Introduction
Austria (a Wikipedia link) is a landlocked country in central Europe with a population of about 9.2 million. It is bounded to the north by Germany and Czechia, to the east by Slovakia and Hungary, to the south by Slovenia and Italy, and to the west by Switzerland. The capital and largest city is Vienna.
Austria is a secular and religiously neutral state by law, however it does not practice a strict separation of church and state.
The president is the head of state and is elected by popular majority vote. The chancellor is the head of government and is selected by the president.
History
Early history and Roman rule
- Ancient times: The area was settled in ancient times and then inhabited by Celtic tribes who created the kingdom of Noricum.
- Romans: The Romans conquered around 15 BCE and built cities along the Danube River.
- Migration period: When Rome weakened in the 5th century CE, Germanic and Slavic tribes moved into the region.
The middle ages and Babenberg rule
- Charlemagne: In the late 8th century CE, Charlemagne created a frontier region called the Ostmark.
- First mention: The name Ostarrîchi (Austria) appeared in a document in 996.
- Babenberg family: The Babenbergs ruled from 976 to 1156 and helped develop the city of Vienna. The region became an independent duchy in 1156.
The rise of the Habsburgs
- Royal rule: Rudolf I of Habsburg gained control in 1278. That began more than 600 years of Habsburg rule.
- Imperial power: Through marriage and diplomacy, the Habsburgs increased their lands and power.
- Enlightened reforms: In the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa and her son (Joseph II) modernized the state with central administration and reforms to education.
Empire and world wars
- Austrian empire: In 1806 Francis II dissolved the Holy Roman Empire. He then created the Austrian Empire.
- Dual monarchy: After lost Prussian influence in 1866, Austria formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867.
- World War I: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 led to World War I, and to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918. Austria became a republic in 1918.
- World War II: Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. It was liberated in 1945.
Modern Austria
- Sovereignty: Austria gained full neutrality in 1955.
- European union: Austria joined the European Union in 1995.
Austria was historically a strongly Catholic country, however there has been a continual decline in Christianity since the fall of the Habsburg monarchy earlier in the 20th century. The “No religion” category has been growing steadily in the most recent decades.
Current day
Religion in Austria (a Wikipedia link) is as follows (as of 2021):
- Christianity: 68.2%
- Catholic: 55.2%
- Orthodox: 4.9%
- Protestant: 3.8%
- Other Christian: 4.3%
- No religion: 22.4%
- Islam: 8.3%
- Other religions: 1.1%
The Austrian constitution (a Wikipedia link) provides for freedom of religion and Austria does not have an official religion.
Issues
Austria is currently wrestling with issues to do with the recent influx of immigrants, especially Islamic immigration. Full-face coverings like the niqab and burqa were banned in public spaces under a 2017 law, and the parliament passed legislation restricting headscarves for girls under 14 in schools.
The government closely regulates religious organizations under frameworks like the Islam Law, and subsequent measures – including the establishment of the Documentation Center for Political Islam – aim to counter extremist ideologies.
Restrictions on foreign funding for Muslim places of worship and imams has been enacted. Critics argue that will create a discriminatory double standard compared to other historical faiths.
There does not appear to be major secular issues when it comes to society in Austria.
Secular and atheist groups
The following is a list of societies, groups, and on-line organisations who have motivations and philosophies that are not based on religion. The links are to the organisations’ web sites.
- Atheist Religious Society in Austria.
- Alliance for Humanism and Atheism.
- Atheist Republic Vienna Consulate.
- Humanist Association of Austria.
- Secular Refugee Aid – Austria.
- Evo.