Austria

History

The country was ruled by Habsburg family since 1526 to 1918. Republic of Austria was created by the New Constitution in 1920. The country joined European Union in 1995.

Food/ culture

The country’s culture is based on the Catholic traditions.

The most popular crops grown in the country include sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, apples, barley and grapes.

The popular dishes in Austria include Viennese apfelstrudel, Wiener schnitzel, kaiserschumarm and tafelspitz.

Wildlife

Wildlife that can be seen here include deer, stag, fox, badger, marten, partridge and jackdaw.

The best time to visit the country is between June and August.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The festivals in the country include Castle Grafenegg Music Festival, Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, Salzburg Festival and Tyrol Festival Erl. s

Things to see

Schonbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers with at least 1441 rooms. It is a popular tourist attraction in the country.

Museum of Natural History Vienna displays the culture and heritage of the country.

Salzburg city has medieval buildings and is home to baroque centre. It is the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart whose instruments are preserved in a museum.

Interesting facts

The oldest zoological garden in the world is Vienna Zoo situated at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna founded in 1752.

Austria official language is German.

Majority of the population in Austria are Roman Catholics.

Borders

Austria is bordered on the northwest by Germany, on the north by Czech Republic, on the northeast by Slovakia, on the east by Hungary, on the south by Slovenia and Italy, and on the west by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.