Lower Austria

Lower Austria, largest of Austria’s nine federal provinces. Its capital is Vienna, although Vienna itself is administered as a separate province. Lower Austria, which is crossed by the Danube, is popularly known as the cradle of the nation. There are hills in the northern part, but there are also several ranges of the Bavarian Alps in the south, where tourism is important. Much of the land is wooded, and timber is a major product. Livestock raising is widespread, and crops include barley, fruit, maize, potatoes, rye, sugar beet, and wheat. Wine producing is also important, and market gardening is a principal activity around Vienna. Manufactured goods include cement, chemicals, metal products, processed food, rubber, and textiles.