![Austria [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Austria-2109x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreU.S. Relations With Austria
Highlights
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Austria Relations
Austria is a free and stable democracy with a social market economy. As heir to the Habsburg monarchy’s historic links to eastern and southeastern Europe, Austria sees a role for itself in helping countries in these regions integrate successfully into the European Union. The United States and Austria share many common values and perspectives, including a support for human rights and the rule of law and a shared vision of peace and freedom for all. The two countries are bound together through myriad people-to-people contacts in business and entrepreneurship, the arts, education, and a host of other exchanges.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Austria is a member of the European Union and World Trade Organization, offering export opportunities for U.S. companies of all sizes, with no significant trade barriers. The country represents a desirable, affluent market for U.S.-made products in Europe. Austria was one of the top ten fastest growing U.S. trade partners and foreign direct investors as of 2019, and the United States remains Austria’s second largest export destination after Germany. The trade and investment relationship with Austria is robust and supports thousands of new jobs in both countries.
![Austria Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red; the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest - national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191, following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his banner. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/au-lgflag.gif)