Egypt, Cairo Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Arab Republic of Egypt.

Location: Egypt is in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula.

Country Climate: Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters.

Country Terrain: Vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta.

Major Languages: Arabic.

Major Religions: Islam, Christianity.

Country Population: 75.2 million (2008 est.) 76.7 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Egypt depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum exports, and tourism; there are also more than three million Egyptians working abroad, mainly in Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Country Inflation: 11.7% (2008 est.) 16.2% (2009 est.).

City: Cairo is a megacity and a global city serving as the capital of Egypt.

City Economy: Cairo is the center of Egypt, as it has been almost since its founding in 969 AD. 15% of all Egyptians live there. The majority of the nation’s commerce is generated there, or passes through the city.

Cost of Living: Cairo 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. Cairo is currently ranked 216 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Ecuador, Quito Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Ecuador.

Location: Ecuador is in Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru.

Country Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands.

Country Terrain: Coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente).

Major Languages: Spanish, indigenous languages.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 13.9 million (2008 est.) 14.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Ecuador is dominated by natural resources which include petroleum, fish, shrimp, timber and gold. In addition, it has rich agriculture: bananas, flowers, coffee, cacao, sugar, tropical fruits, palm oil, palm hearts, rice, roses, and corn. The country´s greatest national export is crude oil.

Currency: US Dollar.

Country Inflation: 8.4% (2008 est.) 5.0% (2009 est.).

City: Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador.

City Economy: Quito is the second-highest administrative capital city in the world (after La Paz, Bolivia), and the highest legal capital (ahead of Sucre, also in Bolivia, and Bogota, Colombia).

Cost of Living: Quito 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. Quito is currently ranked 274 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Dominican Republic.

Location: The Dominican Republic is in the Caribbean, and consists of the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti.

Country Climate: Tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall.

Country Terrain: Rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed.

Major Languages: Spanish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 8.9 million (2008 est.) 9.0 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of the Dominican Republic is the largest in Central America and the Caribbean. It is a upper middle-income developing country.

Currency: Dominican R. Peso (DOP).

Country Inflation: 10.6% (2008 est.) 0.9% (2009 est.).

City: Santo Domingo, is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic.

City Economy: Santo Domingo is the center of economic activity in the Dominican Republic. Many national and international firms have their headquarters or regional offices in the city. The city attracts many international firms and franchises due to its geographic location, stability and vibrant economy.

Cost of Living: Santo Domingo 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. Santo Domingo is currently ranked 240 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Dominica, Roseau Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Dominica.

Location: Dominica is an island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago.

Country Climate: Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall.

Country Terrain: Rugged mountains of volcanic origin.

Major Languages: English (official), French patois.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.072 million (2008 est.) 0.072 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Dominica is dominated by bananas and other agriculture, and nearly one-third of the labour force works in agriculture. This sector, however, is highly vulnerable to weather conditions and to external events affecting commodity prices.

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD).

Country Inflation: 6.3% (2008 est.) 1.8% (2009 est.).

City: Roseau is the capital and largest city of Dominica.

City Economy: The urban structure of Central Roseau is based on an irregular grid system of miniature proportions. Exports include bananas, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges and cocoa, services.

Cost of Living: Roseau 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. Roseau is currently ranked 227 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Djibouti, Djibouti Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Republic of Djibouti.

Location: Djibouti is in Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia.

Country Climate: Desert; torrid, dry.

Country Terrain: Coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains.

Major Languages: French, Arabic, Somali, Afar.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 0.784 million (2008 est.) 0.804 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Djibouti is based on service activities connected with the country’s strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. Two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital city, the remainder being mostly nomadic herders. Scant rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported.

Currency: Djibouti Franc (DJF).

Country Inflation: 12.0% (2008 est.) 5.5% (2009 est.).

City: The City of Djibouti is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Djibouti.

City Economy: The Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway runs from the city to Addis Ababa, while it is also home to the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. Northwest of the city centre lies the city’s port, used for international trade, for fishing, and by ferries to Obock and Tadjoura.

Cost of Living: Djibouti 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. Djibouti is currently ranked 95 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Denmark, Copenhagen Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Denmark.

