History of Austria in Timeline
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked Central European nation situated within the Eastern Alps. The country is structured as a federation of nine states, with Vienna, its capital, holding the distinction of being both the most populous city and state. Austria shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Spanning an area of 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi), it is home to approximately 9 million inhabitants.
1908: Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Taking advantage of the political climate during the Second Constitutional Era in the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908.
1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914 by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, which ultimately served as a catalyst for the outbreak of World War I.
October 1918: Provisional National Assembly for German Austria is formed
The elected German members of the Reichsrat met in Vienna in October 1918, forming the Provisional National Assembly for German Austria.
November 1918: Austria declares itself a republic
On November 11, 1918, the emperor withdrew from state affairs, and the following day, German-Austria declared itself a democratic republic, formally separating from the empire.
1918: Proclamation of the Republic of German-Austria
Following their defeat in World War I and the dissolution of the empire, the Republic of German-Austria was proclaimed in 1918.
1919: Establishment of the First Austrian Republic
The First Austrian Republic was established in 1919, succeeding the short-lived Republic of German-Austria.
October 1920: Carinthian Plebiscite
The border between Austria and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was established in October 1920 after the Carinthian Plebiscite, allocating a large part of the former Austro-Hungarian Crownland of Carinthia to Austria.
November 1920: New Austrian Constitution is passed
The new constitution, which renamed the Staatsrat to the Bundesregierung (federal government) and the Nationalversammlung to the Nationalrat (national council), was officially passed in November 1920.
1920: German Becomes Official Language
German was officially recognized as the official language of Austria in 1920 as per Article 8 of the Austrian Constitution.
1920: Constitution of 1920 Reintroduced
In 1920, the Austrian Constitution was enacted, establishing the First Austrian Republic after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This constitution played a crucial role in shaping Austria's political landscape.
1920: Enactment of the Austrian Constitution
The Austrian Constitution of 1920 established the First Austrian Republic after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This constitution laid the groundwork for a democratic system of government in Austria.
1920: Treaty of Trianon
The Treaty of Trianon was signed in 1920, officially ending the war between the Allies and Hungary, further shaping the borders and political landscape of Central Europe.
1922: Austria receives international loan
Austria was granted a loan supervised by the League of Nations in 1922 to avoid bankruptcy and stabilize the economy in the aftermath of World War I.
1925: Austrian schilling introduced
The Austrian schilling replaced the Krone in 1925 at a rate of 10,000:1, bringing much-needed stability to the Austrian economy.
1929: Wall Street Crash impacts Austrian economy
Austria's period of economic growth following the introduction of the schilling was cut short in 1929 when the Wall Street Crash led to a global economic downturn.
1929: Amendment to the Constitution
In 1929, amendments were made to the Austrian Constitution to further refine the country's political system. These changes reflected the evolving political landscape and aimed to address specific challenges of the time.
1931: Creditanstalt Event
The 1931 Creditanstalt event, a major financial crisis, serves as a historical point of reference for Austria, highlighting the potential severity of the HGAA situation in February 2014.
1933: End of the First Austrian Republic
The First Austrian Republic came to an end in 1933 when Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss established an autocratic regime.
February 1934: Suppression of the Schutzbund and Social Democratic Party
Several members of the Schutzbund were executed, and the Social Democratic party was outlawed in February 1934, solidifying the Austrofascist regime's control.
February 1934: Austrian Civil War
The Austrian Civil War broke out in February 1934 between the government and the Republikanischer Schutzbund, the paramilitary wing of the Social Democratic Party.
May 1934: Austrian Constitution Abolished
On 1 May 1934, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss abolished the Austrian constitution, effectively ending the First Austrian Republic and establishing an authoritarian regime known as the Federal State of Austria. This marked a significant shift towards authoritarianism in the country.
May 1934: New Austrofascist Constitution imposed
The Austrofascists imposed a new constitution, known as the "Maiverfassung," on May 1, 1934, further consolidating Dollfuss's power.
1934: Austria's Success in FIFA World Cup
Austria achieved a remarkable 4th place finish in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating their strength in European football.
