Interesting Facts About Austria
Austria (officially the Republic of Austria) is a country in central Europe. It is not to be confused with Australia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some interesting facts about Austria that you probably don’t know!
Interesting Facts About Austria
- Almost 90% of the population speak German, which is also the official language.
- In 1867, Austria and Hungary joined together to create the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This joint empire ended at the end of World War I (1918).
- Austria joined the United Nations in 1955.
- The official currency is the euro.
- The name Austria derives from a Germanic word ‘austro’, meaning ‘east’.
- Over 60% of Austria’s electricity is supplied by renewable sources.
- Winters in Austria are very cold. However, the summers can be relatively hot. The temperatures range between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius.
- Children enter primary school at the age of six. They spend four years in primary school and are usually taught by the same teacher for the entire time.
- Almost three quarters of the population are Roman Catholics.
- The candy PEZ was invented in Austria.
- The first Youth Winter Olympics will be held in Austria (in 2012).
- Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Austria. However, the national side has had little success over the years.
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It is also the birthplace of many composers.