Country Profile: Austria

Austria, once the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is located in Central Europe and is known for its mountainous terrain, predominantly consisting of the Alps. With a population of approximately 9.2 million, it boasts a rich cultural heritage and a diverse society where about 80% are ethnic Austrians. Austria's economy is one of the strongest in the EU, characterized by a robust trade sector and a focus on alternative energy sources despite its dependence on Russian energy. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Austria maintains its status of neutrality, shaping its foreign relations and defense strategies.

Geography

Austria is landlocked, bordered by eight countries including Germany and Italy, with a total land area of 83,871 square kilometers. The country features a temperate climate with cold winters and moderate summers, primarily characterized by mountainous regions in the west and flat areas in the east. The Danube River, one of Europe’s major rivers, flows through Austria and plays a vital role in its geography.

• 83,871 sq km: Total land area.
• 2,524 km: Total land boundaries.
• 3,798 m: Elevation of the highest point (Grossglockner).
• 47.2%: Percentage of land covered by forest as of 2023.
• 31.5%: Agricultural land usage in 2023.

People and Society

Austria has an estimated population of 9,174,390 as of 2025, with a high degree of urbanization (59.5%) and a median age of 44.5 years. The nation is predominantly German-speaking, with Roman Catholicism being the most practiced religion. Austria also has a significant proportion of immigrants, enriching its cultural fabric.

• 9.2 million: Estimated population in 2025.
• 55.2%: Percentage of the population identifying as Roman Catholic.
• 0.28%: Population growth rate estimated for 2025.
• 82.7 years: Life expectancy at birth as of 2024.
• 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births: Infant mortality rate for 2025.

Economy

Austria possesses a highly developed economy with a diverse industrial sector, including machinery, vehicles, and tourism. It has faced some recent economic challenges, including an increase in government debt and a declining GDP growth rate. Nevertheless, its economy remains one of the strongest in the European Union.

• $588.031 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2023.
• 5.5%: Unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
• 65.3%: Percentage contribution of services to GDP in 2024.
• 14.8%: Population below the poverty line as of 2021.
• $299.366 billion: Exports predicted for 2024.

Government

Austria operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with a bicameral legislature comprising the National Council and the Federal Council. The President serves as the head of state while the Chancellor is the head of government. Austria's commitment to neutrality has shaped its domestic and international policies since the end of World War II.

• 16 years: Minimum voting age.
• 60: Total seats in the Federal Council, with 46.7% held by women.
• President: Alexander VAN DER BELLEN since 2017.
• 9 October 2022: Date of the last presidential election.
• 26 October: Austria's National Day, commemorating permanent neutrality.

Military and Security

Austria maintains a modest military force, primarily focused on national defense and internal security. The Austrian Armed Forces comprise various branches, including land, air, and cyber forces. While committed to military neutrality, Austria's forces actively participate in international peacekeeping missions.

• 22,000: Approximate number of active military personnel as of 2025.
• 1% of GDP: Military expenditures projected for 2024.
• 210: Military personnel deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina for EUFOR missions.
• 6 months: Length of compulsory military service for men.
• 8,000: Reservists and militia involved in training.

Energy

Austria has achieved 100% electricity access and utilizes a diverse mix of energy sources for electricity generation, including hydroelectric power, which accounts for over half of its installed capacity. The country is making significant investments in renewable energy while managing its reliance on fossil fuels.

• 56.4%: Share of hydroelectric power in total installed capacity as of 2023.
• 64.611 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
• 21.631 billion kWh: Electricity exports expected for 2023.
• 1.288 million metric tons: Coal production for 2023.
• 244,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption projected for 2024.

Environment

Austria faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution and forest degradation. However, the country is actively involved in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues and promoting sustainable practices.

• 31.5%: Proportion of land used for agriculture as of 2023.
• 12: Total number of World Heritage Sites.
• 36%: Municipal solid waste recycled as of 2022.
• 10.3 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions estimated for 2019.
• 77.7 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources in 2022.

Transportation

Austria's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with an extensive rail network complemented by roadways and air travel options. The country has numerous airports serving both domestic and international flights.

• 62: Total number of airports as of 2025.
• 6,123 km: Total railway length (2022), with a significant portion electrified.
• 112: Number of heliports as of 2025.
• 3.48 million: Fixed line telephone subscriptions estimated for 2024.
• 11.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions anticipated for 2024.

Communications

Austria enjoys a high level of connectivity, with extensive telephone and internet services available to a large percentage of the population. The media landscape is diverse, incorporating both public and private broadcasters.

• 95%: Internet penetration rate estimated for 2024.
• 2.71 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions in 2023.
• 3.48 million: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions as of 2024.
• 124: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants expected in 2024.
• Oesterreichischer Rundfunk (ORF): Major public broadcaster.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,174,390	Estimated for 2025
Area	83,871 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$588.031 billion	Estimated for 2023
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	Projected for 2024
Birth Rate	8.81 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	82.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population
Debt to GDP Ratio	78.3%	Estimated for 2023
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	56.959 million metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023
Refugees	313,711	Estimated for 2024