Austria

The Republic of Austria, land of opera, sausage and schnitzel, is the heart of Europe, both figuratively and literally.

This small country is a cultural treasure trove and an economic powerhouse, and its capital, Vienna, repeatedly tops global indexes as the world’s most pleasant city to live in. German is spoken by 98% of the Austrian population, and English is widely understood and spoken, (and the leading second language in Austria’s educational system). A handle on French or Italian will also stand you in good stead. Socially, Austrians are frank and good-natured, but in the business environment, conservatism is king.