Location: Denmark is in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn).

Country Climate: Temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers.

Country Terrain: Low and flat to gently rolling plains.

Major Languages: Danish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 5.5 million (2008 est.) 5.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Denmark is a mixed economy with very few natural resources that relies almost entirely on human resources. The service sector makes up the vast amount of the employment and economy. Its industrialized market economy depends on imported raw materials and foreign trade.

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK).

Country Inflation: 3.4% (2008 est.) 1.7% (2009 est.).

City: Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark.

City Economy: Copenhagen is the economical and financial centre of Denmark and also a strong business and economic centre in the Scandinavian-Baltic region.

Cost of Living: Copenhagen 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. Copenhagen is currently ranked 6 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Czech Republic, Prague Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Czech Republic.

Location: Czech Republic is in Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovikia, and Austria.

Country Climate: Temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters.

Country Terrain: Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country.

Major Languages: Czech.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 10.4 million (2008 est.) 10.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of the Czech Republic is developed and industrialized. It is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe.

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK).

Country Inflation: 6.3% (2008 est.) 1.0% (2009 est.).

City: Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.

City Economy: Prague’s economy is based on various industrial sectors. Prague’s industrial sector is split into aircraft engines, diesel engines, refined oil products, electronics, chemicals, food, printing, automobiles etc. Also a significant proportion of research and development is based in Prague. Approximately one-fifth of all investment in the Czech Republic takes place in Prague city.

Cost of living: Prague 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. Prague is currently ranked 79 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Cyprus, Nicosia Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Cyprus.

Location: Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey.

Country Climate: Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

Country Terrain: Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.

Major Languages: Greek, Turkish.

Major Religions: Christianity, Islam.

Country Population: 0.761 million (2008 est.) 0.768 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Cyprus is dominated by the division of the country into the southern area controlled by the Cyprus Government and the northern Turkish Cypriot-administered area. The Greek Cypriot economy is a prosperous one. Cyprus has an open, free-market, service-based economy with some light manufacturing. The Cypriots are among the most prosperous people in the Mediterranean region. Internationally, Cyprus promotes its geographical location as a bridge between West and East, along with its educated English-speaking population, moderate local costs, good airline connections, and telecommunications.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 0.4% (2009 est.).

City: Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus.

City Economy: Nicosia is important commercially with many shops, two modern shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment. The city is a trade centre and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products. Copper mines are nearby. Nicosia is the seat of the University of Cyprus (UCY) and four other universities.

Cost of Living: Nicosia 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. Nicosia is currently ranked 152 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Cuba, Havana Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Cuba.

Location: Cuba is an island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida.

Country Climate: Tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October).

Country Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast.

Major Languages: Spanish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 11.4 million (2008 est.) 11.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Cuba is a largely state-controlled, centrally planned economy overseen by the Cuban government, though there remains significant foreign investment and enterprise in Cuba. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and most of the labor force is employed by the state.

Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).

Country Inflation: 3.1% (2008 est.) 3.4% (2009 est.).

City: Havana is the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba.

City Economy: Havana’s economy first developed on the basis of its location, which made it one of the early great trade centres in the New World. Sugar and a flourishing slave trade first brought riches to the city, and later, after independence, it became a renowned resort. Despite efforts by Fidel Castro’s government to spread Cuba’s industrial activity to all parts of the island, Havana remains the centre of much of the nation’s industry.

Cost of Living: Havana 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. Havana is currently ranked 217 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Croatia, Zagreb Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Croatia.

Location: Croatia is in South Eastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

Country Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast.

Country Terrain: Geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands.

Major Languages: Croatian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 4.4 million (2008 est.) 4.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The Economy of Croatia is a service-based economy, with the service sector accounting for two thrids of the total GDP.

Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK).

Country Inflation: 6.1% (2008 est.) 2.8% (2009 est.).

City: Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia.

City Economy: Zagreb’s transport connections, concentration of industry, scientific and research institutions and industrial tradition underlie its leading economic position in Croatia.

Cost of Living: Zagreb 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. Zagreb is currently ranked 36 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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