Austria has a dramatic history in Europe . During the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria became one of the great powers of Europe. In response to the coronation of Napoleon I as the Emperor of the French, the Austrian Empire was officially proclaimed in 1804. In 1867, the Austrian Empire was reformed into Austria-Hungary. In 1938 Austria was occupied and annexed by Nazi Germany. This lasted until the end of World War II in 1945 after which a Provisional Austrian Government was set up and legally recognized by the Western Allies in the following months. It was not until 1955 that Austria regained full sovereignty. Since then “Gay Life in Austria” has vigorously emerged and celebrates the truth and beauty of same-sex love including gay marriage.
Homosexuality was legalized in 1971. The age of consent was equalized in 2002 by court decision. Homosexuals are not banned from military service. Registered partnerships were introduced in 2010, and step-child adoption in 2013 and full joint co-adoption ordered by the Constitutional Court of Austria in January 2015. Same-sex marriage has been recognized. Austria is considered to be a moderate to populist country when dealing with gay rights. The country, while dominated by Roman Catholicism, is slowly becoming more liberal with laws concerning homosexuality. The gay scene is developed in all major cities such as Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz.
Name: Austria
Population: 8317000
Capital: Vienna - Pop. 2300000
Area: 83872 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: German, Slovene, Croatian, Hungarian
Religion: Roman Catholic
Status of Homosexuality: Legal
Telephone Country Code: 43