Luxembourg, Luxembourg Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Location: Luxembourg is in Western Europe, between France and Germany.

Country Climate: Modified continental with mild winters, cool summers.

Country Terrain: Mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast.

Major Languages: French, German, Luxembourgish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.5 million (2008 est.) 0.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Luxembourg is largely dependent on the banking, steel, and industrial sectors. Although Luxembourg in tourist literature is aptly called the Green Heart of Europe, its pastoral land coexists with a highly industrialized and export-intensive economy. Luxembourg enjoys a degree of economic prosperity almost unique among industrialized democracies.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 3.4% (2008 est.) 0.2% (2009 est.).

City: The city of Luxembourg, also known as Luxembourg City, is a commune with city status, and the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

City Economy: Luxembourg City is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, having developed into a banking and administrative centre. Luxembourg is a seat of several institutions of the European Union, including the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Investment Bank.

Cost of living: Luxembourg has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Luxembourg is currently ranked 78 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Guinea-Bissau, Bissau Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

Location: Guinea-Bissau is in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal.

Country Climate: Tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds.

Country Terrain: Mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east.

Major Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo, African languages.

Major Religions: Indigenous beliefs, Islam, Christianity.

Country Population: 1.75 million (2008 est.) 1.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Guinea-Bissau is among the world’s least developed and one of the 10 poorest countries in the world, dependant mainly on agriculture and fishing.

Currency: CFA Franc (XOF).

Country Inflation: 10.5% (2008 est.) 0.4% (2009 est.).

City: Bissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau.

City Economy: Bissau is the country’s largest city, major port, educational, administrative and military center. Peanuts, hardwoods, copra, palm oil, and rubber are the chief products.

Cost of Living: Bissau has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Bissau is currently ranked 89 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Lithuania, Vilnius Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Lithuania.

Location: Lithuania is in Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia.

Country Climate: Transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters and summers.

Country Terrain: Lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil.

Major Languages: Lithuanian, Russian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 3.4 million (2008 est.) 3.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Lithuania changed radically after the country established its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. It then made a transition towards capitalist free market principles, enjoying high growth rates after entering the European Union along with other Baltic states.

Currency: Lithuanian Litas (LTL).

Country Inflation: 11.1% (2008 est.) 3.5% (2009 est.).

City: Vilnius is the largest city and the capital of Lithuania.

City Economy: Vilnius is the major economic centre of Lithuania and one of the largest financial centres of the Baltic states. Even though it is home to only 15% of Lithuania’s population, it generates approximately 25% of Lithuania’s GDP.

Cost of Living: Vilnius has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Vilnius is currently ranked 127 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Liechtenstein, Vaduz Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Principality of Liechtenstein.

Location: Liechtenstein is in Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland.

Country Climate: Continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers.

Country Terrain: Mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third.

Major Languages: German.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.036 million (2008 est.) 0.036 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Liechtenstein is a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with the urban areas of its large European neighbors. Low business taxes – the maximum tax rate is 18% – and easy incorporation rules have induced about 73,700 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).

Country Inflation: 1% (2001 est.) 0.0% (2009 est.).

City: Vaduz is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein.

City Economy: Vaduz has a lively tourist industry, despite being one of the very few capital cities in the world without an airport or railway station.

Cost of Living: Vaduz has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Vaduz is currently ranked 9 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Guinea, Conakry Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Republic of Guinea.

Location: Guinea is in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.

Country Climate: Generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds.

Country Terrain: Generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior.

Major Languages: French, various tribal languages.

Major Religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 10.3 million (2008 est.) 10.6 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Guinea has abundant natural resources including 25% or more of the world’s known bauxite reserves. Guinea also has diamonds, gold, and other metals.

Currency: Guinea Franc (GNF).

Country Inflation: 18.4% (2008 est.) 4.9% (2009 est.).

City: Conakry is the capital and largest city of Guinea.

City Economy: Conakry is a port city on the Atlantic Ocean and serves as the economic, financial and cultural center of Guinea. Conakry is Guinea’s largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic center. The city’s economy revolves largely around the port, which has modern facilities for handling and storing cargo, through which alumina and bananas are shipped.

