Country Profile: Austria

Austria is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe, characterized by its mountainous terrain primarily from the Alps in the west and south, while the eastern and northern regions are mostly flat or gently sloping. The population is approximately 8.97 million, with a substantial urban concentration, particularly in Vienna, the capital. The economy is one of the strongest in the European Union, marked by a diverse trade sector and a strong service industry, although it faces challenges such as high government debt and an aging labor force. Austria maintains a federal parliamentary republic governance structure, emphasizing its long-standing policy of neutrality since the mid-20th century.

Geography

Austria is located in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries including Germany and Italy. It has an area of about 83,871 square kilometers and is entirely landlocked. The country features a temperate continental climate with cold winters and moderate summers, and it is primarily dominated by mountainous terrain due to the Alps.

83,871 sq km: Total area.
2,524 km: Length of land boundaries.
3,798 m: Highest point - Grossglockner.
47.2%: Percentage of land covered by forest (2022).
31.5%: Agricultural land (2022).
59.5%: Urban population (2023).
4,888 km: Length of major rivers including the Danube.

People and Society

Austria's estimated population of nearly 8.97 million is composed predominantly of ethnic Austrians, with a variety of other ethnic groups present. German is the official language, and the population reflects a mix of cultural influences. The country has a relatively high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate, indicating a strong healthcare system.

8,967,982: Estimated population (2024).
44.9 years: Median age (2024).
82.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
59.5%: Urbanized population (2023).
9.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
22.4%: Population with no religious affiliation (2021).
5.52: Physicians per 1,000 population (2023).

Economy

Austria boasts one of the strongest economies in the EU, with a diversified portfolio encompassing services, industry, and agriculture. The GDP is significantly driven by exports, particularly in machinery and vehicles, while the country faces challenges like public debt and an aging workforce.

$581.131 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024).
1.2%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
65.3%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024).
14.9%: Percentage of installed electricity capacity from fossil fuels (2023).
4.768 million: Labor force (2024).
14.8%: Population below the poverty line (2021).

Government

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic, with a president as the head of state and a chancellor leading the government. It has a bicameral legislature and upholds a tradition of neutrality, influencing its foreign relations and security policies.

Federal parliamentary republic: Government type.
Vienna: Capital city.
16 years: Minimum voting age.
9 states: Administrative divisions.
President: Alexander Van der Bellen (since 2017).
Chancellor: Christian Stocker (since March 2025).
Constitution: Established in 1920, with significant reforms thereafter.

Military and Security

The Austrian Armed Forces consist of land, air, and cyber forces, functioning under a policy of military neutrality. The military's focus includes national defense and participation in international peacekeeping missions.

1%: Military expenditures relative to GDP (2024).
22,000: Active military personnel (2025).
6 months: Duration of compulsory military service for men.
210: Military personnel deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2025).
4%: Female participation in full-time military roles.
Legal military service age: 17.
Peacekeeping: Contributions to various international missions since 1960.

Energy

Austria's energy sector is heavily reliant on renewable sources, especially hydroelectric power, while also utilizing a mix of fossil fuels. The country is transitioning towards alternative energy sources amid environmental concerns.

100%: Electrification of the population (2022).
33.371 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
56.4%: Contribution of hydroelectricity to total energy capacity (2023).
64.611 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
1.288 million metric tons: Coal production (2023).
244,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2024).
7.084 billion cubic meters: Natural gas imports (2023).

Environment

Austria faces environmental challenges such as forest degradation and air pollution. However, it is also active in international environmental agreements and emphasizes sustainable practices.

47.2%: Forest cover percentage (2022).
100%: Access to improved drinking water (2020).
3 global geoparks: Recognized regions (2023).
76.1 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020).
11.51 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019).
25.7%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2015).
3,600 km: Length of railways (2022).

Transportation

Austria's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, encompassing extensive railways and a variety of airports. The country also emphasizes alternative transport methods and connectivity.

62: Airports (2025).
6,123 km: Total railway length (2022).
112: Heliports (2025).
1: Merchant marine vessel registered (2023).
40: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
11.1 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
30: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Communications

Austria has a high level of connectivity, with a significant proportion of the population using the internet and mobile services. The media landscape includes both public and private broadcasting options.

95%: Internet penetration among the population (2024).
3.604 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
11.1 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
2.71 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
.at: Internet country code.
Public broadcaster: Oesterreichischer Rundfunk (ORF).
40: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	8,967,982	Estimated (2024)
Area	83,871 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$581.131 billion	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	Estimated (2024)
Energy Consumption Per Capita	120.211 million Btu/person	Estimated (2023)
Birth Rate	9.3 births/1,000 population	Estimated (2024)
Life Expectancy	82.7 years	Estimated (2024)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	Estimated (2024)
Urban Population	59.5%	Estimated (2023)
Total Area of Railway	6,123 km	(2022)