English proficiency is higher in almost every large city than in its surrounding region and capitals outperform their country as a whole. The economy is the most likely driver of this urban/rural divide. More jobs and better salaries draw ambitious individuals from the countryside. Once in the city, office jobs and a more international environment expose them to English more frequently. Although closing this gap is unlikely, countries can avoid deepening it by ensuring English instruction in rural schools is at least as good as in urban ones.

Please answer this question!!

1) What is the main idea of the passage?

2) The phrase “a more international environment” refers to?