1934: Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss
Austria transitioned to an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934, suppressing anti-parliamentarian sentiment.
1936: Establishment of the Austrian Serbian Society
The Austrian Serbian Society was established in 1936, reflecting the presence of a significant Serbian community in Austria.
March 1938: Schuschnigg announces referendum on Austrian independence
Kurt Schuschnigg, Dollfuss's successor, announced a referendum to be held on March 13, 1938, to determine Austria's independence from Germany.
March 1938: Austria Annexed by Nazi Germany
On 13 March 1938, Austria was annexed by the Third Reich in what is known as the Anschluss. This annexation marked the end of Austria's existence as an independent nation. Following the annexation, the Nazi regime immediately began the process of "Aryanisation," systematically stripping Jewish Austrians of their wealth and assets. Adolf Eichmann was assigned to oversee the persecution of Jews in Vienna.
March 1938: Anschluss: German annexation of Austria
On March 12, 1938, the Austrian government was overthrown by Austrian Nazis, and German troops proceeded to occupy the country, effectively preventing the scheduled referendum on Austrian independence. The Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, was formally declared on March 13, 1938.
April 1938: Referendum confirms union with Germany
A referendum held in April 1938 confirmed the forced union between Austria and Germany, solidifying the Anschluss.
April 1938: Anschluss: Germany Annexes Austria
In April 1938, parliamentary elections, serving as a referendum, were held in Germany and the newly annexed Austria. Voters decided on a single Nazi-party list for the Reichstag and the annexation of Austria. The outcome showed overwhelming support for the Nazi party, with 99.73% of the votes in favor of the Anschluss in Austria. While propaganda and manipulation were evident, a significant portion of the population genuinely supported Hitler and the unification of all Germans into a single state.
1938: Austria Annexed by Nazi Germany
Austria was incorporated into Nazi Germany in 1938.
1938: Flight of Jewish Austrians
In 1938, following the Anschluss and the rise of Nazi persecution, approximately 140,000 Jewish Austrians fled the country seeking refuge from the escalating violence and discrimination.
1942: Renaming Austria
In 1942, the Nazi regime changed the name of annexed Austria from "Ostmark" to "Alpine and Danubian Gaue" (Alpen-und Donau-Reichsgaue), reflecting their administrative reorganization of the region.
1943: Moscow Declaration
The Moscow Declaration of 1943, signed by the Allied powers, outlined their postwar plans and included provisions for the future of Austria. This declaration acknowledged Austria's status as a victim of Nazi aggression and set the stage for its eventual independence.
April 1945: Austria Declares Independence
On 27 April 1945, as the war neared its end, prominent Austrian figures, including Karl Renner and Adolf Schärf, declared Austria's secession from the Third Reich. This declaration marked the birth of the Second Republic. A provisional government was established in Vienna with Renner as Chancellor, garnering recognition from the Red Army and Joseph Stalin.
May 1945: Reestablishment of Austrian Sovereignty
On 1 May 1945, Austria reinstated the Federal Constitutional Law of 1920, which had been abolished by Dollfuss in 1934, marking a significant step towards restoring Austrian sovereignty. This reinstatement reaffirmed the country's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
May 1945: Re-enactment of the Austrian Constitution
On May 1, 1945, the Austrian Constitution of 1920, which had been amended in 1929, was re-enacted, establishing Austria as a federal, representative democratic republic.
October 1945: Allies Recognize Austrian Government
In October 1945, despite concerns about Soviet influence, the Allied powers officially recognized the Austrian government established in Vienna. This recognition marked a crucial step towards the restoration of Austria's sovereignty and its reintegration into the international community.
1945: Austria's liberation and Allied occupation
Austria was liberated from Nazi Germany in 1945 and entered a period of Allied occupation that lasted for a decade.
1945: Reinstatement of Austrian Constitution
In 1945, following World War II, Austria reinstated its constitution from 1920, which had been abolished by the authoritarian regime in 1934. This reinstatement marked a return to democratic principles and laid the foundation for the Second Republic. The political structure of the Second Republic relied heavily on the concept of Proporz, where key positions were distributed proportionally between the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
1945: Start of the Second Republic
The year 1945 marked the beginning of the Second Republic in Austria, following the end of World War II and the country's liberation from Nazi rule. This period ushered in a new era of democratic governance and postwar reconstruction.
