Austria is a country located in central Europe, famous for its majestic mountain scenery, rich culture and long history. With an area of approximately 83,879 km², Austria is surrounded by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The capital Vienna (Wien) is the cultural and artistic center of Europe, known for its beautiful architecture, famous opera house and as the hometown of many legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Austria's terrain is largely mountainous, with the Alps dominating much of the western and southern part of the country. The country also boasts stunning natural destinations such as Lake Hallstatt, the Wachau Valley and world-class ski resorts. Austrian culture is steeped in tradition, highlighted by festivals, folk costumes and a unique cuisine with dishes such as schnitzel, sachertorte and apfelstrudel. Austria is also known as a peaceful and developed country, a member of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and many other important international organizations. This country offers a wonderful combination of traditional and modern beauty, an ideal destination for tourists from all over the world. <3