History
_
During the migration period that began even before the Nativity and lasted until the 8th century, various ethnic groups like Slavs or Southern Germans were settled down in Austria.
From 976 AD, the Habsburg dynasty ruled the country, which steadily increased on size from now on and became one of the most powerful empires of Europe.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire (also known as Austria-Hungary) existed between 1867 and 1918. After the defeat in World War I the imperial rule broke in 1918 and the First Republic of Austria was founded. Even before the Second World War Austria was incorporated into Nazi Germany in 1938 and was named Ostmark.
Only after the end of World War II the country obtained its independence back. Austria has been a member of EU since 1995.
Worth Knowing
_
Here you can find the largest glacier of Europe.
The tradition of Viennese coffee -houses was founded in 1683 when the Ottoman Empire sought to seize Vienna. According to a legend, after the Ottomans were expelled, they left a sack of coffee beans behind.
The zoological garden Schönbrunn in Vienna was founded in 1752 and thereby is the oldest zoo in the world. It is well-known for its giant pandas.
The Austrian Josef Madersperger invented the sewing machine.
Facts & Figures
_
Capital Vienna
Language German
Currency Euro
Inhabitants 8 Million
Area 83 855 km²
Specialities Vienna Schnitzel, Linzer Torte, cut-up pancake, strudel
Geography Much of the land area stretches across the Alps, the highest mountain is the Großglockner (3 797 m)
Famous Personalities
_
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart famous composer from Salzburg, who has been known as a child of prodigy already as a small child
David Alaba since 2008 soccer player at FC Bayern München
Elyas M´Barek actor with Tunisian roots
Arnold Schwarzenegger former actor, bodybuilder and politician in the US