Final answer:
The smallest state in Austria by area is Vorarlberg. The country has a significant cultural history with Vienna as a hub for architecture, music, and theater, influenced greatly by the Habsburg dynasty. The Danube River is a notable geographic feature in Austria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among Austria's 9 states, the smallest in area is Vorarlberg (c). While Austria has various Alpine ranges and is larger than its neighbor Switzerland, comparable in size to South Carolina, Vorarlberg remains the smallest state within Austria's borders.
Austria has a rich history, with the Habsburg dynasty once at the center of its politics and the country later regaining its independence after World War II. It joined the EU in 1995 and is known for a high standard of living and a well-developed social market economy. The Danube River flows through the country, including through the capital city of Vienna, which is renowned for its baroque architecture, music, and theater, continuing Austria's long legacy as a hub for the arts and culture.