FAST FACTS

Area: 32,375 square miles (smaller than Maine). Population: 8,054,000 (Vienna, 1,593,400; 
Graz, 219,500; Salzburg, 175,200; Innsbruck, 115,000). Language: German. 

Variety and beauty, both natural and cultural, make Austria a (geographically) small jewel in the heart of Europe. Simply walking along one of the many cobblestone lanes, visiting a small country church, or standing awe-struck before a magnificent country abbey, brings you face to face with history and culture.

During the 640-year reign of the Habsburg Empire, a few vivid symbols were brought into being, symbols that have remained alive and continue to define Austria in the minds of visitors today. Among these are the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lipizzan stallions of the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys' Choir.

Of course, there's music: In Austria, it seems that music mirrors the almost melodious beauty of the land. For centuries, music has been both an integral part of everyday life and the crowning glory of special occasions. There is no other country that has made such enormous musical contributions to the world or had such an enduring influence on the international musical scene as has Austria over the course of its long and distinctive history.

Austria offers the riches of Europe in the proverbial nutshell: spectacular vistas, Alpine splendor, pulsating nightlife, sophisticated shopping, classical culture and culinary adventure. And don't forget: Austria is the cradle of Alpine skiing--and skiing is a way of life in the country of any skier's dreams.

Austria has been a favored travel destination for more than a thousand years. We would like to introduce you to Austria, its Imperial cities and Alpine splendor, and possibly whet your appetite to get to know more about it all.