Oman, Muscat Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Sultanate of Oman.

Location: Oman is in the Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE.

Country Climate: Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south.

Country Terrain: Central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south.

Major Languages: Arabic.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 2.8 million (2008 est.) 2.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Oman is based on oil, although in recent years, proven oil reserves have been holding approximately steady, although oil production has been decreasing. Oman has made active plans to diversify its economy and is placing a greater emphasis on other areas of industry, such as tourism and natural gas. Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions.

Currency: Omani Rial (OMR).

Country Inflation: 12.6% (2008 est.) 3.3% (2009 est.).

City: Muscat is the capital and largest city of Oman.

City Economy: Muscat’s economy is dominated by trade, petroleum and porting. The more traditional exports of the city included dates, mother of pearl, and fish.

Cost of Living: Muscat 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. Muscat is currently ranked 241 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Norway, Oslo Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Kingdom of Norway.

Location: Norway is in Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden.

Country Climate: Temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast.

Country Terrain: Glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north.

Major Languages: Norwegian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 4.8 million (2008 est.) 4.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Norway is a mixed economy, a prosperous capitalist welfare state featuring a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors. The country is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals.

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Country Inflation: 3.8% (2008 est.) 2.3% (2009 est.).

City: Oslo is the capital and largest city in Norway.

City Economy: Oslo’s port is the largest general cargo port in the country and its leading passenger gateway. Oslo is home to some of which are the world’s largest shipping companies, shipbrokers, and insurance brokers.

Cost of Living: Oslo 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. Oslo is currently ranked 5 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Nigeria, Lagos Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Location: Nigeria is in Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon.

Country Climate: Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north.

Country Terrain: Southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north.

Major Languages: English (official), Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa.

Major Religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 147.9 million (2008 est.) 151.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Nigeria is one of the fastest growing in the world but is struggling to leverage the country?s vast wealth in fossil fuels in order to displace the crushing poverty that affects about 57 percent of its population. The oil sector provides 80% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and about 65% of government revenues.

Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN).

Country Inflation: 11.6% (2008 est.) 12.0% (2009 est.).

City: Lagos is a port and the most populous city in Nigeria.

City Economy: Lagos is Nigeria’s most prosperous city, and much of the nation’s wealth and economic activity are concentrated there. Most commercial, financial and business centers of Lagos and of Nigeria remains at the central business district in Lagos Island which is also typified with the presence of high rise buildings.

Cost of Living: Lagos 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. Lagos is currently ranked 64 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Niger, Niamey Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Republic of Niger.

Location: Niger is in Western Africa, southeast of Algeria.

Country Climate: Desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south.

Country Terrain: Predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north.

Major Languages: French (official), Arabic, Hausa, Songhai.

Major Religions: Islam, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 13.8 million (2008 est.) 14.2 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Niger is based largely upon internal markets, subsitance agriculture, and the export of raw commodities: food stuffs to neighbors and raw minerals to world markets. Economic activity centres on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, re-export trade, and export of uranium.

Currency: CFA Franc (XOF).

Country Inflation: 11.3% (2008 est.) 4.8% (2009 est.).

City: Niamey is the capital and largest city of the West African nation of Niger.

City Economy: Niamey is the administrative, cultural and economic center. The city is located in a pearl millet growing region, while manufacturing industries include bricks, ceramic goods, cement and weaving.

Cost of Living: Niamey 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. Niamey is currently ranked 138 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Nicaragua, Managua Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Nicaragua.

Location: Nicaragua is in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras.

Country Climate: Tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands.

Country Terrain: Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes.

Major Languages: Spanish, English, indigenous languages.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 6.2 million (2008 est.) 6.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Nicaragua has made significant progress toward macro-economic stabilization over the past few years. Nicaragua is primarily an agricultural country, but construction, mining, fisheries, and general commerce also have been expanding during the last few years.

Currency: Nicaraguan Cordoba Oro (NIO).

Country Inflation: 19.9% (2008 est.) 4.3% (2009 est.).

City: Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua.

City Economy: Managua is Nicaragua’s chief trading center for coffee, cotton, and other crops. It is also an important industrial center.

Cost of Living: Managua 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. Managua is currently ranked 247 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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New Zealand, Auckland Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: New Zealand.

Location: New Zealand is in Oceania, and comprises islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.

