Austria

Capital
 Language
 Government
 Leader
 Area
 Population
 GDP
 GDP per Capita
 Currency

## Overview

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe and home to more than 8.6 million people. It is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The country is mainly mountainous and much of Austria's territory is within the Alps. Austria's origins can be traced back to the Hapsburg dynasty. The family ruled over the country since its independence after the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire. They subsequently oversaw the country in its forms as the Austrian Empire and as Austria-Hungary. After the First World War, the Hapsburg monarchy was disbanded and separated from the other countries within Austria-Hungary. The country has since been run as a republic. Austria is one of the richest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $47,140. The country has developed a high standard of living and in 2014 was ranked 21st in the world for its Human Development Index. Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, joined the European Union in 1995, and is a founder of theOECD. Austria also signed the Schengen Agreement in 1995 and adopted the euro currency in 1999.

## Politics

Austria is a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic. The Austrian Parliament is elected every four years by every citizen age 18 or older. It consists of two chambers, the "Nationalrat" (National Assembly) and the "Bundesrat". While the "Nationalrat" is reviewing and passing new laws, the "Bundesrat" has only a controling function and almost never intervenes in laws the national assembly passed. After the elections are held, the 183 seats of the "Nationalrat" are split in proportion to the percentage of votes a party made, yet there is a minimum of four percent for a party to get some seats.

Presidential elections every 6 years. Nationalrat elections every 4 years.

### National Assembly Elections

2013-2018 SPO: 52 OVP: 47 FPO: 40 Greens: 24 Stronach: 11 NEOS: 9

2018-2022 FPO: 66 Greens: 40 SPO: 35 OVP: 21 Stronach: 11 NEOS: 10

### Presidential Elections

2004-2016 Heinz Fischer (SPO)

2016-Present Norbert Hofer (FPO)

## International Relations

### **Countries**

#### **Italy**

In October 2018, Austria opened talks with Italy regarding the the South Tyrol region. The region was originally Austrian until the end of WW1. Austria has sent diplomats discussing the options of bringing back into Austrian control.

#### **Liberland**

Liberland sent diplomats to Austria in April 2018. Austria allowed the trade of goods and services to Liberland and eventually full recognition of the microstate as a country, provided they cease the drug industry that they participate in. After assurances by Liberland diplomats that the government was not involved in the illegal drugs industry, Austria officially recognised Liberland in October 2018.

#### **Serbia**

Sebia sent diplomats to Austria in March 2018. The diplomats wished to discuss trade, military alliances and domestic programmes. Talks are still ongoing.

###

## Military

### **Army (Landstreitkräfte)**

#### **Personnel**

Active Personnel: 25,963

Conscripts: 12,000 which make up the active personnel.

Reserve Personnel: 27,000

#### **Armoured Recovery Vehicle**

 Bergepanzer Greif
 Pionierpanzer A1

#### **Unarmoured Vehicle**

 Steyr 12M18
 ÖAF SLKW
 Faltstraßengerät
 Aufklärungs- und Zielzuweisungsradar (AZR) RAC 3D
 Pionierbrücke 2000

#### **Artillery and Air Defence**

 Zwillingsflugabwehrkanonen 35 mm (ZFLAK 85)
 Mistral Missile

### **Airforce (Luftstreitkräfte)**

#### **Helicopters**

 Bell OH-58 Kiowa
 Bell 212 Twin Huey
 Aérospatiale Alouette III

## Timeline

### **2016**

#### **March**

[News] Austria to erect wall at Italian border.

[News] Mixed reception as Austrian government make decision to demolish Hitler's childhood home.

#### **April**

[Event] Austrian Presidential Elections 2016.

#### **December**

[News] Tensions rise among the migrant population as Austria increases border security.

### **2018**

#### **July**

[Event] Austrian Parliamentary Elections 2018.

#### **October**

[News] Austria officially recognises Liberland as a nation.

[Diplomacy] Austria asks Italy to consider the re-unification of the South Tyrol region.

### **2019**

#### **January**

[News] Four arrested as New Year's terror plot revealed.

#### **February**

[News] FPO divided after Hofer announces new security measures.