The Austrian Federal State is a federal republic located in Central Europe, consisting of nine states, known as Bundesländer. Each state has its own government and constitution, allowing for a degree of autonomy in local matters while remaining under the federal framework. The capital city is Vienna, which is also one of the states. The federal government is responsible for national issues such as defense and foreign policy, while states manage areas like education and law enforcement. This structure promotes regional diversity and local governance within the broader context of the nation.