Austria is located in the center of Europe. As a landlocked country it is bordered by eight other countries, including Germany and Italy.
Austria was at one time one of the leading powers of Europe. However, losses in wars in the second half of the 19th century, took the power away. In 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia which led to the outbreak of World War I. Austria was annexed with Germany in World War II – Hitler and many prominent Nazis were Austrians. Austria joined the European Union in 1995.
Most of the country is located in and around the Alps, giving it natural beauty.
Vienna, the capital and largest city, is known for producing several brilliant musicians. Liszt, Strauss, Schubert, and others were born in Vienna; Mozart was born in Salzburg, but spent time in Vienna.
Salzburg, made popular by The Sound of Music, is on the western edge of the country.