For more information see the Austria profile.

Austria is a German speaking nation located in the center of Europe, south of Germany. The Alps cover the south and west, and the plains of the Danube River occupy the north and east. Trade with formerly Communist Eastern is becoming increasingly important to an industrial economy.

Austria was once the center of the large and influential Austrian-Hungarian empire, but after World War I the empire was divided into several separate states. After German occupation from 1938-45, Austria adopted a position of strict neutral ity in foreign affairs. That position ended in 1995 when Austria joined the European Union.

Austria has religious freedom. Though over 80% of the people profess to be Catholic,
most have no real link to any church.