Austria is a federal state of nine federal provinces (Bundeslander): Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Vienna. It covers a surface of 83,858 sq km.Vienna(Wien) is the capital of Austria
Austria is situated in southern Central Europe. Part of the country belongs to the Eastern Alps, part to the Danube region. Due to its geographical
situation, Austria has always been a crossroads for the routes between the big economic areas and civilisations of Europe.
Austria's weather is determined by moderate Central European climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean with sufficient precipitation in all parts of the country. Three climatic areas can be distinguished:
In the east, Continental Pannonian climate predominates, the alpine regions are characterized by alpine climate and the rest of the country by temperate Central European climate.
Austria shows a wide variety of landscapes, climates and zones of vegetation. This variety allows the existence of a large number of species in flora and
auna.
Austria is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe with about 47% of its surface being woods. Main cities are: Baden, Bregenz, Bruck an der Mur, Dornbirn, Eisenstadt, Graz, Innsbruck, ?lagenfurt, Klosterneuburg, Kufstein, Leoben, Lienz, Linz, Reutte, Saalfelden, Salzburg, Sankt Polten, Schladming, Spittal, Vienna, Villach,Wels
Holidays, culture, etc.
New Year?s Eve in Austria is also referred to as Sylvester?s Eve. By tradition, Austrians melt a small piece of lead over a lit candle or other flame and quickly pour it into cold water. The lead figure that is produced is seen as a symbol of the coming year. People also exchange lucky charms, such as marzipan pigs, horseshoes, and chocolate coins.
The Epiphany (6 January) shares the same date as a special day called the Perchtenlauf. Fasching is the Austrian equivalent to Mardi Gras, Carnival, or Fastnacht. Fasching, which immediately precedes Lent, offers opportunity for an indulgent celebration before the fasting and solemnity associated with Lent.
Austrians celebrate Easter Sunday and Monday, and usher in springtime with Walpurgisnacht on 30 April, lighting bonfires and enjoying other festive activities, at one time meant to scare off evil spirits and the darkness of the passing winter.
Austrians observe Labor Day on 1 May. Ascension Day commemorates the day Jesus Christ is said to have ascended into Heaven. Whitmonday is observed the day after Whitsunday (the Pentecost, 50 days after Easter). Corpus Christi, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday (in May or June), honors the Eucharist. Assumption Day (15 August) marks the day Mary?s body is said to have been ?assumed? into Heaven. Austrians celebrate their National Holiday or Flag Day on 26 October, All Saints? Day on 1 November, and the Immaculate Conception on 8 December. Immaculate Conception Day celebrates the Roman Catholic belief that Mary?s soul was free from original sin. On Christmas Eve (24 December), called Heiliger Abend (?Holy Evening?), a festive meal is eaten and celebrants open gifts from the Christkindl (?Christ child?). Christmas carols are also sung. Christmas Day (25 December) is reserved for family visits.
Most families vacation in July or August, while children are on school vacation. 1st January (New Year's Day)
6th January (Epiphany)
Easter Monday
1st May (Labour Day)
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Corpus Christi
15th August (Assumption)
26th October (Austrian National Holiday)
1st November (All Saints' Day)
8th December (Immaculate Conception)
25th December (Christmas Day)
26th December (St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day)
