1. Austrian Information By: Miller Tan

2. History • The first record showing the name Austria is from 996 where it is written as Ostarrîchi, referring to the territory of the Babenberg March. • In 1192, the Babenbergs also acquired the Duchy of Styria. • In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Habsburgs began to accumulate other provinces in the vicinity of the Duchy of Austria.

3. Government • Federal Parliamentary Republic • President: Heinz Fischer • Chancellor: Werner Faymann • Federal Chancelle • AEIOU Austria Albums • Chief of State and Cabinet Members

4. Economy • One of the 12 richest countries in the world. • Well developed social market economy. • Labor movements are particularly strong in Austria and have large influence on labor politics. • Next to a highly developed industry, international tourism is the most important part of the national economy.

5. Culture • Austria's past as a European power and its cultural environment have generated a broad contribution to various forms of art, most notably among them music. • Vienna's status began its rise as a cultural center in the early 1500s, and was focused around instruments including the lute.

6. Climate • 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. • Although Austria is cold in the winter, summer temperatures can be relatively warm—reaching temperatures of around 20 – 40 °C.

7. Land • Largely mountainous country • The Central Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps and Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria. • Of the total area of Austria (84,000 km2 or 32,433 sq mi), only about a quarter can be considered low lying, and only 32% of the country is below 500 meters (1,640 ft). The Alps of western Austria give way somewhat into low lands and plains in the eastern part of the country.