The competitive agriculture is very important not only in the Alpine foothills
(Mostviertel, Tullnerfeld, Weinviertel regions) and in the Viennese basin, but
especially in the Marchfeld region which due to the Pannonian climate is
called the "granary of Austria" (cultivation of sugar beet, fruits and
vegetables). The viniculture is of utmost importance, too. Large areas of
cultivable land are the Wachau region (around Krems), the zone in the South of
Vienna and of course the Weinviertel region.
Because of the construction of various derricks for the extraction of mineral
oil and natural gas in the Marchfeld region and in the Eastern part of the
Weinviertel region, the landscape has changed very much since 1930. But
today the profitability has decreased. Austria meets its need of natural gas
by imports that are then used in the refinery Schwechat.
Due to the convenient position near the large market of Vienna, a varied
industry could develop in the Southern part of the Viennese basin. The largest
industrial area in Austria starts at Mödling and runs along the Southern railway
track via Baden-Traiskirchen, Wiener Neustadt and Ternitz to Gloggnitz. Many
branchs of industry have entered a state of crisis in the last few years. They
had to be restructered and were forced to dismiss working force.
Since the 19th century tourism has become more and more important. The Wachau
region, the Wienerwald forest, the mountains Semmering, Schneeberg and Rax are
popular holiday areas.