innsbruck, Austria." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014.

<http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVMSioEWV5k/UFN_OIX3M0I/AAAAAAAAB4c/JFv_q27OqdI/s1600/P1140831.JPG>.

Citation 18 - "Architecture." Toptravelists.net. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://toptravellists.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Architecture-Statue-Fountain-Vienna-Austria1.jpg>.

Citation 19 - "Hallstatt." China News 24. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQPOJ4sSXKsFY5_ZKNF6BPx1hu8ypufozYQm1H18JbQWcUilIhj>.

Citation 20 - "Physical Map of Austria." Maps of Austria. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014. <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYfc_CHyWQc/Tp1wV3i8sDI/AAAAAAAABBs/eHQVIIWbIdw/s400/Physical_Map_of_Austria.gif>.

Citation 21 - "Austria." Bicycle Germany. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2014.