July 1946: Austrian Parliament Passes Nationalization Law
On 26 July 1946, the Austrian Parliament enacted its first nationalization law, leading to the government's seizure of around 70 mining and manufacturing companies. This move reflected the socialist policies of the time, aimed at bringing key industries under state control. The newly formed Ministry of Property Protection and Economic Planning, led by Minister Peter Krauland, was tasked with overseeing these nationalized enterprises.
1951: Standardization of Austrian German
The Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research published the "Österreichisches Wörterbuch" in 1951, standardizing Austrian German, a variant of Standard High German, primarily used in education, publications, and official communications.
1954: Austria's Continued Success in FIFA World Cup
Austria continued their success in the FIFA World Cup, securing 3rd place in the 1954 tournament.
1954: Austria's Rise in International Football
Austria's national football team achieved a remarkable third-place finish in the 1954 World Cup, contributing to the country's growing national consciousness and self-confidence in the post-World War II era.
May 1955: Austria Regains Independence
On 15 May 1955, culminating years of negotiations shaped by the Cold War, Austria signed the Austrian State Treaty with the Allied powers. This treaty officially restored Austria's full independence after years of occupation following World War II.
July 1955: Austrian State Treaty and Minority Rights
The Austrian State Treaty, signed in July 1955, recognized Slovenes in Carinthia, Croats, and Hungarians in Burgenland as minorities and granted them special rights, while Slovenes in Styria were not included despite the treaty's stipulations.
October 1955: Austria Declares Permanent Neutrality
On 26 October 1955, with the withdrawal of all occupying forces, Austria declared its perpetual neutrality through a parliamentary act, marking a pivotal moment in its postwar history. This day is commemorated as Austria's National Day, symbolizing its commitment to peace and neutrality.
1955: Austria regains sovereignty and declares neutrality
In 1955, Austria regained full sovereignty after the Allied occupation and declared its perpetual neutrality.
1964: Innsbruck Hosts Winter Olympics
The 1964 Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria, with bobsleigh and luge competitions taking place on a permanent track in Igls.
1966: ÖVP Forms Single-Party Government
In 1966, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) formed a single-party government, marking one of the few instances since 1945 where a single party held complete control. This period of ÖVP rule lasted until 1970, shaping Austrian politics during this time.
1970: SPÖ Forms Single-Party Government
In 1970, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) took power and established a single-party government, marking another rare occurrence in Austrian politics since 1945. This period of SPÖ dominance continued until 1983, influencing the country's political and social landscape.
1972: Nuclear Power Plant Construction Begins
In 1972, Austria embarked on the construction of a nuclear power plant situated in Zwentendorf along the River Danube with the aim of electricity generation, following a unanimous vote of approval from the parliament.
1975: Niki Lauda Wins First F1 World Championship
Austrian Formula One driver Niki Lauda won his first F1 World Championship in 1975.
1976: Innsbruck Hosts Winter Olympics Again
Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics for a second time in 1976, again using the permanent track in Igls for bobsleigh and luge events.
1977: Niki Lauda's Second F1 World Championship
Niki Lauda claimed his second F1 World Championship title in 1977.
1978: Austria Achieves 7th Place in FIFA World Cup
Austria finished 7th in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, marking their last significant international success for several decades.
1978: Nuclear Power Referendum
In 1978, a referendum held in Austria revealed a close division in public opinion regarding nuclear power. Approximately 50.5% of voters opposed nuclear power, while 49.5% supported it. This result led to a unanimous parliamentary decision to enact a law prohibiting the use of nuclear power for electricity generation, even though the nuclear power plant had been completed.
1982: Beginning of the Abolition of Compulsory Voting
Austria started to phase out compulsory voting in 1982, ending the requirement to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections. The process of abolishing compulsory voting continued until 2004.
