Front: Ferdinand Raimund (1790-1836), actor

Raimund abandoned his apprenticeship in a bakery to become an actor. He first worked for various traveling theaters throughout Hungary, and later at the famous Theater an der Wien. His plays were usually romantic comedies with happy endings.

Back: Burgtheater in Vienna

Front: Angelika Kauffmann (1741-1807), Swiss painter

Angelika was born in Chur, Switzerland. Very early on she already demonstrated remarkable talent as a painter. When she was only 12 years old, bishops and nobles were her sitters. From 1754 to 1764 she traveled extensively to Milan, Rome, Bologna and Venice. Everywhere she went, she was feted and caressed by her admirers, as much for her talents as for her personal charms.

Back: Bregenzer Walderhaus (Forest house)

Austria, located in central Europe, was overrun by various tribes in pre-Roman times. It became a margravate of Charlemagne's Empire upon the fall of the Roman Empire. Ruled by King Ottoker of Bohemia, the Habsurgs and then the German emperors from 1252 up to WWI. During WWI, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the central powers in Europe. It first became an independent republic after WWI. Became part of Germany 1938-1945. Occupied by allied forces 1945-1955. Regained independence as a democratic state since 1955. For a more detailed country profile, see CIA World Factbook on Austria.

Beginning on January 1, 2002 Euro becomes the official currency for Austria.