Austria's 9 Federal States Explained with Key Facts

Austria’s administrative divisions comprises nine federal states, capitals, population, and GDP.

Why Vienna is both a city and a state.

Austria’s Administrative Divisions

Austria is a federal republic in Central Europe, and its political system is built on a structure of shared powers between the national government and regional authorities. The country is divided into nine federal states (Bundesländer), each with its own capital, government, and unique cultural identity. These federal states are further divided into districts (Bezirke), municipalities (Gemeinden), and in some cases, statutory cities (Statutarstädte), which have the powers of both a municipality and a district.

Vienna stands out as Austria’s capital city and at the same time a federal state, making it unique among the nine regions. This administrative setup ensures balance between national unity and regional autonomy.

List of Austria’s 9 federal states (Bundesländer)

Burgenland – Capital: Eisenstadt
Carinthia (Kärnten) – Capital: Klagenfurt
Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) – Capital: Sankt Pölten
Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) – Capital: Linz
Salzburg – Capital: Salzburg
Styria (Steiermark) – Capital: Graz
Tyrol (Tirol) – Capital: Innsbruck
Vorarlberg – Capital: Bregenz
Vienna (Wien) – Capital: Vienna (also a federal state)

Austria as a Federal Republic

What Makes Austria a Federal State?

Austria’s constitution guarantees that each federal state has its own parliament and government, though many powers are delegated to the national level. This federal system ensures that cultural diversity and regional priorities are respected while maintaining a strong central government.

The Role of Federal States in Governance

Federal states are responsible for certain areas of lawmaking and administration such as education, public health, local policing, and cultural matters. Districts and municipalities manage day-to-day governance, including infrastructure and public services.

The Nine Federal States of Austria

Burgenland – Austria’s Easternmost State

Capital: Eisenstadt
Area: 3,965 sq km
Population (2017): 291,942
GDP (2022): €10.45 billion
GDP per capita: €34,900

Known for its vineyards, lakes, and proximity to Hungary, Burgenland is Austria’s least populated state but has a growing reputation for renewable energy and tourism.

Carinthia – Land of Lakes and Mountains

Capital: Klagenfurt
Area: 9,536 sq km
Population (2017): 561,077
GDP (2022): €24.75 billion
GDP per capita: €43,600

Carinthia is famous for its alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes, making it a popular holiday region for both winter and summer tourism.

Lower Austria – The Largest Federal State

Capital: Sankt Pölten
Area: 19,178 sq km
Population (2017): 1,665,753
GDP (2022): €71.75 billion
GDP per capita: €41,900

Lower Austria surrounds Vienna and is the largest Austrian state by area. It is a major hub for agriculture, wine production, and industry.

Upper Austria – Industrial and Economic Powerhouse

Capital: Linz
Area: 11,982 sq km
Population (2017): 1,465,045
GDP (2022): €76.78 billion
GDP per capita: €50,700

Upper Austria is one of the wealthiest and most industrialized regions, hosting strong manufacturing and technology sectors.

Salzburg – Land of Mozart and the Alps

Capital: Salzburg
Area: 7,154 sq km
Population (2017): 549,263
GDP (2022): €33.33 billion
GDP per capita: €58,900

World-renowned as the birthplace of Mozart and home to The Sound of Music, Salzburg combines cultural heritage with breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Styria – The Green Heart of Austria

Capital: Graz
Area: 16,401 sq km
Population (2017): 1,237,298
GDP (2022): €56.15 billion
GDP per capita: €44,600

Styria is Austria’s second-largest state and is often called the “green heart” due to its forests, vineyards, and focus on sustainability.

Tyrol – Alpine Paradise and Tourism Hub

Capital: Innsbruck
Area: 12,648 sq km
Population (2017): 746,153
GDP (2022): €39.32 billion
GDP per capita: €51,200

Tyrol is dominated by the Alps and is internationally famous for skiing, mountaineering, and winter sports. Innsbruck has twice hosted the Winter Olympics.

Vorarlberg – Westernmost and Culturally Distinct

Capital: Bregenz
Area: 2,601 sq km
Population (2017): 388,752
GDP (2022): €23.59 billion
GDP per capita: €58,300

Vorarlberg borders Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein. Its culture has strong Alemannic influences, distinct from the rest of Austria.

Vienna – Capital City and Federal State

Capital: Vienna (same as state)
Area: 415 sq km
Population (2017): 1,867,582
GDP (2022): €110.99 billion
GDP per capita: €56,600

Vienna is both the national capital and a federal state. It is the smallest in area but the largest by population and GDP. Vienna consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Comparative Table of Austria’s Federal States

Federal State	Capital	Area (sq km)	Population (2017)	GDP (€bn, 2022)	GDP per capita (€)
Burgenland	Eisenstadt	3,965	291,942	10.45	34,900
Carinthia	Klagenfurt	9,536	561,077	24.75	43,600
Lower Austria	Sankt Pölten	19,178	1,665,753	71.75	41,900
Upper Austria	Linz	11,982	1,465,045	76.78	50,700
Salzburg	Salzburg	7,154	549,263	33.33	58,900
Styria	Graz	16,401	1,237,298	56.15	44,600
Tyrol	Innsbruck	12,648	746,153	39.32	51,200
Vorarlberg	Bregenz	2,601	388,752	23.59	58,300
Vienna	Vienna	415	1,867,582	110.99	56,600

1. How many federal states does Austria have?
Austria has nine federal states (Bundesländer).

2. Which is the largest state in Austria by area?
Lower Austria is the largest state, covering 19,178 sq km.

3. Which Austrian state has the highest GDP per capita?
Salzburg and Vorarlberg lead with GDP per capita exceeding €58,000.

4. Is Vienna a city or a state?
Vienna is both a city and a federal state, making it unique in Austria.

5. What is the smallest Austrian state?
Vienna is the smallest by area, covering only 415 sq km.

6. Do Austrian states have their own governments?
Yes, each federal state has its own parliament and government, though many decisions are coordinated with the national government.

Austria’s administrative divisions highlight the balance between unity and diversity. Each of the nine federal states contributes uniquely to the nation’s cultural richness, economic growth, and political stability. From Vienna’s global influence to Tyrol’s alpine traditions, Austria’s federal system ensures that regional identities remain strong while working together under a national framework.