1983: End of SPÖ Single-Party Rule
In 1983, the period of single-party rule by the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) came to an end, leading to the formation of a new government. This shift in power marked a return to coalition politics, which had been the norm in Austria since 1945.
1984: Niki Lauda's Third F1 World Championship
Niki Lauda secured his third and final F1 World Championship victory in 1984, solidifying his legacy as a racing legend.
1986: Kurt Waldheim Elected President
Kurt Waldheim, a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, was elected President of Austria in 1986. However, his past as a Wehrmacht officer during World War II and accusations of war crimes cast a shadow over his presidency.
1991: Austria Grants Overflight Rights for UN Action in Iraq
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Austria began to reassess its neutrality policy. In 1991, it granted overflight rights for the UN-sanctioned military action against Iraq during the Gulf War.
1992: Austrian Chancellor Acknowledges Nazi Crimes
In 1992, Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky formally acknowledged the role of Austrians in Nazi atrocities, marking a significant step towards national accountability and reconciliation with the country's dark past. Thousands of Austrians participated in the Holocaust, resulting in the deaths of countless individuals in concentration camps like Mauthausen-Gusen.
1992: End of Kurt Waldheim's Presidency
In 1992, Kurt Waldheim's term as President of Austria concluded. His presidency remains a subject of debate due to the controversy surrounding his wartime past and alleged involvement in war crimes.
1994: Recognition of Romani and Sinti People
In 1994, Austria officially recognized the Romani people and Sinti as an ethnic minority, granting them legal recognition and protection.
1994: Referendum on EU Membership
In 1994, a referendum was held in Austria to determine public opinion on joining the European Union. The outcome of this referendum revealed strong support for EU membership, paving the way for Austria's accession to the bloc in 1995.
January 1995: Austria Joins the European Union
On 1 January 1995, Austria officially became a member of the European Union, following a referendum in 1994 where two-thirds of voters supported the country's accession. This historic move marked a significant milestone in Austria's postwar integration with Europe.
1995: Thomas Muster Wins French Open
Austrian tennis player Thomas Muster, known for his clay court prowess, won the French Open in 1995.
1995: Expansion into Eastern Europe
From 1995 to 2010, Austrian companies were actively involved in mergers and acquisitions in Eastern Europe, demonstrating their expansion into the region after the fall of communism.
1995: Austria Increases Participation in EU Security Policy and Joins NATO's Partnership for Peace
In 1995, Austria further adjusted its neutrality stance by increasing its participation in the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. That same year, it joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program, though it did so cautiously after Russia had become a member. This move signaled Austria's willingness to engage more actively in international security cooperation.
1995: European Court of Justice Gains Authority to Overrule Austrian Decisions
Starting in 1995, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) gained the authority to overrule Austrian legal decisions concerning matters defined by European Union laws.
1996: Thomas Muster Reaches Number 1 Ranking
Thomas Muster achieved the world number 1 ranking in the ATP rankings in 1996, solidifying his position as a top tennis player.
1997: Debate over Austria's Neutrality
In 1997, differing perspectives emerged within Austria's major political parties regarding the future of the country's long-standing military neutrality. The SPÖ advocated for maintaining a neutral stance, while the ÖVP favored greater integration into the EU's security framework, with some members even suggesting potential NATO membership.
1998: Women Allowed in Military
In 1998, Austria changed its military policy to allow women to become professional soldiers.
2000: HypoVereinsbank Acquires Bank Austria
In 2000, HypoVereinsbank completed the acquisition of Bank Austria for a substantial sum of 7.8 billion EUR, marking one of the largest transactions involving an Austrian company.
2001: Foreign Nationals in Austria
According to Statistik Austria's 2001 census, Austria had 710,926 foreign nationals, with the largest group originating from the former Yugoslavia.
2001: Tuition Fees Implemented at Public Universities
In 2001, Austria instituted a mandatory tuition fee, known as "Studienbeitrag," amounting to €363.36 per term for all public universities.
2001: Religious Demographics of Austria
In 2001, approximately 74% of the Austrian population identified as Roman Catholic, while 5% identified as Protestant, with both groups obligated to pay a church membership fee.
