There have always been many countries in Austria. Even today we are a country with the most diverse cultures. Contrary to many clichés, the largest group of immigrants does not come from the Balkans, but from a neighboring country.
Austria celebrates its national day and is rightly proud of its history and traditions. People like to remember the glorious past. But what does Austria look like today? Every year on the national holiday, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) publishes the report with “figures, data and facts on migration and integration” in Austria. The “Krone” already has this research.
More than two million were not born here
On January 1, 2024, 2.038 million people of foreign origin lived in Austria. This corresponds to a share of 22.3 percent of the total population. For comparison: in 2014 it was 16.6 percent. What is particularly striking is that Vienna dominates as a tourist attraction: almost 40 percent of all migrants living in Austria are based in the federal capital.
The largest group is our northern neighbor
The largest group of immigrants comes from Germany: at the beginning of 2024, almost 265,000 people with a German birthplace lived in Austria. This is followed by people from Bosnia and Herzegovina (178,900) and Turkey (165,300). More people from Romania, Serbia and Hungary also moved to Austria.
It is interesting to look at the proportions compared to the total population: Vienna is far ahead here with 40.2 percent, followed by Vorarlberg (23.2 percent) and Salzburg (21.7 percent).
Language as a basis for a better income
The integration of migrants is reflected in indicators such as the unemployment rate. In 2023, the unemployment rate among foreigners was 9.6 percent, significantly higher than the unemployment rate among Austrians (5.3 percent). A clear indication of the existing challenges on the labor market.
The differences are also noticeable in the education sector: 27 percent of students in Austria speak a first language other than German. The proportion is particularly high in special schools and polytechnics, while it is relatively low in secondary schools.
There is still some catching up to do in terms of income
This is also reflected in income: while the average net annual income of Austrian citizens was 30,900 euros, for foreign nationals it was only 25,400 euros. Migrants from ‘older’ EU countries even earned slightly more on average than the Austrian average. The labor market and education remain construction sites.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
