Vienna (ancient Vindobona), city in northeastern Austria, the capital and largest city of the country, coextensive with Vienna (Wien) Province. Vienna is located on both banks of the Danube River, with the foothills of the Eastern Alps on the west and the plains of the Danube basin on the east. The city lies about 203 m (666 ft) above sea level and has a continental climate, with a mean annual temperature of 10° C (50° F) and an average annual rainfall of 610 mm (24 in). Vienna was for many centuries the political and economic center of the Austrian Empire under the Habsburg family, and between 1867 and 1918 the capital of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Following World War I (1914-1918), with Austria greatly reduced in size, the city found itself with a suddenly limited role and its importance declined. At the end of World War II (1939-1945), Vienna was heavily damaged, but after the signing of the State Treaty in 1955, guaranteeing neutrality for Austria, it again resumed considerable importance as a commercial and transportation center. Today the city dominates the economic and cultural life of Austria and contains about one-fifth of the country's population.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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