2001: Rise of Non-Religious Population
The 2001 census revealed that about 12% of Austria's population declared no religious affiliation.
2001: Beginning of Lutheran Church Decline
The Lutheran Church in Austria experienced a decline in membership from 2001 onward.
June 2003: Constitutional Convention Convened
A constitutional convention, known as the Österreich-Konvent, was convened on June 30, 2003, to discuss potential reforms to the Austrian Constitution. However, the convention failed to generate a proposal that could garner the necessary two-thirds majority in the Nationalrat required for constitutional changes.
2003: Turkish Immigration
In 2003, there was a notable trend of Turkish immigration to Austria, with 10,000 Turks immigrating to the country, while only 2,000 left, highlighting a strong pattern of growth.
2004: End of Compulsory Voting in Austria
By 2004, Austria had completely abolished compulsory voting for both presidential and parliamentary elections.
2005: Erste Group Acquires Banca Comercială Română
In a significant transaction in 2005, Erste Group acquired Banca Comercială Română for 3.7 billion EUR.
October 2006: Austrian General Elections
In the October 2006 general elections in Austria, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) emerged as the leading party, while the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) experienced a decline in support, losing roughly 8% of their previous votes. The results made it impossible for either of the two dominant parties to create a coalition with smaller parties.
2006: Introduction of University Entrance Exams
A bill passed in 2006 in Austria allowed for the implementation of entrance exams for specific university programs, including Medicine, which was previously open to anyone who passed the Matura examination.
2006: GDP Growth
Austria achieved a substantial Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 3.3 percent in 2006.
January 2007: Formation of a Grand Coalition Government
In January 2007, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) formed a grand coalition government. This coalition saw Social Democrat Alfred Gusenbauer assume the position of Chancellor.
2007: Tourism Thrives
In 2007, Austria experienced a successful year in tourism, securing the 9th position globally in terms of international tourism receipts, totaling 18.9 billion US dollars, and ranking 12th in international tourist arrivals with 20.8 million visitors.
2007: Lowering of the Voting Age
In 2007, Austria lowered the voting age from 18 to 16, allowing younger citizens to participate in general elections.
2007: Financial Crisis Begins
The Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 had a significant impact on Austria's economy, including the failure of banks and other financial institutions.
June 2008: Dissolution of the Grand Coalition Government
The grand coalition government formed between the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) in 2007 dissolved in June 2008.
September 2008: Austrian Elections Lead to Coalition Government
The September 2008 elections in Austria saw a weakening of both major parties, the SPÖ and ÖVP, although their combined vote share remained at 70%, with the SPÖ slightly ahead. They formed a coalition government with Werner Faymann of the SPÖ as Chancellor. The Green Party secured third place with 11% of the vote. Right-wing parties, the FPÖ and the late Jörg Haider's Alliance for the Future of Austria, gained ground but collectively received less than 20% of the vote.
October 2008: Death of Jörg Haider
Jörg Haider, former leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and founder of the Alliance for the Future of Austria, died in a car accident on October 11, 2008.
2008: End of Border Control Assistance
Austria ceased providing military assistance to border guards for controlling illegal immigration after Hungary and Slovakia joined the EU Schengen Area in 2008, effectively removing internal border controls.
2008: Tuition-Free Studies for EU Students
Starting in 2008, Austria abolished tuition fees for students from the European Union, provided they complete their studies within a specified timeframe, usually the expected study duration plus a two-term grace period.
2008: Financial Crisis Continues
The Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 had a significant impact on Austria's economy, including the failure of banks and other financial institutions.
December 2009: Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank International Nationalized
In December 2009, facing credit difficulties, the Austrian government acquired Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank International for a nominal fee of 1 euro.
2009: Volkswagen Group Acquires Porsche Holding Salzburg
Volkswagen Group acquired Porsche Holding Salzburg for 3.6 billion EUR in 2009, representing a significant transaction for an Austrian company.
November 2010: Withheld EU Bailout Contribution
Citing a significant deterioration in Greece's debt situation and concerns about its ability to meet tax collection targets, Austria declared its decision to withhold its December contribution to the EU bailout package for Greece in November 2010.
