Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Paris, France
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that brings together mainly high-income countries to discuss and coordinate economic, social and governance policies. Questions about the location of its headquarters are common in competitive exams related to world organizations and international economics. Knowing the host city helps you place OECD correctly on the map of global institutions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question asks for the city where the OECD headquarters is situated.• The options are London, Vienna, Paris and Beijing.• It is assumed that you know OECD is a European-based organization with strong links to Western Europe and North America, not an Asian capital.
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to associate OECD with Paris, France. OECD grew out of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) that coordinated the Marshall Plan after the Second World War. The organization later expanded its membership and became the OECD, keeping its headquarters in Paris. Thus, recognizing Paris as the long-standing administrative center of OECD will allow you to select the correct option.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that OECD was formed in 1961, evolving from the earlier OEEC, which was also based in Paris.Step 2: Remember that OECD meetings, ministerial councils and research directorates are headquartered in Paris.Step 3: Compare the answer options and see that Paris, France, appears explicitly as one of the choices.Step 4: Note that London and Vienna are important European capitals but are associated with other international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.Step 5: Recognize that Beijing, China, is not the traditional base for OECD, which has its roots in post-war Western Europe.
Verification / Alternative Check:
You can verify this by recalling that many economic reports, such as “OECD Economic Outlook,” list Paris as their place of publication. Furthermore, exam notes on important organizations often include a one-line fact: “OECD – Headquarters: Paris, France.” These repeated references make it easy to confirm that Paris is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• London, United Kingdom: A major financial center but not the official headquarters city of OECD.• Vienna, Austria: Hosts agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency and organizations related to nuclear and industrial issues, not OECD.• Beijing, China: An important global capital but not the site of OECD's headquarters, which remain in Western Europe.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students may guess London out of habit, since it is a prominent financial hub, or choose Vienna because it hosts many international organizations. Others may be confused by recent global shifts and think OECD might have moved its focus toward Asia. To avoid these mistakes, memorize the enduring association: OECD – Paris, just as NATO – Brussels and EU Commission – Brussels.
Final Answer:
The headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is in Paris, France.
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