Austria
... as the capital, Austria became an autonomous territory under the Babenberg family. In the year 1273, the Hapsburg dynasty came to power. For six hundred years the Hapsburgs gradually spread their empire over central Europe through marriages and other strategies. They also helped push the Ottoman Turks out of Europe after the 18th. cantury. Their power was at the highest in the early 19th. century. After they helped defeat the French emperor Napoleon. Wars and arguments soon led the government to establish a dual agreement with hungary in the year 1867. By the year 1914 the Hungarian Empire covered present-day Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and parts of Poland, Italy, and Romania. In the year 1914 Austria also became part of world war one as most European nationa became involved in the war. World War one was also called "The Great War." In the years 1918 through 1938 the Austrian Republic struggled to survive and was swallowed up by Hitler's Germany befor the start of World war two. After the war in the year 1945 Austria was divided into four zones each governed by a differnt place (Great Britain, France, The United States, and the Soviet union). Austria got power over its territory in the year 1955. Because of Austria's political hevtrlity, Vienna has become a key Un city were the nations can meet to discuss problems or negotiat treaties. In the year 1989, the Hungarian government tore down the barbed-wire fence along the Austrian-Hungarian border. This action is recognized as a big event. Austria joined the European union in January 1995. In order to maintain Austria's traditional neutral stance the Austrian government rejected the membership in the year 1998. Austria's population of more than 8.18 million is growing at .2 percent everyday. Between 88 and 98 percent of the people are Germanic, while minorties include Croatians, Slovenes, and Various other groups. Approximately 200,000 foreign workers, about 65 percent of the people live in urben areas. Vienna, the capital has a population of about 1.6 million. The city Graz has about 238,000 people. The city Linz has about 203,000 people and the city Salzburg has about 144,000 people. Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Salzburg are the ;argest cities in Austria. Most people in these citys have excellent access to education, economic prosperity, health care, and other resources. The population of Austria is about 8,188,207. Austria is about 32,375 square miles. In Austria males live to be about 75 years old and females live to be about 81 years old. In Austria the main language is German, most of Southern Austria speaks Slovene. Hungarian and Croatian are also spoken by most and taught in some schools. English is required in high school, and is spoken by most people. About 78 percent of all Austrians are Roman catholic, about 5 percentare protestant. And a small number of the population have no religion. Austrians are not as religious as other Europeans. Austrians still believe in traditional ways living. The Catholic, Shrines, and Churches are highly treasured. Churches in Austria are used for Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Religious services, and Social functions. Austrian children begain associating in groups. When they start getting together as couples the relationship is considered serious. Dates are casual affairs, the couples often agree to meet somewhere. Males and femals pay for their own things. One or the other offers to pay for both only on special occasions. Between the ages of 25 and 28 is the typical age for marriage. A ceremony must be preformed for the marriage to be legal. Church weddings are optional. Austrians are hard working, relaxed and happy people. They value cleanliness, neatness, and order. People in Austria love to lear and engage in conversations. Austrians also love their enviroment and take pride in their beautiful landscape. Cultural arts are important to the hole society. Austrians are Extremely proud of their cultures contribution to the western civilization. Austrians do not like to be referred as Germans. Some consider it as an insult. Austrians ans Germans have a very differnt historical and political heritage. they also differ in values, and attitudes. In Austria shaking someones hand when greeting or parting is an important social coutesy. Even children shake hands with adults when greeting. When Austrians greet they will say, May god greet you, Good morning, Good day, Good evening, or Greetings to you. Austrians enjoy entertaining in theur homes and when the have guests. Droppping by unannounced is impolite. It is better to make arrangements in advance. Invited guests should arrive on time. Punctuality is important to Austrians. When entering a home, guests should remove their shoes. When a woman enters a room the men in the room should stand to show respect. Guests are usually offered a drink of tea, coffee, mineral water, juice, or soda. Invited guests will bring flowers, candy, or a small gift. Gifts are given to the wife, or the children, but not the husben, even if the gift or gifts are for the family. The tradition of having the main meal at midday is still strong. Ausrtians keep their hands above the table during the meal, not gesturing with the utensils, and not placingtheir elbows on the table while eating. Austrias executive branch consists of a federal president. Currently Thomas Klestil is the president. The executive branch has a federal chancellor, an...