Located in central Europe, Austria is a landlocked country bordered by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland and Italy. It consists of 9 independent federal states (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna) each with their own provincial governments. It is not only famous for its world-class skiing but, also for its stunning scenery, breathtaking mountains, historical buildings, museums and galleries.