Form of Government / People
Austria is a federal republic state with a parliamentary democracy.
It consists of 9 independent federal states (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna) with their own provincial governments. The federal legislation is exercised by the national council (Nationalrat) together with the Upper House of Parliament (Bundesrat) – the two chambers of Parliament.
Austria is a member of the European Union, the United Nations as well as most UN organizations.
Of the approximately 8 million inhabitants of Austria, 98% speak German. The six ethnic groups officially recognized in Austria (Burgenlandic Croatians, Roma, Slovaks, Slovenians, Czechs and Hungarians) are concentrated in the east and south of the country.
Approximately 78 % of Austrians are Roman Catholic, 5 % are Protestant, 4,5 % belong to other faiths.
Wining and Dining
Austria: A Connoisseurs’ Country
In recent years Austria has emerged as a paradise for anyone who enjoys pampering the palate. Farmers, wine makers and restaurateurs have discovered a new sense of identity and sophistication. The outcome is a modern-day Austrian cuisine composed of the very best produce to be found in Austria’s woodlands and mountain pastures, its orchards and vineyards.
The leading Austrian chefs de cuisine are making their mark on the international culinary scene, while the country’s foremost wines regularly garner top prizes. Regional delicacies like pumpkin seed oil and apple balsamico have found their way into the kitchens of noted restaurants all over Europe, while Austria’s award-winning gourmet restaurants attract discerning guests from near and far.
Other Connoisseurs in Austria:
The Bund Österreichischer Gastlichkeit, BÖG, an affiliation of some 360 eating-places, fosters the tradition of sophisticated wining and dining in Austria.
Gault Millau Austria, the gourmet’s travel guide, listing some 2,000 tested and evaluated top-class restaurants and hotels.
Given Austria’s standing as a wine producer, there are obviously numerous websites devoted to the subject of wine. The periodical Falstaff offers a survey of the world of glamorous and lesser-known wines.
Vinoveritas Austria is an affiliation of high-quality enterprises that pride themselves on their expertise in the wine field: hotels, inns, restaurants, wine producers, taverns and whole wine-making villages.
DMC Companies (the links below will open a new window and bring you to another website)
Summary|Carinthia|Tirol|Climate & Geography
Flora & Fauna|Lifestyle
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