Country Information

Austria is a democratic republic. Its head of state (the President) and its legislative organs are elected by direct popular vote. Citizens of Austria have been guaranteed basic rights and freedoms (such as freedom of religion and freedom of expression) since 1867.

Austria is a federal republic, comprising nine provinces (Bundeslaender, singular- Bundesland). Legislation is enacted by the two chambers of Parliament, the Nationalrat ( National Council) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). The latter chamber represents the interests of the federal provinces. The Executive Branch is headed by the president, as chief of state, and the chancellor, as head of government. The cabinet is a committee of ministers, confirmed by the president upon advice from the chancellor. The Executive Branches of the provinces are headed by the provincial governors.

Austria covers an area of approximately 84 000km². The population is about 8.0 million of which 1.6 million live in the capital, Vienna. Austria is a member of the European Union since 1995.