Graz is the capital city of the Austrian state of Styria and serves as the second-largest city in Austria, following Vienna. As of January 1, 2026, the city had a population of 307,912, while the broader Graz functional urban area reached a population of 660,238 in 2023.
The city is a significant hub for higher education, hosting four universities and four other higher education institutions. These entities collectively served more than 63,000 students as of June 10, 2023. Additionally, Graz is notable for its historic centre, known as the Altstadt, which is recognized as one of the best-preserved urban centres in Central Europe.