Austria

Languages:

Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe, has German as its official language, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Austrian German, a variant of Standard German, is characterized by its distinct pronunciation and vocabulary. Regional dialects, such as Viennese, Styrian, and Tyrolean, are spoken across different areas of the country. In addition, Austria is home to minority languages, such as Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian, which are spoken by smaller ethnic communities. English has gained widespread popularity as a foreign language, particularly in the education and business sectors.

Religion:

Austria's religious landscape is predominantly Roman Catholic, with approximately 57% of the population adhering to this faith. The influence of Catholicism is deeply ingrained in the nation's history, culture, and architecture, with numerous Catholic holidays and festivals celebrated throughout the year. However, religious observance levels vary, and the country has experienced a growing trend towards secularism. Around 26% of the population identifies as non-religious or atheist, while the remaining 17% comprises other Christian denominations, such as Protestantism, and non-Christian religions, including Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Ethnic Groups:

Austrian 80.8%, German 2.6%, Bosnian and Herzegovinian 1.9%, Turkish 1.8%, Serbian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, other 10% (2018 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth