Large multinational firms have also been attracted to the country in recent years by the low strike record of the labour force. There were only two strikes in 1982, the second lowest total in Europe after Switzerland. The large firms, such as General Motors and Philips, frequently supply parts to the West German economy rather than build complete assemblies in Austria.
Unemployment is very low compared with other Western European countries and, standing at 3.7 per cent, it is bettered only by Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. This has been achieved partly because the working week is slightly shorter than elsewhere: an average of 36-37 hours.
Despite the modernity of Austria's industries, the attachment to local customs is still strong. In the rural areas, men commonly wear lederhosen and jackets or capes made of a woolen material (loden). Women's regional costumes - including the full-skirted, tight-bodiced dress known as the dirndl - can still be seen on feastdays and holidays.
Locals hypothesize that the legacy of Italian blood and culture in Cologne, colonized by the Romans more than 1500 years ago, makes the people more jovial and lighthearted. Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine.
Kolsch is not only the dialect spoken here but, also the name of their own top-fermented beer. There are more than 4,000 pubs, restaurant's and brewery taverns in Cologne.
Unlike many of the world's large cities, Cologne, with a population of over a million, gets better every day, there are more things to do and see, more new and innovative buildings... more
Travel is an opportunity to learn, whether geography, languages, history or other subjects.
Cologne is situated on the beautiful Rhine River.