Austria

1
Austria
2
The Basics

• Austrias flag was the oldest in Europe. It was
  newly adopted on the 27 of April in 1984. But, it
  has been in use in Austria since 1191. According
  to legend, Sir Babenberg chose it after the
  Battle of Ptolemais, in 1191. He had a white
  tunic, but it had been blood-stained. However,
  only one white stripe remained where his belt had
  remained. This explains the flag. It is all red
  except for one white stripe.

3
Nature

• Austria has many trees! In fact, forty percent of
  the country is forested. Plus, Europes major
  river, the Danube- crosses northern Austria. It
  has towering mountains, shining Lakes, and
  flourishing valleys. There is also beautiful
  flatlands in the north east. No wonder its
  nickname is Land of the Mountains, Land of the
  Rivers!

4
The Holocaust

• In 1938 (the holocaust) Germany took over Austria
  completely, and named it Anchless Union. At
  first, most were happy. But, then, Germany, or
  Hitler, sent Austrian boys off to battle. They
  were never seen again. During this time, over
  300,000 cities were bombed, and many Jews were
  killed. After all these trials, Austria regained
  its independence in 1955.

5
Economy

• Since Austria has so many mountains, forest and
  rivers, there is not much room left for farming.
  But, there still is lumber, which brings paper.
  Austria is also famous for its delicious cakes
  and pastries. Apple strudel is especially
  popular. It is a chocolate cake filled with
  apricot jam, and chocolate frosting and apples.

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Celebration!

• Just like everywhere, Austria has its festive.
  At Christmas time, Santa comes on the 6th, and on
  Christmas Eve, family comes together and family
  presents are laid under the tree, by the Christ
  Child. On Christmas Day, the family visits, and
  children gleefully open their presents. More
  Holidays include New Years, 3 Kings, Easter,
  Labor Day, National Holiday, All Saints day, St.
  Nicolas day, Christmas, and various religious
  holidays.

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Home Life

• If you were living in Austria, most likely your
  family would have one car, but mostly ride the
  speedy subways, and crowded buses, trains, and
  street cars. The highway speed limit is 81, and
  the Danube river is a popular hang-out spot. Most
  kids have cell-phones, and the usual home has a
  TV and phone.

8
The Government

• Austria's government has an Executive branch,
  with a president (Heinz Fischer), a federal
  chancellor, and a chancellor cabinet.
• The president chooses the chancellor, who
  represents Austria world-wide.
• The voting age is 18.

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Fun Facts

• Popular Austrian outside hobbies hiking,
  boating, cycling, swimming, skiing, snowboarding,
  and skating. They have much success in winter
  sports.
• Called Land of Music, and is home to some of the
  greatest composers.
• Every Town has a full orchestra!
• 6-15 year olds go to School
• School free except for Universities

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Credits

• Much thanks to
• www.culturegrams.com
• and
• www.austria.org