Upper Austria

Mountainous federal state of Austria, drained by the Danube, and bordered to the north by the Czech Republic and to the west by Bavaria; area 11,980 sq km/4,625 sq mi; population (2001 est) 1,382,000. Its capital is Linz and the main towns are Steyr and Wels.

Physical Upper Austria is traversed from west to east by the Danube, to the north of which lies the Forest of Bohemia. South of the river is the Alpine foreland, where there are a large number of lakes, which form part of the Salzkammergut. Mineral resources include salt, lignite, gypsum, and kaolin, with granite and limestone quarried to the north of the Danube.

Economy The chief occupations are agriculture and forestry. Dairy farming and cattle breeding are primary economic activities. Agricultural products include fruit, wine, sugar beet, and grain. The region is Austria's second most important source of natural gas and oil. Textiles, chemicals, and electronic goods are manufactured. Other significant industries include iron and steel manufacturing, brewing and distilling, and paper and glass production. Several large-scale hydroelectric power stations are located on the Danube and the Enns.