The flag of the Republic of Austria is believed to be one of the oldest national flag designs in the world. The flag has 3 equal horizontal bands of red, white and red.  Legend tells, that the design idea dates back to the 12^th century and is said to have come from a battle during the crusades, in which Duke Leopold V of Austria was so drenched and stained with blood, that when he removed his belt, there remained his inspiration, of three horizontal bands of red, white and red.

The emblem of is of an eagle holding a sickle representing agriculture and a hammer for industry.  The broken chains are an addition to the original in 1945 following Austria’s liberation.

Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia, with Vienna as the capital city. The total area is 83,870 sq. km. which is divided into nine states. Austria has eight borders with other countries, although German is the official language. Membership of the European Union in 1995, has brought with it considerable foreign investment to contribute to an already high standard of living experienced by Austrians, the populace of which is now approaching 8,300,000. Austria is closely tied to other European Union economies, in particular that of Germany. Timber still remains the primary industry and 47% of the land comprises of forested areas.

Austria can boast that 80% of her electricity supply is generated by renewable energy supplies, produced at wind, solar and biomass plants, with hydroelectricity being responsible for more than half of the electricity consumed in Austria.