Country Profile: Austria

Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by eight nations including Germany and Italy. With a population of approximately 9.17 million people, Austria is characterized by its diverse ethnic makeup and a rich cultural heritage. The economy is robust and diversified, heavily reliant on trade, with significant contributions from tourism and industrial sectors. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Austria enjoys a stable political environment that emphasizes neutrality and active participation in international organizations.

Geography

Austria is situated in Central Europe, with geographical coordinates at 47°20′N latitude and 13°20′E longitude. The country covers a total area of 83,871 square kilometers, predominantly featuring mountainous terrain, notably the Alps. Austria is landlocked and has no coastline, with its major river, the Danube, playing a crucial role in its geography. The climate varies from cold winters with snow in the mountains to moderate summers.

• 83,871 sq km: Total area.
• 2,524 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
• 3,798 m: Highest point, Grossglockner.
• 31.5%: Agricultural land as of 2023.

People and Society

Austria is home to an estimated 9,174,390 people, with a notable majority identifying as Austrian. The population includes diverse ethnic groups and languages, with German being the official language. The country exhibits a Catholic majority but has a growing Muslim population. With an aging demographic, Austria faces challenges related to dependency and population growth.

• 9.17 million: Estimated population in 2025.
• 59.5%: Urban population as of 2023.
• 82.7 years: Life expectancy at birth in 2024.
• 8.81 births/1,000: Birth rate estimated for 2025.

Economy

Austria's economy is one of the strongest within the EU, characterized by a comprehensive trade network and significant government involvement. With a GDP of around $521.642 billion in 2024, the country relies heavily on the services sector, complemented by industrial production and agriculture. The economy faces challenges, including an aging labor force and reliance on Russian energy resources.

• $521.642 billion: GDP in 2024 (official exchange rate).
• 5.5%: Unemployment rate expected in 2024.
• 1.2%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP in 2024.
• 24.6%: Income share of the highest 10% of the population (2022).

Government

Austria operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a capital in Vienna. The government structure includes an executive branch led by a president and a chancellor, a bicameral parliament, and an independent judiciary. Austria's legal framework is rooted in civil law, with a strong emphasis on constitutional governance, neutrality, and international cooperation.

• 16 years: Minimum voting age.
• 9 states: Administrative divisions.
• 34: Military personnel and obligations regulated under national law.
• President: Alexander VAN DER BELLEN (since 2017).

Military and Security

The Austrian Armed Forces, consisting of land and air forces, emphasize national defense and neutrality. With military expenditures amounting to approximately 1% of GDP in 2024, the forces also participate in international peacekeeping missions. Austria maintains a system of compulsory military service alongside a volunteer program.

• 22,000: Active military personnel in 2025.
• 210: Troops deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina for EUFOR.
• 1%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2024.

Energy

Austria's energy sector is marked by a significant reliance on renewable sources, particularly hydropower, which makes up over half of its electricity generation capacity. The country also engages in energy imports, particularly fossil fuels, while working on diversifying its energy sources.

• 100%: Electricity access for the total population (2022).
• 33.371 million kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
• 56.4%: Hydroelectricity's share of installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Austria faces environmental challenges such as air and soil pollution, with ongoing efforts to maintain biodiversity and adhere to international environmental agreements. The country is home to a wealth of natural resources, including forests that cover a substantial part of its area.

• 47.2%: Forest coverage as of 2023.
• 36%: Rate of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
• 10.3 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions in 2019.

Transportation

Austria's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, featuring a comprehensive network of railways and air travel facilities. The country maintains numerous civil aircraft, airports, and heliports, supporting both domestic and international travel.

• 62: Airports in 2025.
• 6,123 km: Total railway length as of 2022.
• 112: Heliports available in 2025.

Communications

The communications sector in Austria is highly advanced, with widespread internet access and mobile subscriptions. The nation has a vibrant media landscape with public and private broadcasters competing vigorously for audience attention.

• 95%: Internet user penetration estimated for 2024.
• 11.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions in 2024.
• 3.48 million: Fixed line telephone subscriptions expected in 2024.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,174,390	Estimated for 2025
Area	83,871 sq km	Total area
GDP (official exchange rate)	$521.642 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	8.81 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy at Birth	82.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Military Personnel	22,000	Active military in 2025
Electricity Access	100%	Total population (2022 est.)
Forest Coverage	47.2%	As of 2023
Internet Penetration	95%	Estimated for 2024