Vienna, a city with about two million inhabitants, is situated in the heart of Europe. Owing to its geographic and geopolitical location, Vienna has become a centre of international events. It is a popular conference venue. Vienna hosts one of the United Nations headquarters and is home to a number of other international organisations. Vienna´s ever-changing history has left an indelible mark on the city, a mark also manifested in a rich cultural heritage. The city´s ultimate fascination stems from combining imperial grandeur with cosmopolitan spirit, a composition which emerged after the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Viennese writers, musicians, artists, and scientists have influenced many aspects of our modern world. Vienna has taken part in all major political developments of the 20th century. Shaped over the centuries when it served as capital of a huge empire, Vienna will always arouse a feeling of nostalgia. Today, Vienna offers old historical palaces and modern shopping centres, traditional hotels, Austrian food and haute cuisine, typical Viennese coffee houses and restaurants, outstanding opera performances, classical concerts and open-air festivals, antique shops and elegant boutiques - all joined in incomparable Viennese harmony. Links: Vienna Tourist Board, Vienna City Administration

In July average temperatures in Vienna vary between 21 and 30 degrees Celsius.

73 international airlines offer scheduled services to Vienna. There are several daily flights between Vienna and the main European capitals and business centres. Austrian Airlines, the country´s flag carrier, connects 130 destinations in 66 countries with Vienna. This airline offers modern aircrafts and award-winning in-flight service. Vienna International Airport at Schwechat, 19 km (12 miles) from the city centre, is state-of-the-art in every respect. Links: Austrian Airlines, Vienna International Airport, "To and from the airport"

Taxis are available at the international arrivals. Average fares to the centre of Vienna between € 35.- to € 40.-.

Bus: At 20-minute intervals, the Vienna Airport Lines depart to the city centre between 05:30 and 24:00, daily. Cost: approx. € 6.-, duration: approx. 20-30 minutes. Train: The Schnellbahn leaves at 10-30 minute-intervals between 05:00 and 22:00 daily. Cost: approx. € 3.-, duration: approx. 30 minutes. CAT: The City Airport Train leaves every 30 minutes, between 06:05 and 23:35 daily. Cost € 9.- one way / € 16.- both ways.

Autobahn A4 from the Airport to Vienna (-> Wien). The city centre is signposted.

Passport-holders from countries in Western Europe as well as from North America and Australia will not need a visa to enter Austria. For some nationalities, visas can be issued at the airport in Vienna upon arrival. Others may have to apply before. If in doubt, please check with your nearest Austrian embassy, consulate (www.austria.org), or your airline.

The language spoken in Austria is German. Most Austrians speak English, some also speak French or Italian and are happy to help visitors.

Austrian networks supply 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Plugs are continentalstyle two-pin. A plug adaptor should be taken along, if incompatible electric/electronic gadgets are to be used.

Central European Time (MEZ), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), is used in Austria except during the period between late March and the end of September, when daylight saving time is in force (GMT + 2 hours)

The official currency in Austria is Euro (€).

Most Austrian banks will change traveller´s cheques as well as cash. Banking hours in general are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-15:00, Thursday 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30. Automated cash dispensers are located outside most banks, cash can be withdrawn there 24 hours a day. National and foreign Maestro cards (cash cards) as well as Mastercard, American Express, Visa and Diners are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted by numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations. Money can be changed at the airport, at banks, exchange bureaus and larger hotels. Please ask about charges before changing money - these may vary considerably.

Service is usually included in the prices in bars and restaurants, but tips are welcome.

Vienna´s restaurants range from gourmet-type restaurants to informal restaurants and Heurigen (Austrian wine taverns). There are also many international restaurants in the city, offering a choice of almost any kind of cuisine. In Austria, lunch is generally served between 12:00 and 14:00, dinner around 19:00.

Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 and Saturday 09:00-17:00. Except for some tobacconists and small supermarkets at petrol stations and at the main railway stations, shops are closed on Sundays. Luxury shops for an elegant clientele can be found in the pedestrian zone along Graben and Kärntnerstrasse (underground U1, U3/Stephansplatz). Street entertainers and outdoor cafés contribute to the special atmosphere of this area. Another well known shopping area is Mariahilferstrasse (underground U3/Neubaugasse). Visitors from non-EU countries should ask for VAT refunds when purchasing goods.

In Austria the opera and theater season lasts from September to June; some theatres, particularly in Vienna, continue during July and August. The official concert season extends from October to June, but there are a large number of concerts during the summer months too. For programme and tickets please contact Mondial Congress & Events - isfp2008@mondial.at.

Vienna offers an efficient and modern public transport network of underground lines, trams and busses. The congress venue has easy access to the tram system. All hotels are within convenient reach of the congress centre. Links: Vienna public transport (Homepage in German - only little English and Italian information available under "Tourist Information")