Austria, Vienna

Vienna is city in northeastern Austria, the capital and largest city of the country, coextensive with Vienna Province. It is the largest city in Austria as well as its cultural, economical and political centre. Vienna lies in the very east of Austria and is close to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Vienna is divided into 23 bezirke (districts). The original city that lay within the protective walls comprises the First District of modern Vienna. The demolition of the city walls led to the construction of the Ringstrasse and an impressive parade of buildings along its length.

History

This city, which has had an enormous impact on European history, draws tourists from all over the world. From a small Celtic settlement founded in the 5th Century BC, Vienna has taken a great step forward to become a modern yet eclectic city which is also the seat of several United Nations offices, numerous international companies and institutions.

Vienna's history can be traced back to Roman times. Like many cities throughout Europe, it is based on a former Roman military settlement called Vindobona.

During the Middle Ages, Vienna was the capital of the Babenberg Dynasty. In 1440 the Habsburg Dynasty took the power, and Vienna became their residence.

In the next three centuries the city was struck by religious strife, Turkish sieges (1529 and 1683), and the plague (1679). In the 17th and 18th centuries the city was beautified with splendid baroque churches and palaces. In 1804 it became the capital of the new Austrian Empire, and after the Napoleonic Wars Europe’s leaders met there in the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815).

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Vienna was the center of psychoanalysis under its originator, Sigmund Freud.

After 1979, it became one of the world headquarters of the United Nations.

Geography & Demographics

Vienna has population 2 million inhabitants. It is the 10th largest city by population in the European Union and is identified having the 4th highest quality of living. The city is situated on the banks of the Danube, with the foothills of the Eastern Alps on the west and the plains of the Danube basin on the east. The city lies about 203 m (666 ft) above sea level and has a continental climate, with a mean annual temperature of 10° C (50° F) and an average annual rainfall of 610 mm (24 in).

Economy

Vienna is the financial and administrative capital of Austria and home to a number of international organisations, including the United Nations. And with the fall of Communism, Vienna is once again at the centre of Europe.

Vienna is by far Austria’s most important manufacturing, banking, and insurance center. The city contributes roughly one-fifth of Austria’s total industrial plant. Principal manufactures are food products, electrical equipment, chemicals, machinery, metal products, textiles, clothing, printed materials, and paper. Since the mid-1950s the city has been the site of many international political and economic meetings and conferences.

Culture

Vienna is not only the political, but also the cultural capital of Austria. The city offers a wide variety of theatre, music, art and cinemas and its cultural tradition of high art is well known worldwide. Vienna has been home to many famous musicians, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven and Falco. It is still a very popular place to live for artists from all over the world.

Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair.

Vienna is a city of numerous museums and art galleries. Among the most prominent are the Albertina, the Museum of the 20th Century, the Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Sports

Vienna has many numerous bathing areas, cycle paths, playgrounds and sports facilities. There are a number of sporting activities available: volleyball, football, swimming, table-tennis, "Olympic Games" and swimming pools etc.

Transportation

The public transport system in Vienna is excellent. Vienna's rail network is comfortable, reliable and fast.

Vienna boasts several major train stations. Most people will arrive either at the Southern or the Western main train stations which are well-connected with the rest of the city.

The Vienna International Airport is located in the suburb of "Schwechat". The airport "Wien-Schwechat" is the home base of the Flagcarrier Austrian and the budget airline Fly Niki. Most European airlines and a significant number of international airlines have direct connections to Vienna.