2010: Christoph Waltz Wins First Academy Award
Austrian actor Christoph Waltz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Inglourious Basterds" in 2010.
2010: Austrian Filmmakers Gain International Recognition
Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke gained international acclaim for his film "The White Ribbon" (2010), which won a Golden Globe.
2010: Expansion into Eastern Europe
From 1995 to 2010, Austrian companies were actively involved in mergers and acquisitions in Eastern Europe, demonstrating their expansion into the region after the fall of communism.
2011: Liechtenstein Joins Schengen Area
In 2011, Liechtenstein's entry into the Schengen Area marked a significant development for Austria, as it meant that all of its neighboring countries were now part of the zone without border controls. This event further solidified Austria's integration within Europe and had implications for its border policies.
2012: Christoph Waltz Wins Second Academy Award
Christoph Waltz won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012 for his role in "Django Unchained".
2012: Defense Spending at 0.8% GDP
In 2012, Austria allocated approximately 0.8% of its Gross Domestic Product to defense expenditures.
2012: First Winter Youth Olympics
Innsbruck hosted the first Winter Youth Olympics in 2012, showcasing winter sports and promoting youth participation.
August 2013: Record High Temperature
August 2013, Austria experienced an extreme temperature event, reaching a record high of 40.5 °C (105 °F).
2013: Austrian Legislative Elections
In the 2013 legislative elections in Austria, the Social Democratic Party secured 27% of the vote, earning 52 seats, while the People's Party garnered 24% and 47 seats, giving them a combined majority. The Freedom Party obtained 40 seats with 21% of the votes, and the Greens received 12% and 24 seats. Two new parties, Stronach and NEOS, secured less than 10% of the vote each, gaining 11 and 9 seats, respectively.
February 2014: HGAA Crisis
The unresolved situation with HGAA in February 2014 prompted Chancellor Werner Faymann to issue a warning, comparing its potential failure to the significant 1931 Creditanstalt event.
2015: Growing Non-Religious Demographic
By 2015, the proportion of Austrians identifying as non-religious had increased to 20%, based on church data.
2015: Births to Unmarried Women
In 2015, 42.1% of births in Austria were to unmarried women.
2015: Low Sunday Church Attendance
Sunday church attendance among Austrian Roman Catholics was low in 2015, with only 605,828 attendees, or 7% of the total population.
May 2016: Christian Kern Becomes Chancellor of Austria
Christian Kern of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) was sworn in as the new Chancellor of Austria on May 17, 2016. He continued to lead the "grand coalition" government with the conservative People's Party (ÖVP). Kern's appointment followed the resignation of the previous chancellor, Werner Faymann, also from the SPÖ.
2016: Significant Drop in Lutheran Adherents
Between 2001 and 2016, the Lutheran church in Austria witnessed a substantial loss of 74,421 members.
2016: Biocapacity Deficit
In 2016, Austria faced a biocapacity deficit, with its ecological footprint of consumption surpassing its biocapacity, highlighting the country's ecological imbalance despite being relatively well-endowed compared to other European nations.
2016: Muslim Population Doubles in 15 Years
The Muslim population in Austria experienced significant growth, doubling between 2001 and 2016 to reach 700,000.
2016: Life Expectancy
The life expectancy in Austria during 2016 was approximately 81.5 years, with 78.9 years for males and 84.3 years for females.
January 2017: Alexander Van der Bellen Becomes Austrian President
On January 26, 2017, Alexander Van der Bellen was sworn in as the President of Austria, assuming the largely ceremonial yet symbolically significant role.
October 2017: Snap Election in Austria
Following the collapse of the Grand Coalition in Spring 2017, a snap election was held in Austria in October 2017. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), under new leadership of Sebastian Kurz, emerged as the largest party with 31.5% of votes and 62 out of 183 seats. The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) came in second with 52 seats and 26.9% of votes, narrowly ahead of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) with 51 seats and 26%. NEOS secured fourth place with 10 seats (5.3%), and PILZ, which had split from the Green Party, debuted in parliament with 8 seats (4.4%). The Green Party, with 3.8%, failed to surpass the 4% threshold and lost all its 24 seats. The ÖVP formed a coalition with the FPÖ, and this new government under Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was sworn in on December 18, 2017.
