Austria

Austria is in southern Central Europe and covers that part of the continent covering the eastern Alps and the Danube region.  The country is land-locked and is bordered by no fewer than eight other countries - Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. 

The Federal Republic of Osterreich - or Austria as we know it in English - is made up of nine provinces covering a total area of 32,368 sq. miles.  This country is a major cross-roads, lying as it does at the heart of Europe, and the history of this country reflects a broad ethnic mix of Germanic, Slavic and Neo-Latin groups.

Austria is in the Central European transitional climatic zone, which means it has a wide variety of vegetation.  It is one of Europe's most heavily wooded countries, with 47% of the area being covered in forest.  Combine this with the Alps in the Tirol and you have an ideal activity holiday destination for walkers, ramblers, hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and white water enthusiasts.

The population of this country is approximately 8 million people and her cities are not large compared to UK standards.  Most of the population in Tirol live in villages or small towns and their life expectancy averages around the 80 years old mark.

The national language is German, the main religion is Roman Catholicism Christianity and the currency is the Euro.

Austria's capital is Vienna, which lies in the East of the country and is known historically as a very cultural city.  There you'll find the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, The Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys Choir, all of which are known throughout the world.  Vienna is also the home of the Waltz, one of the most famous of which is named after the river flowing through the city, The Blue Danube.

Famous Austrian's include W.A. Mozart, Sigmund Freud, The Strauss Family, The Von Trapp Family, Arnold Schwarzeneger and some of the world's top skiers.