Switzerland, Geneva Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Swiss Confederation.

Location: Switzerland is in Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy.

Country Climate: Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers.

Country Terrain: Mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes.

Major Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansch.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 7.3 million (2008 est.) 7.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Switzerland is one of the world’s most stable economies. Its policy of long-term monetary security and bank secrecy has made Switzerland a safe haven for investors, creating an economy that is increasingly dependent on a steady tide of foreign investmen.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).

Country Inflation: 2.4% (2008 est.) -0.4% (2009 est.).

City: Geneva is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

City Economy: Geneva’s economy is mainly services oriented. The city has an important and old finance sector, which is specialized in private banking (managing assets of about 1 trillion USD) and financing of international trade.

Cost of Living: Geneva 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. Geneva is currently ranked 2 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Sweden, Stockholm Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Sweden.

Location: Sweden is in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway.

Country Climate: Temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west.

Major Languages: Swedish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 9.2 million (2008 est.) 9.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Sweden is an export-oriented mixed economy featuring a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labour force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Sweden’s engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Telecommunications, the automotive industry and the pharmaceutical industries are also of great importance.

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK).

Country Inflation: 3.3% (2008 est.) 2.2% (2009 est.).

City: Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden.

City Economy: The vast majority of Stockholmians work in the service industry, which accounts for roughly 85% of jobs in Stockholm. Stockholm is Sweden’s financial centre.

Cost of Living: Stockholm 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. Stockholm is currently ranked 85 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Swaziland, Mbabane Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Kingdom of Swaziland.

Location: Swaziland is in Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa.

Country Climate: Varies from tropical to near temperate.

Country Terrain: Mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains.

Major Languages: Swazi, English (both official).

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 1.0 million (2008 est.) 1.0 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Swaziland is fairly diversified, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13% of GDP, manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37% of GDP. The majority of the population ? about 75%?is employed in subsistence agriculture.

Currency: Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL).

Country Inflation: 13.1% (2008 est.) 7.8% (2009 est.).

City: Mbabane is the capital and largest city of Swaziland.

City Economy: Mbabane, and Swaziland itself, depend on tourism and sugar exports.

Cost of Living: Mbabane 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. Mbabane is currently ranked 258 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Suriname, Paramaribo Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Suriname.

Location: Suriname is in Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana.

Country Climate: Tropical; moderated by trade winds.

Country Terrain: Mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps.

Major Languages: Dutch (official), English, Sranang Tongo, Hindi, Javanese.

Major Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

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

Country Economy: The economy of Suriname is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Other main export products include rice, bananas and shrimp.

Currency: Suriname Dollar (SRD).

Country Inflation: 14.6% (2008 est.) 7.6% (2009 est.).

City: Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname.

City Economy: Paramaribo’s major exports are gold, bauxite, sugar cane, rice, cacao, coffee, rum, and tropical woods. Cement and paint are manufactured in the city.

Cost of Living: Paramaribo 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. Paramaribo is currently ranked 267 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Sudan, Khartoum Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Sudan.

Location: Sudan is in Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea.

Country Climate: Tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region (April to November).

Country Terrain: Generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south, northeast and west; desert dominates the north.

Major Languages: Arabic; Nubian, others.

Major Religions: Islam, Christianity.

Country Population: 38.1 million (2008 est.) 39.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Sudan has been buffeted by civil war, political instability, adverse weather, weak world commodity prices, a drop in remittances from abroad, and counterproductive economic policies. The private sector’s main areas of activity are agriculture and trading, with most private industrial investment predating 1980. Agriculture employs 80% of the work force.

Currency: Sudanese Dinar (SDD).

Country Inflation: 14.3% (2008 est.) 11% (2009 est.).

City: Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and of Khartoum State.

City Economy: Khartoum has a thriving economy. In recent years Khartoum has seen significant development, driven by Sudan’s oil wealth. The center of the city is well-planned, with tree-lined streets.

Cost of Living: Khartoum 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. Khartoum is currently ranked 111 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Sri Lanka, Colombo Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Location: Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, south of India.

Country Climate: Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October).

Country Terrain: Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior.

Major Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English.

Major Religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

Country Population: 20.1 million (2008 est.) 20.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Sri Lanka is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon which is native to the country.

Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR).

Country Inflation: 22.6% (2008 est.) 4.6% (2009 est.).

City: Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

City Economy: The great majority of Sri Lankan corporations have their head offices in Colombo. Some of the industries include chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, and jewellery. In the city centre is located South Asia’s second tallest building – The World Trade Centre.

Cost of Living: Colombo 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. Colombo is currently ranked 276 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Spain, Madrid Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Spain.

Location: Spain is in South Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France.

Country Climate: Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast.

Country Terrain: Large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north.

Major Languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque).

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 45.6 million (2008 est.) 46.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Spain has been regarded as one of the most dynamic within the EU, attracting significant amounts of foreign investment.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 4.1% (2008 est.) -0.3% (2009 est.).

City: Barcelona is the capital and the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain.

City Economy: Barcelona’s economy consists of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. Barcelona has a long-standing mercantile tradition.

Cost of Living: Madrid 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. Madrid is currently ranked 55 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Spain, Barcelona Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Spain.

Location: Spain is in South Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France.

Country Climate: Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast.

Country Terrain: Large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north.

Major Languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque).

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 45.6 million (2008 est.) 46.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Spain has been regarded as one of the most dynamic within the EU, attracting significant amounts of foreign investment.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 4.1% (2008 est.) -0.3% (2009 est.).

City: Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain.

City Economy: Madrid is a major centre for international business and commerce. It is one of Europe’s largest financial centres and the largest in Spain.

Cost of Living: Barcelona 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. Barcelona is currently ranked 71 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Spain, Barcelona Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Spain.

Location: Spain is in South Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France.

Country Climate: Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast.

Country Terrain: Large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north.

Major Languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque).

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 45.6 million (2008 est.) 46.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Spain has been regarded as one of the most dynamic within the EU, attracting significant amounts of foreign investment.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 4.1% (2008 est.) -0.3% (2009 est.).

City: Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain.

City Economy: Madrid is a major centre for international business and commerce. It is one of Europe’s largest financial centres and the largest in Spain.

Cost of Living: Barcelona 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. Barcelona is currently ranked 71 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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South Africa, Pretoria Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of South Africa.

Location: South Africa is at the southern tip of the continent of Africa.

Country Climate: Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights.

Country Terrain: Vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain.

Major Languages: 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu.

Major Religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 48.7 million (2008 est.) 49.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of South Africa is a two tiered economy; one rivaling other developed countries and the other with only the most basic infrastructure. It is therefore a productive and industrialised economy that exhibits many characteristics associated with developing countries, including a division of labour between formal and informal sectors and an uneven distribution of wealth and income. The primary sector, based on manufacturing, services, mining, and agriculture, is well developed.

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR).

Country Inflation: 11.5% (2008 est.) 7.2% (2009 est.).

City: Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country’s three capital cities, serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital.

City Economy: As the national administrative (executive) capital of South Africa, Pretoria is the seat of government and houses the headquarters of the main government departments and ministries. As the de facto capital city, it also hosts the foreign embassies and diplomatic missions. The city is a major commercial centre and an important industrial centre. Its main industries are iron and steel works, copper casting, and the manufacture of automobiles, railway carriages and heavy machinery.

Cost of Living: Pretoria 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. Pretoria is currently ranked 210 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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