• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Austria

Ethnicity

Nearly all of Austria's population is ethnically Austrian, but this is very similar genetically to what is commonly referred to as "German." There are numerous ethnic and genetic variations within the German population, both inside and outside of Germany, but among the German-speaking people of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg there are no genetic extremes as all are more closely related to each other than they are to other Germanic people, such as the Dutch.

Today there are a number of minority groups in Austria, particularly in Vienna. The largest of these groups are ethnic Turks and the people of what was formerly Yugoslavia (primarily Slovenes, Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks).

Language

German is the only official national language in Austria; however Slovenian, Croatian, and Hungarian are official languages regionally. The dialect of German spoken in Austria is understood by other native German speakers, but it is a distinct dialect similar to the dialect spoken in Bavaria (Germany).

English is the most popular second language in Austria and many people are fluent, especially in the cities as well as in some businesses, where the language is important due to international interactions.

Religion

Most Austrians are Catholic, although there is a growing group of atheists in addition to a Protestant minority.

Catholicism is a Christian religion that is one of the first Christian religions (founded after the death of Jesus in about 30-33 AD). Catholicism believes that there is a single God who created everything, a savior, the son of God, Jesus Christ who is the forgiver of sins, and there is the Holy Spirit, which makes up the last part of the Holy Trinity. Catholics follow the teachings of the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments. Much of the faith is based on the life and teachings of Jesus, which is found in the gospels (in the New Testament).

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014