Cost of Living: Conakry has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Conakry is currently ranked 145 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Liberia, Monrovia Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Liberia.

Location: Liberia is in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.

Country Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers.

Country Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast.

Major Languages: English, 29 African languages belonging to the Mande, Kwa or Mel linguistic groups.

Major Religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 3.9 million (2008 est.) 4.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Liberia was negatively impacted by the civil war and government mismanagement, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, some have returned.

Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD).

Country Inflation: 17.5% (2008 est.) 7.3% (2009 est.).

City: Monrovia is the capital city of the West African nation of Liberia.

City Economy: The city’s economy is dominated by its harbour. Monrovia is Liberia’s financial centre.

Cost of Living: Monrovia has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Monrovia is currently ranked 165 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Lesotho, Maseru Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Kingdom of Lesotho.

Location: Lesotho is in Southern Africa, enclaved by South Africa.

Country Climate: Temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers.

Country Terrain: Mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains.

Major Languages: Sesotho, English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 2.4 million (2008 est.) 2.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Lesotho’s economy is based on diamonds exported all over the world and water sold to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and to some extent the earnings of laborers employed in South Africa.

Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL).

Country Inflation: 10.7% (2008 est.) 7.7% (2009 est.).

City: Maseru is the capital and only sizable city of Lesotho.

City Economy: Commerce in Maseru is centered around two neighboring central business districts. The western business district holds larger office buildings, department stores and several banks. The eastern business district hosts mainly smaller businesses, markets and street vendors. The central business districts are the largest employment centers within the city.

Cost of Living: Maseru has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Maseru is currently ranked 233 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Guatemala, Guatemala City Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Guatemala.

Location: Guatemala is in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize.

Country Climate: Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands.

Country Terrain: Mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau.

Major Languages: Spanish, more than 20 indigenous languages.

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous Mayan beliefs.

Country Population: 13.7 million (2008 est.) 14.0 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Guatemala has a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products.

Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).

Country Inflation: 11.4% (2008 est.) 2.2% (2009 est.).

City: Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Guatemala.

City Economy: Guatemala City is the economic, governmental and cultural capital of the Republic, and considered by many, an economic capital of Central America.

Cost of Living: Guatemala City has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Guatemala City is currently ranked 228 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Lebanon, Beirut Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Lebanese Republic.

Location: Lebanon is in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria.

Country Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows.

Country Terrain: Narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains.

Major Languages: Arabic.

Major Religions: Islam, Christianity.

Country Population: 3.8 million (2008 est.) 3.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Lebanon is charaterised by remittances from Lebanese abroad which account for one fifth of the country’s economy. The thriving tourism and banking activities have made the services sector the most important part of the Lebanese economy employing nearly 65% of the workforce.

Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP).

Country Inflation: 10.8% (2008 est.) 2.5% (2009 est.).

City: Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon.

City Economy: After the destructive Lebanese civil war, Beirut underwent major reconstruction, and the redesigned historic city center, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a tourist attraction. The city is the focal point of the region’s cultural life, renowned for its press, theaters, cultural activities, and nightlife.

Cost of Living: Beirut has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Beirut is currently ranked 116 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Latvia, Riga Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Latvia.

Location: Latvia is in Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania.

Country Climate: Maritime; wet, moderate winters.

Country Terrain: Low plain.

Major Languages: Latvian, Russian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 2.3 million (2008 est.) 2.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Latvia was until the middle of 2008 the fastest growing economy in Europe. It has had high GDP growth since 2000. In 2003, GDP growth was 7.5% and inflation was 2.9%. Unemployment was 8.8% in 2003, almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. Privatization is mostly complete, except for some of the large state-owned utilities. In May 2004, Latvia joined the European Union.

Currency: Latvian Lats (LVL).

Country Inflation: 15.3% (2008 est.) 3.1% (2009 est.).

City: Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia.

City Economy: Riga is a major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial centre of the Baltics, and an important seaport.

Cost of Living: Riga has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Riga is currently ranked 147 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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