The Coat of Arms of Austria has been used since the end of World War I to symbolize Austria. The double headed eagle, symbolizing the old Austro-Hungarian Empire was replaced with a single headed eagle.

On the chest of the eagle is located the old shield of the Duchy of Austria, this same design forms the basis for the flag of Austria. The eagle's claws hold a golden sickle and a golden hammer. While at first sight this might lead to an association with communist symbols the golden mural crown on the head of the eagle makes it clear, that these three merely represent the unity of the three "classes" (workers, peasants and bourgeoisie) in the republic - not quite class war.

The broken iron chain between the two claws indicates liberation from the occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938-1945) and was added after World War II.

The Flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and red.

The flag was adopted by Frederick II of Austria the Quarrelsome. According to legend,  Leopold V of Austria  was involved in a fierce battle during the Crusades. After the battle of Acre his white battledress was completely drenched in blood. When he removed his belt the cloth underneath was untouched by the blood. So taken was he by the singular sight he adopted the colours and scheme as his banner.

In reality it was  Frederick II  who sought greater independence from the Holy Roman Emperor. To this end he had a new Coat of Arms designed - a red field with a silver fess. Together with the Danish flag the Austrian flag is said to be among the oldest national flag designs in the world.