Geography
One of the most densely forested and mountainous countries in Europe, Austria lies at the east end of the Alps. About 40 percent of the country's area is covered by trees, and 72 percent comprises hills and mountains. It is the country's central alpine section that contains the tallest mountains and most massive glaciers. The average elevation in Austria is about 900 meters (2,953 feet) above sea level; the highest peak, Grossglockner, is 3,797 meters (12,457 feet) above sea level.The other geologic trait that has shaped Austria's character is the Danube River. Historically, it is the most important river in Europe, and it is also the continent's longest. The river has created lush bottomlands in the Vienna Basin, through which it flows.
Austria itself is divided into nine states or Bundeslander, and is bordered to the north by Germany, to the west by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, to the south by Italy, Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia), and Hungary, and to the east by the Czech Republic.