Geographical and regional characteristics
Styria, the federal state in the South-East of Austria, with a common boarder to Slovenia, fascinates in comparison to other industrial locations for example with a beautiful landscape (61 per cent covered by forests), a rich cultural heritage (just think of the historic centre of the City of Graz or the Abbey of Admont, the Styriate (classical music festival), the Styrian Autumn (cultural modern event)), the famous Lipizaner horses and cosy inns along the Styrian wine route. Apart from this there are a number of wellness-spas in the south of Styria. Styria is also famous for its sportive projects like Alpentour (longest mountain-bike route of Europe), (horse riding tour) and ski events. In the past few years Styria has developed amazing golf tourism.
Economy and Trade
But also due to an enormous economical development, Styria has become an interesting place with an exceptional quality of life. Over the past few years it has considerably gained in dynamic strength. Particularly the large number of impulse and competence centres represents the excep-tional innovative power of Styria.
The development of clusters has played an important role in Styria in the last time. The Styrian Wood Cluster now numbers well over 100 partners. And with the annual growth rate of 12 per cent, the Automotive Cluster Styria is likewise successful. It was able to extend its network to 185 enterprises and has over 250 partner companies.
As far as the formation of new companies is concerned, Styria is one of the most successful Austrian provinces: since 1998 the number of business start-ups has soared by 60 per cent.
The rise in employment since 2003 is owed mainly to Styria´s tertiary sector (+1,2%). With an increase of 5,5 per cent, it is above all the fields of research and develop-ment and company-related services that have gained momentum.
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![biograd[1]02](../assets/images/biograd_1_02.jpg "biograd[1]02")
