1. Austria’s flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world, dating back to 1191.
2. The Habsburg family, which ruled Austria for centuries, had a hereditary jaw deformity called the Habsburg jaw due to extensive intermarriage.
3. The Vienna State Opera is one of the busiest opera houses in the world, with over 50 operas and ballets staged each season.
4. Austria’s national anthem, “Land der Berge, Land am Strome” (Land of Mountains, Land by the River), is one of the few national anthems that doesn’t mention the country’s name.
5. Austria’s Lake Constance is the third largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and is shared with Germany and Switzerland.
6. The Austrian Alps cover about two-thirds of the country’s total land area.
7. The world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schรถnbrunn, is located in Vienna and was founded in 1752.
8. The Austrian village of Hallstatt is known for its picturesque beauty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Vienna has a long history of coffee culture, with the first coffeehouse in the city opening in 1683.
10. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1842, is considered one of the finest orchestras in the world.
11. Austria is home to the world’s largest emerald, the “Emperor of Austria,” which weighs over 2,860 carats.
12. The Austrian city of Graz was designated as a UNESCO City of Design in 2011, recognizing its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
13. The Glockenspiel in Graz’s city center is the largest carillon in Austria and one of the largest in Europe, with 43 bells.
14. The Austrian village of Groรgmain is home to the world’s largest ice cave system, the Eisriesenwelt, which stretches over 42 kilometers.
15. The Austrian National Library in Vienna is one of the largest library collections in the world, housing over 12 million items.
16. Austria is one of the most forested countries in Europe, with forests covering nearly half of its total land area.
17. The Austrian city of Salzburg is the birthplace of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
18. The Lipizzaner horses, known for their graceful movements, originate from Lipica in modern-day Slovenia, which was part of the Austrian Empire.
19. Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most scenic drives in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.
20. The Viennese waltz, a famous ballroom dance, originated in Vienna in the late 18th century.
21. The Austrian town of Hallstatt inspired a replica in China, which is so meticulously constructed that it’s often referred to as “Hallstatt’s twin.