Demographics of Gmunden
The region of Gmunden had 99,471 people, while the town of Gmunden had 13,038. The population density in the district was 69.4 people per square kilometer, while in the town it was 204.9. While the population of the district fell by a smaller 0.5% between 2000 and 2015, that of the town fell by 2.3%. While the median age of the municipality was 46.1 years, it was 43.7 years in the district. In the village, 53.4% of the population was female and 46.6% was male. Within the district, 51.5% of the population was female and 48.5% was male.
In Gmunden, 88.4% of the population was Austrian national, and 1.5% was a national of another EU member state. Ten percent or so of the remaining population was foreign nationals. The bulk of non-EU minorities in the country were found in these two areas, which account for 3.6% of the population from Bosnia and Herzegovina and 2.7% from the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which includes contemporary Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Following in size were Turks (1.2% of the population) and Germans (1.1%).
At 69.3% of the population of Gmunden identifying as believers, Roman Catholicism was the most common religion. Making roughly 7.3% of the population, evangelicals were the largest minority. Muslims were second at 5.9% and Eastern Orthodox third at 3.3%.About 10.3% of respondents said they were irreligious.
| Population | Town | District |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 13,038 | 99,471 |
| Density (per km²) | 204.9 | 69.4 |
| Change (2000-2015) | -2.3% | -0.5% |
| Median age | 46.1 | 43.7 |
| Male | 46.6% | 48.5% |
| Female | 53.4% | 51.5% |
| Austrian | 88.4% | 88.4% |
| EU | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Other | 10.2% | 10.2% |
| Catholic | 69.3% | 69.3% |
| Evangelical | 7.3% | 7.3% |
| Muslim | 5.9% | 5.9% |
| Orthodox | 3.3% | 3.3% |
| Irreligious | 10.3% | 10.3% |
Population of Gmunden
At 88.4% of the population, Gmunden is predominantly Austrian in nationality. Still, there are a surprisingly large number of immigrants, especially from different European nations. With 3.6% of the population, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 2.7% of the population of the former FR Yugoslavia (which comprises modern-day Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo), are the two biggest non-EU minorities. Turks, who make up 1.2% of the population, and Germans, who make up 1.1% come next. From 7.8% in 2000 to 11.6% in 2015, the proportion of foreign inhabitants in the town has significantly increased. Comparably, within the same time frame, the immigrant population in the district increased from 5.1% to 8.8%. The main reasons for immigration were job chances, asylum seeking, and family reunion.
The race of the people living in Gmunden is not mentioned in the official documents. Still, the language used and the cultural customs followed by the population allow one to draw conclusions about the ethnic composition. Though there are other dialects and regional variants, German is the official language spoken in Gmunden. The most often spoken dialect in the Bavarian-Austrian group of German dialects is Upper Austrian. The dialect is distinguished by the use of the diphthong “oi” instead of “ei” (for instance, “hoit” instead of “heute”), the softening of consonants (like “wos” instead of “was”), and the addition of particular words and phrases (such “oida” used as an exclamation). Furthermore influencing the dialect are the nearby dialects of Salzburg, Styria, and Lower Austria.
Geographical location, industry, and history all have an impact on Gmunden’s culture. Together with a rich history of ceramics and craftsmanship, the town offers a lively cultural legacy spanning literature, music, and art. Situated in the Salzkammergut area, which is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural legacy, lies the district. Since the area perfectly captures the peaceful coexistence of people and environment, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous folk music, traditional clothes, and colorful festivals are features of the area. Three noteworthy events include the summer music festival Gmundner Festwochen, the Christmas market Salzkammergut Advent, and the exciting sailing regatta Traunsee Woche.
Religion
At over 69.3% of the population, Roman Catholicism is the most common religion in Gmunden. The Catholic Church has a big effect on Gmunden and has a strong presence there. Among the institutions the Church owns and oversees are hospitals, schools, and philanthropic groups. Gmunden’s principal Catholic church is the Stadtpfarrkirche. With roots in the fifteenth century, it is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture combined with a Baroque tower.Overlooking 19 parishes in the area, the church also acts as the deanery of Gmunden.
At 7.3% of the population, evangelicalism is the biggest minority religion in Gmunden. A Lutheran denomination, the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria includes the Evangelical Church in Gmunden. The 1862-founded church has a magnificent neo-Gothic architectural style with a well carved wooden ceiling.The Upper Austrian superintendent, in charge of 28 congregations across the state, also has his office at the church.
