World Regional Geography - Austria: Population / Migration / Demographics + Local and Popular Culture, Physical & Natural Features

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WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY- AUSTRIA
Population/migration/Demographics
Austria is an open economy situated in Europe, which makes it an entryway between Europe’s cultural and economic regions. Austria covers the area from the Eastern Alps extensively to Danube Basin plans. In 2015, the population in Austria totals to 8.557,000 with a surface area of 84,000 square kilometres. Austria borders eight countries namely; Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Liechtenstein.
From the last official Census that was conducted in 2011, the population then was at 8.421 million. In the past ten years, this is an increase of approximately 5%. Even looking at the previous years, the population has been increasing steadily resulting in high urbanization. The urbanization has been caused specifically by age-specific groups, especially those from 18-26 years. They move to the central cities to grab the educational and vocational opportunities. The population growth is attributed to international migration since statistical adjustments, and birth surpluses contributed small increases to the overall growth CITATION Enc07 \l 1033 (Encyclopedia).
Since 1970, the population changes in Austria have always been determined by migratory movements. Births and deaths are largely balanced. Therefore, it could be said that population has been relatively increasing since 1970. However, immigration increased significantly from the 1990s, since new integration measures were brought up and the country joined the European Union, thus more borders opened upCITATION Ann05 \p 43 \l 1033 (Annesley 43).
Notably, more than 300,000 people came from Yugoslavia and other more than 300,000 from Turkey to Austria during and after the wars that occurred in those regions. These are the people who have been naturalized and today are Austrian citizens. Therefore, tracing the origin of the Austrians, Turkey and Yugoslavia are the two major origin regions CITATION Enc07 \l 1033 (Encyclopedia).
The future projections are that the total population of Austria will increase to 8.99 million by the year 2030, which will be a 7% growth and to 9.37 million by 2010, which will be an 11% growth. It is expected to be so because foreign migration to Austria is also expected to keep risingCITATION Mac02 \p 12 \l 1033 (MacHardy 12).
People are also leaving from Austria to other foreign countries such as the United States to look for better opportunities. Research shows that the Austrian immigrants in the United States have had a massive impact on the sciences, arts and even the culture of the state (Embassy).
Local and popular culture
Austria is known for a rich culture. The society has been greatly influenced by art, literature and music. Austrian culture is an assortment of fascinating customs and unparalleled traditions of classic music, a plethora of festive events as well as grand literature.
Music is the epitome of Austrian culture. Specifically Vienna, which is known for classical music and has been widely known as a centre for musical innovation. Music in Austria has a long and rich journey about culture. For instance, the western classical music is an origin from Austria...