Country Climate: Temperate with sharp regional contrasts.

Country Terrain: Predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains.

Major Languages: English, Maori.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 4.3 million (2008 est.) 4.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The Economy of New Zealand is a market economy which is greatly dependent on international trade, mainly with Australia, the European Union, the United States, China and Japan. It has only small manufacturing and high-tech sectors, being strongly focused on tourism and primary industries like agriculture (though both sectors are highly profitable).

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Country Inflation: 4.0% (2008 est.) 1.5% (2009 est.).

City: Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area.

City Economy: Most major international corporations have an Auckland office, as the city is the economic capital of the nation.

Cost of Living: Auckland 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. Auckland is currently ranked 98 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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New Caledonia, Noumea Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: New Caledonia.

Location: New Caledonia (Self-governing territory of France) is in Oceania, and comprises islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia.

Country Climate: Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid.

Country Terrain: Coastal plains with interior mountains.

Major Languages: French (official), Melanesian and Polynesian dialects.

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Country Population: 0.247 million (2008 est.) 0.249 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world’s known nickel resources. In addition to nickel, the substantial financial support from France and tourism are keys to the health of the economy.

Currency: CFP Franc (XPF).

Country Inflation: N/A.

City: Noumea is the capital city of the French territory of New Caledonia.

City Economy: Noumea has experienced a major housing construction boom within the past decade. The installation of amenities has kept pace, and the municipality boasts a public works programme.

Cost of Living: Noumea 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. Noumea is currently ranked 13 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Netherlands, Amsterdam Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Location: The Netherlands is in Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany.

Country Climate: Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters.

Country Terrain: Mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast.

Major Languages: Dutch.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 16.7 million (2008 est.) 16.8 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy in which the government has reduced its role since the 1980s. Industrial activity is predominantly in food-processing, Financial services, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 2.2% (2008 est.) 0.9% (2009 est.).

City: Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands.

City Economy: The city is the financial and cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and 7 of the world’s top 500 companies.

Cost of Living: Amsterdam 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. Amsterdam is currently ranked 45 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Nepal, Kathmandu Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Nepal.

Location: Nepal is in Southern Asia, between China and India.

Country Climate: Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south.

Country Terrain: Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north.

Major Languages: Nepali.

Major Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism.

Country Population: 27.6 million (2008 est.) 27.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Nepal is reliant on external assistance. A long-standing economic agreement underpins a close relationship with India. The country receives foreign aid from India, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, China, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries. Poverty is acute; per-capita income is less than US$470. Agriculture accounts for about 40% of Nepal’s GDP, services comprise 41% and industry 22%. Agriculture employs 76% of the workforce. The rate of unemployment and underemployment approaches half of the working-age population. Thus many Nepali citizens move to India in search of work; the Gulf countries and Malaysia being new sources of work.

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Country Inflation: 7.7% (2008 est.) 13.2% (2009 est.).

City: Kathmandu is the capital and the largest metropolitan city of Nepal.

City Economy: Kathmandu is the most important industrial and commercial centre of Nepal and the headquarters of most companies, banks and organizations in the country are located here.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu 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. Kathmandu is currently ranked 262 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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Nauru, Yaren Cost of Living April 2010

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Xpatulator

Country Full Name: Republic of Nauru.

Location: Nauru is an island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands.

Country Climate: Tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February).

Country Terrain: Sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center.

Major Languages: Nauruan, English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 0.014 million (2008 est.) 0.014 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: Nauru is the world’s smallest island nation and joined the UN in 1999 as the world’s smallest independent republic. Revenues of Nauru have traditionally come from exports of phosphate rock. Primary phosphate reserves were exhausted, and mining ceased, but in 2006-07, mining of a deeper layer of secondary phosphate began. It is hoped that this economic activity might lift Nauru from the bottom rung of global GDP per capita. The only other major source of government revenue is sale of fishing rights in Nauru’s territorial waters.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: N/A.

City: Yaren is a district and constituency of the Pacific nation of Nauru. It is the de facto capital of Nauru.

City Economy: Yaren is listed as the de facto capital of Nauru as the republic does not have cities or an official capital. Yaren is accepted by the United Nations as the main district.

Cost of Living: Yaren 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. Yaren is currently ranked 73 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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