Roman Vindobona, from Celtic vindo "white" + bona "foundation, fort." The "white" might be a reference to the river flowing through it.
Mountainous republic in central Europe, bordered by Germany and the former Czechoslovakia to the north, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. Its capital and largest city is Vienna.
Note: Under the Hapsburg dynasty (1278–1918), Austria maintained control of the Holy Roman Empire and became a leading player in European politics.
Note: After losing control of the German portions of the Holy Roman Empire in the nineteenth century, Austria joined with Hungary to create the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867–1918). Allied with Germany, Bulgaria, and Turkey in World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was devastated by the war.
Note: Austria was occupied by Nazi forces in 1938 and annexed by Adolf Hitler to Germany. It was reestablished as a republic in 1945 but remained occupied by four Allied powers until it declared neutrality in 1955.
Note: The picturesque Tyrol region, in the western part of the country, is a favorite year-round tourist spot.
Capital of Austria and largest city in the country, located in northeastern Austria on the south bank of the Danube River; Austria's leading cultural, economic, and political center.
Note: Vienna was the capital of the Austrian (later Austro-Hungarian) Empire under the Hapsburgs, who ruled from 1278 to 1918.
Note: During World War II, German troops occupied the city. It was badly damaged by bombing by the Allies, who controlled the city from 1945 to 1955.
Note: It is the home of composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss, the Younger.