Government

Austria is a federal state composed of nine independent federal provinces (Burgenland, Carinthia, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Voralberg and Vienna).  The Federal President is the highest representative of the state, and is elected directly by the people for a term of six years.  The current President is Dr. Heinz Fischer.

Legislative power is held by a bicameral federal parliament.  The Nationalrat, or lower house of parliament, is the principal legislative body and has 183 elected members. The Bundesrat, or upper house, has 62 members representing the federal provinces.

International Relations

Austria is an active member of the United Nations, and has served in many peace-keeping missions over the years. It became a member of the European Union on 1 January 1995, following a referendum in which 66.4% of the electorate approved the country's accession. Austria last held the EU Presidency in the first half of 2006.

Economy

Austria has a well-developed market economy and a high standard of living.  The economy has strong industrial, agricultural and service sectors.  Membership of the EU and Austria’s proximity to, and close historical connections with, the economies of Central and Eastern Europe, have all contributed to the growth of the Austrian economy in recent years.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic relations were established between Ireland and Austria in May 1951 and both countries have maintained resident embassies since 1974.