Salzburg is a mid-sized city in western Austria with a population of about 150000 people. As a member of the European Union, the currency used is the Euro. Salzburg is subject to the Alpine climate; winters are quite cold and usually bring snow while the summer is hot and inviting, although prolonged rain showers are not uncommon.

The city of Salzburg is situated on the site of the old Roman settlement called Juvavum. Towards the end of the seventh century, St Rupert founded a bishopric in the city, and the growth of the city began anew. By the end of the eighteenth century, the city was in decline, and during the Napoleonic Wars, came under the control of both France and Bavaria. Further recession followed and after World War I, and during the second World War, many of the beautiful buildings in the city were damaged or destroyed. On May 15 1955, following a bitter involvement in the war, Austria declared itself neutral and joined the United Nations.

The most famous son of Salzburg is Wolfgang Aamdeus Mozart who was born there in 1756, and a statue celebrates the great composer at Mozartplatz in the heart of the city. Mozart