Austrians abroad - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2002 - 247 Euro Cent

In 1969, when the "Year of the 10th Land" was proclaimed, a special postmark designed by Prof C. Holzmeister and engraved by Prof G. Wimmer appeared, showing the symbol of Austrians abroad, a globe with a red-white-red ribbon. At the time, it was estimated that at least 350,000 Austrians live abroad, more than in many other federal states. This number is unlikely to have changed, as 300,000 Austrians living abroad are known to Austrian representations abroad. The "World Federation of Austrians Abroad", the umbrella and service organization of the Auslandsösterreichervereine, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This federation merges with the Auslandsösterreicherwerk, the publisher of the info magazine "Rot-Weiß-Rot", read by 200,000 Austrians all over the world. All this and the esteem of the Austrians living abroad, who are often active in leading positions, has led the Federal Government to proclaim 2002 the Year of the Austrians abroad. In order to strengthen their ties to their homeland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a website at www.auslandsoesterreicher.at that provides information on Austria on legal, electoral, citizenship, administrative, cultural, media and 389 associations in 48 countries. A contact forum offers Austrians abroad the opportunity to communicate with each other.