austria

• republic of austria, country in central europe
the republic of austria is a country in central europe. following the demise of the austro-hungarian empire at the end of the first world war, austria became an independent republic in 1919. german forces entered austria unopposed in the anschluss of 1938 and austria was made part of nazi germany. in 1945 austria was divided into four zones, which were occupied by the forces of the united states, united kingdom, the soviet union, and france. the occupation forces left in 1955. austria is a member of the council of europe and applied for membership in the european community in 1989. in 1986 dr franz vranitzky, of the socialist party of austria (sp?), became chancellor. dr thomas klestil, of the austrian people's party (?vp), became president in 1992. austria exports machinery and equipment, iron, steel, lumber, and textiles. tourism is an important industry.