Many consider Austria a country of Western Europe. However, if you pay attention to where Austria is located on the world map, you will understand that it belongs to Central Europe. The closest neighbors of this state are Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia. In addition, Austria and Italy have 430 km of the common border.
Physical Geography of Austria
Take a look at the place where Austria is on the world map. This is mainly the territory of the Eastern Alps. It is not surprising that the country is 70% mountainous, the average height of its land above sea level is about 900 m. The highest point is the Grossglockner - a mountain with a height of 3797 m. The lowest point (115 m) is the picturesque Lake Neusiedler See.
The climate of Austria is due to its geographical location. It strongly depends on the height of a particular area relative to sea level. Summer is quite warm (about +20 ° C) and sunny. However, as you climb into the mountains, the temperature at night can reach zero. In the mountains, winters are cold and mild on the plains, the temperature drops to -2 ° C. The level of precipitation varies depending on the topography and height from 500 to 3000 mm.
Vegetable world
Alps are famous for their forests. However, the current state of the landscape and vegetation cover bears not only traces of the natural course of events, but also very deep impressions resulting from changes in natural conditions under the influence of man.
A distinctive feature of the flora of Austria is the oak and beech forest, carpeted valleys. At the same time, at an altitude of more than 500 m, deciduous forest is replaced by spruce. If you rise even higher into the mountains, to a height of 1200 m, you can meet larch and cedar. It is worth noting that the alpine alpine forests are a national treasure of this Central European country. The greenest region of Austria is Styria, the national flag of which is made in white and green colors.
The Austrians greatly value their forests and remember how significant the damage they suffered as a result of the German occupation was.
Economy
Austria (coordinates 47 ° 26 ′ N and 13 ° 39 ′ E) is one of the most developed countries in the European Union. An important feature of the modern Austrian economy is its focus on the service sector, whose share reaches 65% in GDP.
The main export items in Austria are consumer goods and food. It is worth noting that products manufactured in Austria are in great demand due to the highest quality. Agricultural products are supplied not only to European countries, but also to other continents. Austrian cheeses, wine and meat products are well known all over the world.