Situated in the central and western part of Austria, Salzburg State borders upon Bavaria, Germany to the west and the north and adjoins Steiermark, Carinthia and Tyrol to the east and south. Traversed by rivers such as the Salzach and Mur, Salzburg State covers an area of 7,154 square kilometers, 90% of which is alpine territory. Farmland takes up about a half and forest land about one third of the land territory of Salzburg State. The population is about 510,000.

Salzburg State relies mainly on tourism, animal husbandry, timber and wood processing. With an annual influx of more than 10 million tourists, tourism generates 60 – 70% of its GDP.

The capital of Salzburg State is Salzburg. With a population of less than 200,000, the ancient city of Salzburg is nestled in Austrian Alps. The altitude of Salzburg is 4,514 meters at the highest point. It is a picturesque city with small alleyways, quaint colorful town houses, rich castles and palaces with styled gardens and a large number of churches and monasteries. The city of Salzburg displays proof of the wealth and power of the Archbishop and the Catholic Church. As its varied architecture style blends in with the surrounding landscape, Salzburg is reputed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Salt mines represent an important source of revenues for Salzburg. In the eyes of local people, salt means wealth and health. That explains why Salzburg is also called Salt City. Salzburg is most certainly a city of music. It was the home and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Today Salzburg is known for its annual cultural Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), which offers a variety of operas, concerts and theatrical plays, ranging from classical to contemporary styles. During the Festival, the city is full of visitors and immersed in a musical atmosphere.