December 2017: New Austrian Government Formed
On December 18, 2017, a new Austrian government, formed as a coalition between the center-right Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), was sworn in. This followed the October 2017 snap election, which saw the ÖVP emerge as the largest party under the leadership of Sebastian Kurz, who became the new Chancellor.
2017: Physician Density in Austria
In 2017, Austria had a high physician density, with 5.2 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants. The country had 271 hospitals and a total of 45,596 physicians, with over half working in hospitals. However, a significant portion of physicians were nearing retirement age.
2017: Total Fertility Rate
The total fertility rate (TFR) in Austria was estimated to be 1.52 children per woman in 2017, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1.
2018: Establishment of Health Professional's Registry
A new mandatory health professional's registry was established in Austria in 2018.
2018: Foreign-Born Residents
Eurostat data from 2018 indicated that Austria had 1.69 million foreign-born residents, accounting for 19.2% of the total population, with 10.5% born outside the EU and 8.6% born in other EU member states.
2018: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2018, Austria received a mean score of 3.55 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 149th out of 172 countries globally.
2018: Decline in Roman Catholic Church Members
The Austrian Roman Catholic Church reported a decline in membership in 2018, with 5,050,000 members, representing 56.9% of the population.
September 2019: New Elections Called After Coalition Collapse
After the collapse of the coalition government between the ÖVP and FPÖ due to the "Ibiza" corruption scandal, new elections were called for September 29, 2019.
2019: Health in Austria
In 2019, Austria faced health challenges despite a high life expectancy. Cancer claimed 21,500 lives, with lung cancer being the leading cause, potentially linked to smoking, dietary risks, and other factors. Austria's health spending per capita ranked third in the EU in 2019.
January 2020: New Coalition Government Formed
The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), led by Sebastian Kurz, secured a significant victory in the September 2019 elections with 37.5% of the vote. Subsequently, they formed a coalition government with the resurgent Green Party, which had garnered 13.9% of the vote. This new coalition government, with Kurz continuing as Chancellor, was sworn in on January 7, 2020.
May 2020: Klaudia Tanner Becomes Defense Minister
In May 2020, Klaudia Tanner assumed the position of Austrian Minister of Defence, becoming the commander of the Armed Forces.
2020: 14th Oldest Population
Austria had the 14th oldest population globally in 2020, with an average age of 44.5 years.
2020: Dominic Thiem Wins US Open
Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem emerged victorious at the 2020 US Open, adding a Grand Slam title to his impressive career.
2020: Suspension of Compulsory Registration
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compulsory registration for the health professional's registry was suspended in early 2020, allowing for continued professional activities in long-term care without registration.
2020: Population at 9 Million
The population of Austria was estimated to be nearly 9 million in 2020 by Statistik Austria.
October 2021: Sebastian Kurz Resigns, Alexander Schallenberg Becomes Chancellor
In October 2021, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz resigned following a corruption scandal. He was succeeded by Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, also from the ruling Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
December 2021: Karl Nehammer Becomes Austrian Chancellor
Karl Nehammer was sworn in as Austria's third conservative chancellor in two months on December 6, 2021, following a corruption scandal involving the ruling People's Party. He succeeded Alexander Schallenberg, who had resigned after less than two months in office. The ÖVP and the Greens continued their governing coalition.
2021: Continued Increase in Non-Religious Austrians
In 2021, the non-religious segment of the Austrian population further expanded to 22.4%, encompassing 1,997,700 individuals.
2022: End of Pandemic Suspension
The suspension of compulsory registration for the health professional's registry in Austria was in place until late spring 2022, with transition plans without the pandemic still being determined.
2023: Austria's Global Innovation Ranking
Austria was ranked 18th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, reflecting its contributions to science and technology.
2080: Population Projection
In 2080, Statistics Austria projects that the nation's population will reach 10.55 million due to the impact of immigration.