Apart from the prevalent faith, Gmunden is home to a number of smaller religions. These comprise other Christian groups, which make up 1.5% of the religious landscape, and Islam, which is practiced by 5.9% of the population and Eastern Orthodoxy by 3.3% of the population. Mostly Sunni Muslims from Turkey and the Balkans make up the Muslim population in Gmunden. Atib Mosque is the main mosque in Gmunden. It has ties to Austria’s Turkish-Islamic Union for Cultural and Social Cooperation.The mosque offers the Muslim community social events, educational initiatives, and religious prayer among other services.
Mostly, immigrants who follow the Serbian Orthodox Church from Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo make up the Eastern Orthodox population in Gmunden. Housed on the grounds of the old Catholic church of St. Michael, the Church of St. Sava is the main church in Gmunden. Renovated, the church was dedicated in 2008. Its eminent dome and Byzantine style are characteristics.The church also functions as the parish seat for the district of Gmunden, which includes twelve communities.
Other Christian faiths represented in Gmunden are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the New Apostolic Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Seventh-day Adventists.There are a few churches in Gmunden with modest but vibrant membership. These congregations meet in several places and provide their members social events, education, and religious services.
Regarding their affiliation with any particular religious group or denomination, about 10.3% of Gmunden’s population describes themselves as irreligious. People that identify as atheists, agnostics, humanists, and secularists make up the irreligious population. These people have many opinions and ideals about society, morals, and life.People who have no interest in, or apathy toward, religion are referred to as irreligious. It also includes those who identify as spiritual but not religious, that is, as having personal experiences or beliefs unrelated to any recognized religion.
Education
With most people in Gmunden having finished at least obligatory schooling, the population there has a comparatively high level of education. This nine-year educational mandate covers both elementary and lower secondary schooling. 23.9% of those 15 years of age and up had completed their mandatory education, according to census statistics from 2011. Further, 38.4% had finished upper secondary school, 12.9% had finished post-secondary non-tertiary school, and 24.8% had finished tertiary school. Population level of education increased between 2001 and 2011. While the proportion of those with obligatory schooling fell from 28.9% to 23.9%, that of those with higher education increased from 18.1% to 24.8%.
Gmunden offers a large selection of educational institutions and activities designed to satisfy the interests and requirements of people of all ages. Two phases make up primary education in Gmunden. Four years in elementary school come first, then four years in lower secondary school. Neumittelschule is a general school; Polytechnische Schule is a vocational school; both are options for lower secondary education. Two primary choices for upper secondary education in Gmunden are a general school (Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule) and a vocational school (Berufsbildende Mittlere or Höhere Schule).
Four or five years long, the general school curriculum is intended to get pupils ready for postsecondary education or professional vocations. Conversely, a three- to five-year vocational school program emphasizes on giving students the practical skills and credentials needed for a variety of jobs. For graduates of vocational upper secondary schools, Gmunden provides a one-year course at the Berufsbildende Höhere Schule; for graduates of general upper secondary schools, a two-year course is offered at Kolleg. Higher education choices in Gmunden include a university (Universität) offering academic degrees in a variety of disciplines and a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) offering degrees with a practical focus on applied sciences and professions.
Along with adult education centers and libraries, Gmunden boasts a range of educational facilities, including public and private schools. Among the renowned schools in Gmunden is the Bundesgymnasium und Bundesrealgymnasium Gmunden. A broad upper secondary school, this one emphasizes athletics, natural sciences, and languages. The arts and music-focused Bundesoberstufenrealgymnasium Gmunden is another well-known institution. Furthermore, a vocational upper secondary school with a focus on business and trade is the Handelsakademie and Handelsschule Gmunden. Finally, a vocational upper secondary school with a strong engineering and technology emphasis is the Höhere Technische Bundeslehranstalt Gmunden. There are various impressive adult education facilities in Gmunden.
A comprehensive program of courses in languages, culture, health, and society is offered at the Volkshochschule Gmunden, one such facility. Another well-known institution is the Wirtschaftsförderungsinstitut Gmunden, which focuses on providing technology, management, and business courses. Furthermore well-known are the courses offered by Bildungshaus Schloss Ort on communication, psychology, and spirituality. There are numerous impressive libraries in Gmunden. One well-known one offers a broad selection of books, periodicals, and media to suit a variety of interests and age groups: the Stadtbücherei Gmunden. An important library that delves into the rich history and culture of Upper Austria is the Landesbibliothek Gmunden, which has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and records. Finally, there is a wide selection of publications, displays, and activities around the fascinating Salzkammergut area and the salt business at the Kammerhofmuseum Gmunden.
The population of Gmunden reflects its social and economic growth as well as its cultural and regional character in its educational system. The Gmunden educational system works to provide people of different origins, skills, and interests access to a wide range of excellent educational possibilities. The people of Gmunden is supposed to be encouraged to learn new things, be creative, and innovative throughout their lives. It likewise aims to promote democracy, tolerance, and unity.
