Austria profile

Demography and Health

Austria’s population stands at about 9.18 million in 2024, placing it among medium‑sized European economies with a mature demographic profile. The country experiences a modest natural change in population: a birth rate of 8.5 per 1,000 people and a death rate of 9.8 per 1,000 people, signaling aging dynamics rather than rapid population growth. Net migration contributed 8,813 people in 2024, which helps offset natural decline and supports workforce and consumer demand. Life expectancy at birth is 81.5 years, reflecting strong health outcomes and social development. Child mortality remains very low, with under‑5 mortality at 3.1 per 1,000 live births. Austria reports relatively high health indicators across the board: current health expenditure is 10.9% of GDP, and domestic general government health expenditure per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, is about 6,178 international dollars (PPP) in 2022, underscoring substantial public investment in healthcare. The physician density—about 5.51 physicians per 1,000 people—ranks highly, indicating robust access to medical care. While the poverty headcount sits at 14.8% of the population on national poverty lines and undernourishment is at 2.5%, the overall health and social indicators reflect a high‑income welfare state with strong infrastructure and services. The suicide mortality rate, at 14.5 per 100,000 people (2021), is a relatively common measure used in social health analyses. Internet penetration is exceptionally high (nearly 95%), suggesting widespread digital access that can support health information, telemedicine, and public health campaigns.

Economy

Austria exhibits a high‑income economy with a GDP per capita of about 56,833 USD in 2024 and a GDP per capita, purchasing power parity (PPP), of roughly 71,618 international dollars. This combination signals strong average living standards and a productivity‑driven economy. The country’s growth and income are complemented by a well‑developed innovation system: expenditure on research and development amounts to 3.2% of GDP (ranked 7th among comparators), underscoring Austria’s commitment to knowledge‑based growth. The economy shows a balanced external position, with exports of goods and services at 56.9% of GDP in 2024 and imports at 53.6% of GDP, yielding a positive current account of about 2.4% of GDP in 2024. Inflation rose to 2.94% in 2024, reflecting moderate price pressures common to advanced European economies. Unemployment sits around 5.3%, indicating a relatively tight labor market by international standards and a continued ability to absorb educated workers. Austria also houses a vibrant high‑tech sector, with high‑technology exports totaling about 27.3 billion USD and resident patent activity of 1,872 applications in 2021. Domestic health expenditure and infrastructure investments are substantial, supporting both productivity and social cohesion. Poverty stands at 14.8% at national poverty lines, and undernourishment is low at 2.5%, signaling structural resilience in living standards even as Europe faces macro‑economic shifts.

Trade and Investment

Austria’s economy is highly open and trade‑intensive. Exports (56.9% of GDP in 2024) exceed imports (53.6%), contributing to a current account surplus of about 2.4% of GDP in 2024. The country benefits from integrated supply chains and a well‑developed logistics network, evidenced by a Logistics Performance Index score of 3.9 (2022), ranking 7th globally in quality of trade and transport infrastructure. This combination supports a robust export base, including high‑technology goods (7.6? not specified) and advanced manufacturing. The foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows measure is 1.78% of GDP in 2024, indicating a steady but not explosive level of inward investment relative to GDP, which aligns with Austria’s reputation for stable, institutions‑driven business environments. The country also demonstrates strong innovation activity with 1) 3.2% of GDP spent on R&D, 2) resident patent applications totaling 1,872 in 2021, and 3) 27.3 billion USD in high‑technology exports (2023). A highly educated workforce, high internet penetration (94.9%), and a favorable regulatory climate (context provided by governance indicators) collectively reinforce Austria’s position as a competitive hub for high‑value production, services, and technology‑driven trade. Environmental considerations—such as renewable energy use—are integrated into the growth model, supporting sustainable trade and investment profiles.

Governance and Institutions

Austria benefits from strong, mature institutions and a policy environment that supports stability and predictable governance. Key governance indicators show robust rule of law (1.75, rank 7) and high regulatory quality (1.36, rank 21), suggesting efficient enforcement of contracts, transparent regulation, and low policy volatility relative to peers. Government effectiveness stands at 1.33 (rank 22), and control of corruption at 1.13 (rank 29), signaling relatively low perceived corruption and effective public administration. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism score 0.728 (rank 51) reflects a stable political climate, though the country does face ongoing European integration dynamics and domestic policy challenges typical of developed economies. Together, these indicators imply an attractive environment for investment, business operations, and social programs, with policy certainty that supports long‑term planning and innovation. Austria’s governance framework also appears compatible with strong health and education outcomes, reinforcing social cohesion and resilience against shocks.

Infrastructure and Technology

Austria’s infrastructure and technology profile is advanced and well integrated. The Logistics Performance Index rating of 3.9 (2022) and a top‑tier rank (7) indicate high‑quality trade and transport infrastructure, enabling efficient import/export activities and supply chain reliability. Internet usage is exceptionally high at 94.9% of the population (2024), reflecting widespread digital access and the potential for e‑services, digital health, and e‑governance. The country also performs strongly in the area of technology and knowledge creation: R&D intensity is 3.2% of GDP (rank 7), patent applications by residents total 1,872 (2021, rank 19), and high‑technology exports reach about 27.3 billion USD (2023). The physician density is 5.51 per 1,000 people (rank 2), highlighting a robust health ecosystem and a skilled professional base that can support advanced industries. These indicators collectively suggest Austria’s economy sits at the intersection of manufacturing excellence, innovation, and digital transformation, underpinned by solid public infrastructure and human capital.

Environment and Sustainability

Austria’s environmental and sustainability profile shows a strong commitment to energy transition and efficiency, coupled with moderate climate pressures. Renewable energy accounts for about 36% of total final energy consumption (2021), indicating a meaningful shift toward cleaner energy sources alongside ongoing modernization of the energy system. Annual greenhouse gas emissions per capita (excluding LULUCF) are 7.99 t CO2e, placing Austria in a mid‑high per‑capita emissions category for Europe, while still aligning with its service‑ and technology‑driven economy. The country faces water‑resource management realities, with a level of water stress measured as freshwater withdrawal of 8.68% of available freshwater resources (2021), a figure that suggests moderate to elevated stress in certain basins and calls for continued efficiency and water governance. Food security indicators are favorable: poverty rate at national lines is 14.8% and undernourishment stands at 2.5%, indicating resilience in nutrition though there is room for inclusive growth. Austria’s environmental strategy benefits from a high standard of governance and innovation, enabling targeted investments in renewables, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport to further reduce emissions while maintaining living standards and economic competitiveness.