The Eastern Austrian Alps – Their Exceptional Demographic Status in the Alpine Region

Abstract

In most Alpine regions with current negative migratory balance, new in-migration from urban areas has meanwhile become a relevant factor. However, this phenomenon is insignificant in Austria’s Eastern Alps. The aim of this thesis-led work is to empirically demonstrate the main reasons for this demographically exceptional position. The Styrian-Lower Austrian Limestone Alps, representing the peripheral core area of Austria's Eastern Alps, were chosen as the study area, as in this region the population decline and above all, migratory losses are particularly high. Through various qualitative and quantitative data acquisition techniques it was shown that new inmigration is still insignificant. The main reasons for this are the perseverance of large estates and the dominance of forestry.

Keywords

• eastern austrian alps
• peripheral areas
• newcomers
• large estates