Challenges for Prayer

1 Austria is a cultured nation famed for its music, art and beautiful scenery. Yet Austrians need a personal faith in Christ, and only a small minority have clearly heard how they may find one

2 Austria is Catholic by culture, not commitment

3 New legislation restricting the rights and privileges of smaller religions and churches further marginalize the many small and struggling evangelical fellowships

4 The Lutheran and Reformed Churches are declining by nearly 1% annually (3,000 adherents lost every year)

5 Newer evangelical/Pentecostal churches are few and small in number, but growing

6 Pastors for the congregations are needed

Geography

click to enlarge

Area 83,855 sq.km. Landlocked.

Population (2000) 8,210,520 0.52%AGR

Capital Vienna 2,072,000 – over 25% of the population.

Peoples

Indigenous 93%; Immigrants and Refugees 7%.

Literacy 100%. Official language German.

Economy

Predominantly industrial. HDI 0.904; 16^th/174. Income/person $26,890 (89% of USA). Public debt 54% of GNP.

Politics

The heart of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918.

Religion

The relationship between the state and the Catholic/Reformed Churches is defined in the constitution.

Churches in Austria

Missionaries from Austria

69 in 18 agencies to 26 countries

Missionaries to Austria

539 in 70 agencies from 21 countries

click for legend

Internet Links