Fast Facts 251Föhn: These are warm, dry winds that come from the Alps.
They are strongest in Tyrol but can be felt all the way in
Vienna. These winds are said to cause people to feel out of
sorts and cranky. They are believed to be responsible for an
increased number of suicides.
Avalanches: The greatest natural threat to Austria is an
avalanche. Although those most at risk are thrill seekers
who ski at very high altitudes on unstable powder, deadly
avalanches occasionally hit more populated areas.
Location
Central Europe, bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and
Liechtenstein
Land Area
Total: 83,870 sq km (32,382.4 sq miles)
Land: 82,444 sq km (31,831.8 sq miles)
Water: 1,426 sq km (550.6 sq miles)
Highest Point
Grossglockner: 3,798 m (12,460.6 ft)
Lowest Point
Neusiedlersee: 115 m (377.3 ft)
Natural Resources
Oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony,
magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower
Population
8,192,880 (July 2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups
German-speaking 98 per cent. Six officially recognised ethnic
groups live primarily in the eastern and southern parts of
the country. They are Croats, Hungarians, Slovenes, Czechs,