Country Profile: Austria

Austria, located in Central Europe, is a landlocked nation characterized by its mountainous terrain, predominantly composed of the Alps in the west and south, while the northern and eastern regions are flatter and more densely populated. With a population estimated at about 9.2 million in 2025, Austria boasts a strong economy that ranks among the most robust in the European Union, driven by a diversified trade portfolio and significant government investment. The nation operates as a federal parliamentary republic, upholding a long-standing policy of neutrality since its independence was recognized in 1955.

Geography

Austria is situated in Central Europe, bordered by several countries including Germany and Italy. The country covers an area of 83,871 sq km, with its highest point being Grossglockner at 3,798 m. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Alpine region dominating the west and south, while the eastern and northern parts are more urbanized.

Landlocked with a total land boundary of 2,524 km.
Major rivers include the Danube, which extends 2,888 km through multiple countries.
Approximately 31.5% of land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
Notable for having 47.2% of its area covered by forests (2023 est.).

People and Society

The population of Austria is approximately 9.2 million (2025 est.), with a median age of 44.5 years. The society is predominantly Austrian (80.8%), with significant ethnic groups including Germans and Turks. The official language is German, spoken by about 88.6% of the population. Austria also exhibits a diverse religious landscape, with Roman Catholics comprising 55.2% of the population.

Population growth rate: 0.28% (2025 est.).
Urban population constitutes 59.5% of the total (2023).
Life expectancy is 82.7 years (2024 est.).
Birth rate stands at 8.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).

Economy

Austria has a diversified and strong economy, with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $581.1 billion in 2024. The service sector dominates the economy, accounting for 65.3% of GDP, while agriculture only contributes 1.2%. Despite facing challenges such as an aging labor force and a heavy reliance on Russian energy, Austria continues to invest in alternative energy sources.

GDP per capita: $63,300 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (2024 est.).
Public debt is approximately 78.3% of GDP (2023 est.).
Exports are projected to be around $299.4 billion (2024 est.), with Germany as the leading partner at 25% of exports (2023).

Government

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic, with Vienna as its capital. The system includes a bicameral legislature, with the National Council and Federal Council. The President serves as the head of state, while the Chancellor is the head of government.

The current President: Alexander Van der Bellen (since 2017).
The National Council consists of 183 members elected for a term of 5 years.
Suffrage is granted at 16 years of age.
The Constitution was last adopted on 1 October 1920.

Military and Security

The Austrian Armed Forces, known as the Bundesheer, are responsible for national defense, comprising land forces, air forces, and cyber forces. Austria maintains a policy of military neutrality but participates in various international peacekeeping operations.

Approximately 22,000 active military personnel (2025).
Military expenditures are forecasted at 1% of GDP (2024).
Compulsory military service for men, with a registration age of 17.
Currently, 210 troops are deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 100 in Kosovo (2025).

Energy

Austria boasts an extensive electricity infrastructure, with 100% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The majority of its electricity generation comes from renewable sources, particularly hydropower.

Total electricity consumption is about 64.6 billion kWh (2023).
Hydroelectric power makes up 56.4% of installed capacity (2023).
Natural gas consumption is approximately 6.971 billion cubic meters (2023).
Coal consumption stands at 5.403 million metric tons (2023).

Environment

Austria faces several environmental challenges, including air and soil pollution, primarily from industrial activities. The country is committed to a range of international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability.

Forest cover is around 47.2% (2023).
The country generates approximately 5.22 million tons of municipal solid waste annually (2024).
A significant portion of its carbon dioxide emissions comes from natural gas and petroleum.

Transportation

Austria boasts a developed transport infrastructure, including extensive railway networks and numerous airports.

Total railway length is about 6,123 km, with 3,523 km electrified (2022).
The country has 62 airports as of 2025.
Civil aircraft registration code is OE.

Communications

Austria maintains a robust communication network with high mobile phone and internet penetration.

Mobile cellular subscriptions total approximately 11.4 million (2024).
Fixed-line telephone subscriptions are about 3.48 million (2024).
Internet users comprise 95% of the population (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,174,390	2025 estimate
Total Area	83,871 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$581.131 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	82.7 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	8.81 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	120.211 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Forest Area	47.2%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	2024 estimate