Austria has been said to be “a storybook nation” (Stein). Its beautiful scenery and history have entranced and delighted people for hundreds of years. From the food and music to the flora and fauna, Austria has been an exceptional venue to learn about. Not only will this paper identify these wonderful traits of Austria, but it will explore various locations, climate, natural vegetation and resources, religion, culture, major urban areas, government, and political history.
The location of Austria is in an optimal place. Austria is surrounded by the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the north-east, Hungary to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south, Switzerland to the south-west, and Germany and Liechtenstein to the west. Its coordinates are 48.2 degrees north and 16.35 degrees east. The shape of Austria is somewhat like a handheld mirror on its side.
…show more content…
Seventy-eight percent of people in Austria are Roman Catholics however, only twelve percent are regular church attenders. The majority are Roman Catholic, but Jews, Muslims, and Protestants also practice in Austria. Because of the large Catholic population, Christian holidays are celebrated. They have huge festivals to celebrate Advent, Lent, and Easter. Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Crusades. Hundreds of years later, Martin Luther’s teachings came to Austria, however they remained Catholic.
Austria’s religion affects their way of life in a huge way. Ninety-eight percent of Austrian speak German. Austrians take pride in their clothing and appearance. They dress elegantly and conservatively. Austrian families are generally small, and they always eat dinner as a family. Weekends are dedicated to family. Austrians enjoys attending operas, concerts, festivals, and enjoying hot springs. Austrians love food. It is influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Weiner Schnitzel, Apfelstruesel, and Sacher Torte are all