Serbia, Belgrade Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Serbia.

Location: Serbia is in South Eastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary.

Country Climate: In the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns).

Country Terrain: Extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills.

Major Languages: Serbian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 7.4 million (2008 est.) 7.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Serbia is based mostly on services, which account for about 63% of the GDP. The economy has a high unemployment rate of 14% and a unfavourable trade deficit.

Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD).

Country Inflation: 11.7% (2008 est.) 9.9% (2009 est.).

City: Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia.

City Economy: Belgrade is the central economic hub of Serbia, and the capital of Serbian education and science.

Cost of Living: Belgrade 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. Belgrade is currently ranked 113 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Senegal, Dakar Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Senegal.

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

Country Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.

Country Terrain: Generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast.

Major Languages: French (official), Wolof.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 12.5 million (2008 est.) 12.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Senegal is predominantly rural with limited natural resources and gains most of its foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, groundnuts, tourism, and services.

Currency: CFA Franc (XOF).

Country Inflation: 5.8% (2008 est.) -0.9% (2009 est.).

City: Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal.

City Economy: Dakar is the westernmost city on the African mainland and is a major regional port.

Cost of Living: Dakar 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. Dakar is currently ranked 75 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Location: Saudi Arabia is in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen.

Country Climate: Harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes.

Country Terrain: Mostly uninhabited, sandy desert.

Major Languages: Arabic.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 24.9 million (2008 est.) 25.5 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: Saudi Arabia’s economy is petroleum-based; roughly 75% of budget revenues and 90% of export earnings come from the oil industry.

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Country Inflation: 9.9% (2008 est.) 4.5% (2009 est.).

City: Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia.

City Economy: Riyadh is a large metropolis and is a focal point for both travel and trade.

Cost of Living: Riyadh 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. Riyadh is currently ranked 130 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

Location: Sao Tome and Principe is in Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon.

Country Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May).

Country Terrain: Volcanic, mountainous.

Major Languages: Portuguese.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.16 million (2008 est.) 0.16 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Sao Tome and Principe, while traditionally dependent on cocoa, is experiencing considerable changes due to investment in the development of its oil industry its territorial waters in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Currency: Sao Tome/Principe Dobra (STD).

Country Inflation: 26.0% (2008 est.) 17.1% (2009 est.).

City: Sao Tome is the capital city of Sao Tome and Principe and is the largest town.

City Economy: Sao Tome is an important port and center of the island’s road and bus networks.

Cost of Living: Sao Tome 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. Sao Tome is currently ranked 121 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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San Marino, San Marino Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of San Marino.

Location: San Marino is in Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy.

Country Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers.

Country Terrain: Rugged mountains.

Major Languages: Italian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.03 million (2008 est.) 0.03 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The tourist sector contributes over 50% of San Marino’s GDP. Other key industries are banking, electronics, and ceramics. The main agricultural products are wine and cheese.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 3.5% (2008 est.).

City: The City of San Marino is the capital city of the Republic of San Marino.

City Economy: The economy of the city of San Marino is closely bound to that of the country.

Cost of Living: San Marino 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. San Marino is currently ranked 21 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Samoa, Apia Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Independent State of Samoa.

Location: Samoa is in Oceania, and consists of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand.

Country Climate: Tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October).

Country Terrain: Two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior.

Major Languages: Samoan, English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.2 million (2008 est.) 0.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, private family remittances from overseas, and agricultural exports. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labour force, and furnishes 90% of exports.

Currency: Samoan Tala (WST).

Country Inflation: 6.2% (2008 est.) 14.2% (2009 est.).

City: Apia is the capital and the largest city of Samoa.

City Economy: Apia Harbour is by far the largest and busiest harbour in Samoa. Apia is served by a good road network, which is generally kept reasonably well maintained.

Cost of Living: Apia 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. Apia is currently ranked 109 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Location: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago.

Country Climate: Tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November).

Country Terrain: Volcanic, mountainous.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.1 million (2008 est.) 0.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is largely based on agriculture which is dominated by banana production. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important.

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD).

Country Inflation: 10.1% (2008 est.) 4.2% (2009 est.).

City: Kingstown is the chief port of Saint Vincent, and the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

City Economy: Kingstown is a centre for the island’s agricultural industry and a port of entry for tourists. Exports include bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot.

Cost of Living: Kingstown 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. Kingstown is currently ranked 221 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Saint Lucia, Castries Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Saint Lucia.

Location: Saint Lucia is an island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago.

Country Climate: Tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August.

Country Terrain: Volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys.

Major Languages: English (official), French patois.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.2 million (2008 est.) 0.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Saint Lucia depends primarily on tourism, banana production, and light manufacturing.

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD).

Country Inflation: 7.2% (2008 est.) 2.2% (2009 est.).

City: Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia.

City Economy: Castries houses the government and head offices of many businesses both foreign and local. It also has a sheltered harbour which receives cargo vessels and ferry boats as well as cruise ships.

Cost of Living: Castries 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. Castries is currently ranked 256 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Saint Helena, Jamestown Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Saint Helena. Status: British Overseas Territory.

Location: St Helena (Overseas territory of the UK) is comprised of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena.

Country Climate: Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds
Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid
Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena).

Country Terrain: The islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge
Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east
Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.004 million (2008 est.) 0.004 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of St Helena is very weak, and the island is almost entirely sustained by aid from London. The public sector dominates the economy, accounting for about half of GDP.

Currency: Saint Helenian Pound (SHP).

Country Inflation: N/A.

City: Jamestown is the capital of the island of Saint Helena.

City Economy: Jamestown is the island’s port, with facilities for unloading goods delivered to the island, and the centre of the island’s road and communications network.

Cost of Living: Jamestown 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. Jamestown is currently ranked 118 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Saint Helena, Jamestown Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Saint Helena. Status: British Overseas Territory.

Location: St Helena (Overseas territory of the UK) is comprised of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena.

Country Climate: Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds
Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid
Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena).

Country Terrain: The islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge
Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east
Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.004 million (2008 est.) 0.004 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of St Helena is very weak, and the island is almost entirely sustained by aid from London. The public sector dominates the economy, accounting for about half of GDP.

Currency: Saint Helenian Pound (SHP).

Country Inflation: N/A.

City: Jamestown is the capital of the island of Saint Helena.

City Economy: Jamestown is the island’s port, with facilities for unloading goods delivered to the island, and the centre of the island’s road and communications network.

Cost of Living: Jamestown 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. Jamestown is currently ranked 118 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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