AUSTRIA-HUNGARY
A dual monarchy, inhabited by several nationalities and comprising two semi-independent countries, each with its own government but also with a common parliament, army and emperor, Francis Joseph. He belongs to the house of Hapsburg, which has ruled Austria for six hundred years, and himself has held the throne at Vienna since 1848.
Austria possesses important ports on the Adriatic, and if she had territory in the Balkan peninsula might gain access to the Mediterranean and prevent Russia from doing the same. She once tried to reach the sea through Italy, but failed. The growth of the Slavic states in the Balkans is directly contrary to Austrian interests and ambitions. A power occupying the Balkan peninsula might easily control the Suez Canal, connecting Europe with the Orient.
Agriculture is the principal pursuit, and Austria is able to supply her own food. In the north, wheat and barley grow, and corn in the south. The mineral wealth is great—coal and salt abound. Cotton, woolen, linen and silk goods are manufactured; also metals, glass, leather and musical instruments. Commerce is mainly with Germany and Turkey.