Flag: The flag of Austria is three thick bands of red, white, red. The red stripes are said to symbolize hardiness, strength, valor, and bravery. The white stripes represent peace and honesty. This flag was adopted in the 1200s by Frederick II Babenberg when he was Duke of Austria.
President: Heinz Fischer is the president of Austria. He was re-elected in April 2010 for a renewal
in his termas president . Heinz ischer is a part of the Social Democratic Party of Austria.
Capital: The capital of Austria is Vienna. Approximately 1.7 million people live in Vienna. It is the 10th largest city in the European Union based on population.
Money: Austria, as a part of the European Union, uses the Euro as currency. The Euro is equivalent to 1.3875 U.S. Dollars. The Euro is the second largest form of currency used in the world, second to the Dollar. Euros are made up of paper "bills" and coins. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 amounts. Euro coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Eurocent amounts, as well as 1 and 2 Euro amounts.
History: There are many interesting historical events that have happened in Austria during it's time as a country. The five most interesting facts that I have found deal with recent Austrian history:
In 1867, the Dual-Monarchy of Austria-Hungary was established.
On November 12, 1918, the last Habsburg Emperor was overthrown and Austria became a republic.
In 1945 as a result of World War II, Austria's territory was divided among the "four powers": Americans, the British, the French, and Soviet Zones.
In 1954, the "four powers" ended their occupations of Austria.
On New Year's day in 1955, Austria joined the European Union.
Food:Austrian cuisine is similar to German cuisine, however, the following 10 items are traditionally Austrian.
Wiener Schnitzel – a veal cutlet that is breaded and fried and served with parsley potatoes
Tafelspitz – beef boiled in broth and served with a horseradish sauce
Palatschinken - thin pancakes filled with marmalade or jam and sprinkled with powdered sugar
Apfelstrudel – apple filling wrapped in a light crisp pastry
Kaiserschmarm – a soft, fluffy pancake
Dobostorte – thin layers of caramel cake filled with hazelnut frosting and topped with a hard caramel topping
Vanillerostbraten – a beef dish prepared with garlic
Rindsuppe – beef soup that has a clear broth with a golden color
Germknödel - yeast doughnut with a mix of poppy seeds and sugar, filled with jam, often it is eaten with vanilla cream
Sachertorte - a rich chocolate torte filled with layers of apricot jam.
What I Learned:
As I have researched Austria, I have found out much about the culture of Austrians as well as what life must have been like for my grandmother. My mother was born in Austria and came to the United States when she was three and was exposed to Austrian culture mainly through stories told by her mother (my grandmother). I had no idea that Austria went through so many historical change of hands, and it makes me wonder how it must have been to live through some of those changes. It was very interesting to me that when Hitler took over Austria with the Third Reich, that many people would refuse to help him in his deadly mission.
Through exploring Austrian foods, I found I was growing hungry at the thought of so many delicious meals. The desserts seem decadent and delicious and full of chocolate (yum!). I have eaten many of these items at my aunt's house as a young child and I can say that there is nothing like a Dobostorte to really make your mouth water! Palatschinken also were a food that I have enjoyed, but are better known by their French name, crepes. All of these foods have given me insight to what the culture is all about: food and family. The values of Austrians are instilled in my life everyday, although I cannot say that I can eat all of these foods often as I'm sure the scale would not be happy when I stepped on after enjoying all of the Austrian fare.
The video below is an instructional video on how to make Sachertorte. It is written partially in German, partially in English.
Miss Cmunt - Austria
Flag: The flag of Austria is three thick bands of red, white, red. The red stripes are said to symbolize hardiness, strength, valor, and bravery. The white stripes represent peace and honesty. This flag was adopted in the 1200s by Frederick II Babenberg when he was Duke of Austria.
President: Heinz Fischer is the president of Austria. He was re-elected in April 2010 for a renewal
in his termas president . Heinz ischer is a part of the Social Democratic Party of Austria.
Capital: The capital of Austria is Vienna. Approximately 1.7 million people live in Vienna. It is the 10th largest city in the European Union based on population.
Money: Austria, as a part of the European Union, uses the Euro as currency. The Euro is equivalent to 1.3875 U.S. Dollars. The Euro is the second largest form of currency used in the world, second to the Dollar. Euros are made up of paper "bills" and coins. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 amounts. Euro coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Eurocent amounts, as well as 1 and 2 Euro amounts.
History: There are many interesting historical events that have happened in Austria during it's time as a country. The five most interesting facts that I have found deal with recent Austrian history:
Food:Austrian cuisine is similar to German cuisine, however, the following 10 items are traditionally Austrian.
What I Learned:
As I have researched Austria, I have found out much about the culture of Austrians as well as what life must have been like for my grandmother. My mother was born in Austria and came to the United States when she was three and was exposed to Austrian culture mainly through stories told by her mother (my grandmother). I had no idea that Austria went through so many historical change of hands, and it makes me wonder how it must have been to live through some of those changes. It was very interesting to me that when Hitler took over Austria with the Third Reich, that many people would refuse to help him in his deadly mission.
Through exploring Austrian foods, I found I was growing hungry at the thought of so many delicious meals. The desserts seem decadent and delicious and full of chocolate (yum!). I have eaten many of these items at my aunt's house as a young child and I can say that there is nothing like a Dobostorte to really make your mouth water! Palatschinken also were a food that I have enjoyed, but are better known by their French name, crepes. All of these foods have given me insight to what the culture is all about: food and family. The values of Austrians are instilled in my life everyday, although I cannot say that I can eat all of these foods often as I'm sure the scale would not be happy when I stepped on after enjoying all of the Austrian fare.
The video below is an instructional video on how to make Sachertorte. It is written partially in German, partially in English.