Tajikistan, Dushanbe Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Tajikistan.

Location: Tajikistan is in Central Asia, west of China.

Country Climate: Midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains.

Country Terrain: Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest.

Major Languages: Tajik, Uzbek, Russian.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 6.5 million (2008 est.) 6.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Tajikistan has been gravely weakened by civil conflict and by the loss of subsidies from Moscow and of markets for its products. Tajikistan depends to a large degree on aid from Russia and Uzbekistan and on international humanitarian assistance for much of its basic subsistence needs. Foreign remittance flows from Tajik migrant workers abroad, mainly in Russia, has become by far the main source of income for millions of Tajikistan’s people and represents additional 36.2 % of country’s GDP directly reaching the poverty-stricken population.

Currency: Tajikistan Somoni (TJS).

Country Inflation: 20.4% (2008 est.) 8.0% (2009 est.).

City: Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan.

City Economy: Coal, lead, and arsenic are mined nearby in the cities of Nurek and Kulob allowing for the industrialization of Dushanbe. The Nurek Dam, the world’s highest as of 2008, generates 95% of Tajikistan’s electricity.

Cost of Living: Dushanbe 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. Dushanbe is currently ranked 277 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more cost of living information on Tajikistan, Dushanbe

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Tajikistan, Dushanbe Cost of Living April 2010

Taiwan, Taipei Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of China (ROC).

Location: Taiwan is in Eastern Asia, and comprises islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China.

Country Climate: Tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year.

Country Terrain: Eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west.

Major Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Min Nan Chinese (Taiwanese).

Major Religions: Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity.

Country Population: 23.0 million (2008 est.) 23.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Taiwan is a dynamic capitalist economy. Real growth in GDP has averaged about 8% during the past three decades. The service sector makes up 73% of the economy.

Currency: Taiwan Dollar (TWD).

Country Inflation: 3.5% (2008 est.) -0.5% (2009 est.).

City: Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and is the de facto capital of the Republic of China.

City Economy: As the capital of the Republic of China, Taipei has been at the center of rapid economic development in the country and has now become one of the global cities in the production of high technology and its components.

Cost of Living: Taipei 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. Taipei is currently ranked 53 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more cost of living information on Taiwan, Taipei

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Taiwan, Taipei Cost of Living April 2010

Syria, Damascus Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Syrian Arab Republic.

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

Country Climate: Mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus.

Country Terrain: Primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west.

Major Languages: Arabic.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 19.9 million (2008 est.) 20.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Syria is that of a middle-income, developing country with a diversified economy based on agriculture, industry, and energy.

Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP).

Country Inflation: 15.2% (2008 est.) 7.5% (2009 est.).

City: Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria.

City Economy: Damascus is home to a wide range of industrial activity, such as Textile, food processing, Cement and various Chemical industries. The historical role that Damascus played as an important trade center has changed in recent years due to political development in the region as well as the development of modern trade.

Cost of Living: Damascus 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. Damascus is currently ranked 202 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more cost of living information on Syria, Damascus

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Syria, Damascus Cost of Living April 2010

Switzerland, Zurich 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: Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich.

City Economy: Zurich is Switzerland’s main commercial and cultural centre.

Cost of Living: Zurich 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. Zurich is currently ranked 4 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more cost of living information on Switzerland, Zurich

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Switzerland, Zurich Cost of Living April 2010

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.

For more cost of living information on Switzerland, Geneva

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Switzerland, Geneva Cost of Living April 2010

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.

For more cost of living information on Sweden, Stockholm

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sweden, Stockholm Cost of Living April 2010

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.

For more cost of living information on Swaziland, Mbabane

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Swaziland, Mbabane Cost of Living April 2010

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.

for more cost of living information on Suriname, Paramaribo

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Suriname, Paramaribo Cost of Living April 2010

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.

For more cost of living information on Sudan, Khartoum

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sudan, Khartoum Cost of Living April 2010

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.

For more cost of living informatin on Sri Lanka, Colombo

Posted in International Cost of Living Rank; International Cost of Living Index | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sri Lanka, Colombo Cost of Living April 2010