Google Doodle Celebrates Austria National Day

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Today's Google Doodle is a tribute to Austria as the nation celebrates its National Day. This date holds historical significance as it marks the day in 1955 when the Austrian Parliament made a pivotal decision, enshrining the country's neutrality through a constitutional law. A decade later, in 1965, the 26th of October was officially declared a "national holiday" by law, a day of great pride and importance for the Austrian people.

Austria, a federation of nine federal states, boasts Vienna as its capital, the largest city, and a significant federal state. Geographically, Austria shares its borders with Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, and Slovenia and Italy to the south. To the west, it is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The country's history is marked by pivotal moments, including its role in World War I. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary's heir presumptive, Emperor Franz Joseph declared war on Serbia in 1914, eventually leading to the outbreak of World War I. The empire's defeat and collapse paved the way for the Republic of German-Austria in 1918, which later became the First Austrian Republic in 1919. The interwar period saw the emergence of an Austrofascist dictatorship under Engelbert Dollfuss in 1934. Austria's annexation into Nazi Germany in 1938 by Adolf Hitler, a year before the outbreak of World War II, resulted in its status as a sub-national division. However, after liberation in 1945 and a decade of Allied occupation, Austria regained its sovereignty and declared permanent neutrality in 1955.

Austria's political system is structured around a parliamentary representative democracy, with a popularly elected president serving as the head of state and a chancellor as the head of government and chief executive. Some of the major cities in Austria include Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. The nation ranks 17th in nominal GDP per capita and was positioned 25th globally for its Human Development Index in 2021, reflecting high standards of living.

Austria is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations since 1955, and the European Union since 1995. It hosts institutions like the OSCE and OPEC and is a founding member of the OECD and Interpol. Additionally, Austria signed the Schengen Agreement in 1995 and adopted the euro currency in 1999, further solidifying its position in the European landscape.

A unique aspect of Austria's post-World War II history is its treatment by the Allied forces. It was divided into American, British, French, and Soviet zones, governed by the Allied Commission for Austria. The Austrian government, composed of Social Democrats, Conservatives, and Communists, was recognized by the Western Allies in 1945, avoiding the division of the country and treating it as though it had been initially invaded by Germany and liberated by the Allies.

On May 15, 1955, Austria regained full independence by concluding the Austrian State Treaty with the Four Occupying Powers. Then, on October 26, 1955, after all occupation troops had departed, Austria declared its "permanent neutrality" through an act of parliament. This day became Austria's National Day, a significant and cherished public holiday.

On this special occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to Austria, saying, "Happy National Day, Austria! Einen schönen Nationalfeiertag, Österreich!" May the nation continue to thrive and celebrate its rich history and contributions to the world.

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