Austrian Folk 43Differences also exist between the urban and the rural
populations, between the upper-income and lower-income
groups and between families of different ethnic backgrounds.
All said and done, Austria is a wonderful place to live in.
In a recent poll, Austria ranked highest in Europe as having
the best political and economic situation, environmental
standards, health and social security system and cultural and
leisure activities. These standards do give a vivid account of
life in Austria. The people are proud of their country and, in
turn, try to maintain its beauty.
THE FAMILY
The family is important to Austrians. Parents try to establish
a safe place for their children. Moving from town to town
is quite unheard of and the children grow up knowing one
town and the same people and friends their whole lives. The
mother and father usually take equal share in the care of the
children and do numerous activities with them. They often go
to the many different parks, woods or mountains together. In
turn, the children grow up with a considerable awareness of
the natural environment. Austrian parents, although frugal,
Sunday dinner is a time for Austrian families to get together and share the
week’s gossip.