Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe and is surrounded by seven nations. The wall of mountains which runs across the center of the country dominates the scenery. In the warm summers tourists come to walk in the forests and mountains and in the cold winters skiers come to the mountains which have more than 50 ski resorts.

Agriculture in Austria is based on small farms, many of which are run by a single family. Dairy products, beef and lamb from the hill farms contribute to exports. More than 37% of Austria is covered in forest resulting in the paper making industry near Graz. Unemployment is very low in Austria and its low strike record has attracted multinational companies in recent years.

Attachment to local customs is still strong an in rural areas men still wear laderhosen and women the traditional dirndl skirt on feast days and holidays. The capital city of Austria is Vienna and major cities are Graz, Linz, and Salzburg.