The expat network InterNations has carried out an international study about living conditions of expatriates, i.e. people who live and work abroad, with support of komma research and consulting GmbH. The study is based on a survey of almost 14.000 expats of over 160 countries and is therefore currently one of the most extensive studies in this target group. The topics range from quality of life in the respective host country and cost of living to partnership and family.

In the global overall ranking, Ecuador occupies the leading position among the expats. The country is particularly evaluated excellently because of low cost of living and social integration. Luxemburg occupies rank 2: Here, newcomers particularly value the good carreer opportunities and economic stability. Due to a very positive evaluation of friendliness in the country and personal satisfaction, Mexiko ranks third in the overall ranking.

Single aspects of living abroad were also compared amongst the countries: Switzerland for example scores first place amongst expats at the topics overall quality of life, security in the country, and infrastructure. Norway scores first place at the topics work-life-balance and security of the workplace. Generally, all scandinavian countries score very well at the aspect family friendliness.

Moreover, a typology was developed, which shows the motives of the stay abroad. In total, ten types could be identified among the expats: For example the Romantic, who moves due to love and is often found in countries like Greece and Sweden, the Globetrotter, who likes to travel and lives abroad – often found in Argentina, Costa Rica and Panama – or the Carreer-expat, who is often found in Bahrain, Kenya and Belgium.

Further information, graphic material, as well as the complete study can be downloaded here: http://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2014/

About InterNations

With more than 1,4 Million members in 390 cities is the munich company InterNations the largest network for expatriates worldwide. The first international online and offline community for expatriates offers people living and working abroad the opportunity to connect and exchange experiences with other members, who share the same living situation and similar needs. InterNations is geared towards the needs of expatriates in particular and connects online with offline offers: The Members are meeting regularly at events and activities, they share tipps in forums, and expat guides offer informationen about the new place of residence and about living abroad.