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Questions about Austria

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What is the oldest archaeological evidence of human life in Austria?

The Venus of Willendorf, a 28,000-year-old limestone figurine found in Austria, proves that human life existed in the area during the Paleolithic period. The city of Hallstatt holds the oldest archaeological evidence of Celts anywhere in Europe dating back to the 6th century BC.

When did the Habsburgs begin their rule over Austria and what territories did they acquire?

Rudolph I of Germany defeated Ottokar II at Dürnkrut in 1278 and began Habsburg rule over Austria. The Habsburgs accumulated provinces throughout the 14th and 15th centuries including most of the Netherlands through Maximilian's marriage to Maria of Burgundy in 1477 and Spain after Philip the Fair wed Joanna the Mad in 1496.

Who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and when did this event occur?

Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on the 28th of June 1914. This event triggered World War I and led to the eventual dissolution of Austria-Hungary with over one million Austro-Hungarian soldiers dying during the conflict.

What date marks Austria's National Day and how was it established?

Austria declares permanent neutrality through parliamentary act on the 26th of October 1955 which now marks Austria's National Day public holiday. All occupation troops left by this date following the Austrian State Treaty that ended Allied occupation on the 15th of May 1955.

How much of Austria is covered by forests and what percentage comes from natural regeneration?

Forest cover reached 47% of the total land area in 2020 equivalent to 3,899,150 hectares. Naturally regenerating forest covered 2,227,500 hectares while planted forests accounted for 1,671,500 hectares according to geographic surveys.

When did Austria join the European Union and what was the result of the nuclear power referendum?

A referendum gave two-thirds majority consent for EU membership effective the 1st of January 1995. A separate referendum in 1978 voted approximately 50.5% against nuclear power despite a finished plant at Zwentendorf leading Parliament to pass laws forbidding electricity generation from nuclear sources.