Where in The World is Austria?: A Tour of The Nation of Austria, Plus a Recipe for Austrian Chocolate Balls

Introduction

My article is on the country of Austria. I didn’t really know much about it before doing this research. I have heard a few things about this country because my brother is in the Army and stationed in Germany, and has taken plenty of trips to Austria in the past two year. This report contains plenty of interesting, fun, unusual, etc. fact about this country. I chose this country for no specific reason. I searched Austrian dessert recipes, and the easiest thing that came up with Austrian Chocolate balls, so that is how I ended up choosing that food. I am glad I got the opportunity to learn about this country and hope one day to maybe travel there.

Image via Wikipedia

Country Information

• Geographic Facts

Here are some geographic facts about Austria:

1. Austria is located in Central Europe, North of Italy and Slovenia. Total area of Austria is 83,870 sq km: land 82,444 sq km and water 1,426 sq km.

2. Austria compares to Maine, but is slightly smaller. Austria borders the countries: Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

3. The climate in Austria is cloudy, cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in low lands and snow in mountains. Moderate summers, with occasional showers.

4. Major river in Austria is the Danube. Population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperature elsewhere.
5. Population is 8,184,691. The capitol is Vienna.

• “Serious” Facts

Here are some serious facts about Austria:

1. In 1867, Austria and Hungary joined together to create the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This joint empire ended at the end of World War I (1918)

2. The name Austria derives from a Germanic word ‘austro’, meaning ‘east’.

3. Children enter primary school at the age of six. They spend four years in primary school and are usually taught by the same teacher for the entire time.

4. Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Austria. However, the national side has had little success over the years.

5 The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flag in the world. It dates from 1191, when Duke Leopold V fought in the Battle of Acre during the Third Crusade.

6. About half of Austrian men are overweight (50.8%, the highest rate in the EU), but only 8.6% of them are obese (4th lowest in the EU-27). In contrast only 20.3% of Austrian women are overweight (lowest rate in the 27 member states), including an equal 8.6% obese (also the lowest rate EU wide).