Austria

Austrians are overwhelmingly German-speaking, with a strong regional and cultural identity distinct from Germany. Sizeable immigrant communities — from the former Yugoslavia, Turkey, and more recently elsewhere — add diversity, especially in Vienna.

The country is historically Roman Catholic, though religious observance has declined, and there are Protestant, Muslim, and unaffiliated minorities.

Society

Austria combines a generous welfare state with high life expectancy and education levels. Its population is highly urbanized and, like much of Europe, aging, with immigration offsetting low birth rates.