Country Profile: Austria
Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, characterized by its picturesque mountainous terrain and rich historical legacy as the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With a population of approximately 8.97 million, the nation has a diverse demographic landscape where around 80% identify as Austrians. The economy is among the strongest within the European Union, driven by a balanced mix of industry, services, and agriculture. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Austria maintains a stance of perpetual neutrality while being actively engaged in international cooperation, especially within the European Union.
Geography
Austria is situated in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries including Germany and Italy. The country features a temperate climate with a predominance of mountainous terrain, primarily the Alps, and a mean elevation of 910 meters. Its land utilization reflects a significant portion dedicated to forests and agriculture, with approximately 31.5% of the land used for agricultural purposes.
- Total area: 83,871 sq km
- Major rivers: Danube at 2,888 km
- Highest point: Grossglockner at 3,798 m
- Forest coverage: 47.2% of land (2023)
- Natural resources: Includes oil, coal, and hydropower
People and Society
Austria's population is estimated at 8,967,982 in 2024, with a majority residing in urban areas, particularly in Vienna, the capital. The society is predominantly ethnic Austrian, with German as the official language. The nation has a well-regarded healthcare system and high life expectancy, reflecting its socio-economic stability.
- Life expectancy: 82.7 years (2024)
- Urban population: 59.5% (2023)
- Median age: 44.9 years (2024)
- Total fertility rate: 1.52 children per woman (2024)
- Major urban area: Vienna with 1.975 million people (2023)
Economy
Austria boasts a robust economy characterized by a strong services sector, which accounts for over 65% of GDP. The nation has experienced fluctuations in real GDP growth, and its economy has been significantly impacted by external factors, particularly energy dependence on Russia. Despite challenges, Austria continues to invest in alternative energy sources.
- Real GDP: $581.131 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $63,300 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 78.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
- Exports: $299.366 billion (2024 est.)
Government
Austria operates as a federal parliamentary republic, composed of nine states. The government emphasizes neutrality in foreign relations and active participation in European affairs. The President serves as the head of state, while the Chancellor leads the government. The country has a bicameral legislature and a judicial system based on civil law.
- Capital: Vienna
- Legislature: Bicameral Parliament
- Voting age: 16 years
- Current President: Alexander Van der Bellen (since 2017)
- Next general election: Expected in 2028
Military and Security
The Austrian Armed Forces consist of several branches including land, air, and cyber forces, operating primarily for national defense and disaster response. Austria maintains compulsory military service for men, with a growing emphasis on international peacekeeping.
- Active personnel: Approximately 22,000 (2025)
- Military expenditure: 1% of GDP (2024)
- Military service age: 17 years
- International deployments: 210 in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2025)
- Militia component: Integrates civilians trained in military service
Energy
Austria has prioritized renewable energy, with a substantial portion of its electricity generation coming from hydropower. The country has fully electrified its population and is taking steps towards sustainability despite reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Electricity access: 100% (2022 est.)
- Installed capacity: 33.371 million kW (2023)
- Hydroelectricity share: 56.4% of generation (2023)
- Natural gas consumption: 6.971 billion cubic meters (2023)
- Coal production: 1.288 million metric tons (2023)
Environment
Austria faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution primarily from industrial activities and agriculture. The country actively participates in international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating these issues.
- Urban population: 59.5% (2023)
- Total water withdrawal: 34.36 million cubic meters (2022)
- Municipal waste recycled: 36% (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 56.959 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Forest degradation issues: Noted due to pollution
Transportation
Austria's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive railway system and a decent number of airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
- Total railways: 6,123 km
- Number of airports: 62 (2025)
- Merchant marine vessels: 1 (2023)
- Civil aircraft registration prefix: OE
- Heliports: 112 (2025)
Communications
Austria enjoys a high level of connectivity with a majority of the population having access to the internet. The telecommunications sector is well-developed, featuring both fixed and mobile services.
- Internet users: 95% (2024 est.)
- Mobile subscriptions: 11.1 million (2023)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 3.604 million (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 2.71 million (2023)
- Telecommunication services: Includes public and private broadcasters
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,967,982 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 83,871 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $581.131 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 82.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditure | 1% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.52 children born/woman | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban Population | 59.5% | 2023 estimate |
| Gini Index | 30.9 | 2022 estimate |
Explore more about this country: