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AUSTRIA AT A GLANCE

Flag of Austria Austria is predominantly a country of mountains and forests, with permanent snow and glaciers on the higher areas. Most of its population lives in the east. Austria is a neutral country as pledged by law and treaties after World War II, but it joined the European Union in 1995. It was occupied by the Germans in 1938, and then by the Allies in 1945, and the modern state did not regain full independence until 1955. The flag dates back to 1191 and the Siege of Acre during the Third Crusade, when it

is said that the only part of Duke Leopold V’s tunic not bloodstained was beneath his swordbelt. The design was officially adopted in 1918 with the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, although the colors had been in use since 1230.

ABOVE: The Naschmarkt is a popular market in Vienna that dates back to the sixteenth century. It is famous for its wine bars, cafés, and restaurants.

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