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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Rwanda, Kigali Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Rwanda.

Location: Rwanda is in Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Country Climate: Temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible.

Country Terrain: Mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east.

Major Languages: Kinyarwanda (official), French (official), English (official), Swahili.

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 9.6 million (2008 est.) 9.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Rwanda is primarily rural with about 90% of the population engaged in agriculture with few natural resources and minimal industry. Primary exports are coffee and tea.

Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF).

Country Inflation: 15.4% (2008 est.) 11.5% (2009 est.).

City: Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda.

City Economy: Kigali is the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda.

Cost of Living: Kigali 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. Kigali is currently ranked 166 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Poland, Warsaw Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Poland.

Location: Poland is in Central Europe, east of Germany.

Country Climate: Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers.

Country Terrain: Mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border.

Major Languages: Polish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

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

Country Economy: The economy of Poland is considered to be one of the healthiest economies of the post-communist countries, and is currently the fastest growing country within the EU.

Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN).

Country Inflation: 4.2% (2008 est.) 3.4% (2009 est.).

City: Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland.

City Economy: Warsaw is home to many national institutions and government agencies, as well as to many domestic and international companies. Warsaw produces 12% of Poland’s national income. Warsaw has the biggest concentration of electronics and high-tech industry in Poland.

Cost of Living: Warsaw 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. Warsaw is currently ranked 129 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Romania, Bucharest Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Romania.

Location: Romania is in South Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Country Climate: Temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms.

Country Terrain: Central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps.

Major Languages: Romanian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.5 million (2008 est.) 21.4 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: Romania is an upper-middle income European Union member economy of Central-Eastern Europe.

Currency: Romanian New Lei (RON).

Country Inflation: 7.8% (2008 est.) 5.5% (2009 est.).

City: Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania.

City Economy: Bucharest is the industrial, cultural, and financial centre of Romania and is one of the main industrial centres and transportation hubs of Eastern Europe.

Cost of Living: Bucharest 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. Bucharest is currently ranked 188 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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