Switzerland, Zurich Cost of Living April 2010

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.

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