afrol News, 11 June - Angola's capital Luanda has maintained its spot of being the most expensive city in the world for expatriates, the latest ECA International survey released yesterday has revealed. Luanda is followed by Tokyo while Maseru, Lesotho’s capital was ranked the cheapest according to the survey.

According to the report, which compares cost living in 370 cities around the world, Angola, which has a booming oil sector, topped the list as many expatriates purchase imported products at high prices.

Angola which has attracted a high influx of foreign workers since the civil war ended in 2002, has the high cost of food, construction materials and other goods that have to be imported due war-damaged industry and poor infrastructure.

The survey said Luanda apartments with water and electricity go for upwards of $15,000 dollars a month, a basic meal out can top $100 dollars and imported European cheese sells for over $15 dollars a piece.

The findings are used by multinational companies to calculate allowances paid to officials abroad. The study includes goods and services typically purchased by expatriates.

Maintaining their position in the top ten were Copenhagen in Denmark, Oslo in Norway, Geneva and the Swiss cities of Geneva, Zurich and Basel.

One of Africa's major oil producers, Angola is also one of the poorest countries in the world, with two thirds of the population living on less than two dollars a day.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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