Austria thrives on tourism, and is one of the most popular destination in Europe. Its rich Cultural Heritage, Historic Cities, Winter Sports and Stunning Scenery are a hard combination to beat. Vienna is one of the world's great cities; Salzburg is a living baroque museum; and Innsbruck is dramatically situated in a perfect panorama of peaks. And everywhere you go, the country moves to the rhythm of its unrivalled musical tradition.

It borders Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. Austria is a parliamentary representative democracy consisting of nine federal states and is one of six European countries that have declared permanent neutrality and together with Switzerland only one of two countries that included the concept of everlasting neutrality in its constitution.

A federal republic, Austria is divided into Nine States. These states are divided into districts (Bezirke) and cities (Statutarstädte). Districts are subdivided into municipalities (Gemeinden). Cities have the competencies otherwise granted to both districts and municipalities. The states are not mere administrative divisions, but have some distinct legislative authority separate from the federal government.

The greater part of Austria lies in the cool/temperate climate zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. With over half of the country dominated by the Alps the alpine climate is the predominant one. In the East the climate shows continental features with less rain than the areas with high rainfall averages.

Important Destinations In Austria

Vienna

Vienna has jaw-dropping architecture, world-renowned museums and an enviable musical tradition. The city that invented the waltz is hardly staid - in Vienna you can party all night if you want to.

The Habsburgs settled in Vienna in 1278 and made it the capital of the Austrian empire. The city flourished under their strong leadership, despite being dragged into various European conflicts and withstanding attacks by the Turks in 1529 and 1683. Vienna's 'golden years' as the cultural heart of Europe were the 18^th and 19^th centuries, when Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert made their homes here. Numerous be-wigged Mozart lookalikes, touting overpriced concert tickets, will remind you of this glorious past.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, scenically squeezed between the northern chain of the Alps and the Tuxer mountain range to the south, has been an important trading post since the 12th century, thanks in part to the Brenner Pass, the gateway to the south. it wasn't long before the city found favur with the Habsburgs, particularly Maximilian I and Maria Theres, who built many of the important buildings that survive in the well-preserved old town.

More recently, the capital of Tirol has become an important Winter Sports Centre. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1964 and 1976.