Canada is a vast country which is often over shadowed by the neighbouring United State of America.  Unknown to many, Canada is actually the second largest country in the world by land mass, and is one of the top 10 economies (by size) in the world. Hence there is plenty of room for the growing number of Expats deciding to live in Canada . 

In what some may find surprising, the country was original inhabited by the aboriginal tribes commonly associated with Australia, although the country has very strong links with the UK and France, hence English and French are stated as the two main languages of the country.  

Canada is well known for the mounted police force, the “mounties”, and offers some of the most beautiful and relatively untouched natural scenery seen anywhere in the world.  Often thought of as a “poor cousin” of the USA, Canada has a lot to offer, and is one of the most progressive nations of the world.

A consensus among expatriates is that it might be difficult getting jobs in Cyprus if you do not know Greek. It might not be the lack of jobs that would affect you but rather the difficulty in finding a desired position as a non-Greek speaker. If ever you encounter such a problem, there are placement agencies which could provide you help. If you are only still planning on working in Cyprus, perhaps it would be better if you find an employer before going there. Companies in the island usually allow application submissions even though no call for employees has been made. All you need are your curriculum vitae, copies of diploma, certificates, and a cover letter. Nevertheless, do not lose hope if it takes some time because Cyprus' inclusion in the European Union has proved to be advantageous to their economy. 

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Dubai is one of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates. although the term is also used to describe the Emirates largest city, Dubai City.  Strangely for a country situated deep in the heart of oil country, the nation does not actually have significant oil reserves - it makes up only a very small percentage of the economy.

However, Dubai does have a style and sophistication all of its own and has developed at lightening fast pace over the last 20 years or so.  The country is well known for a number of innovative issues, and while human rights problems have been highlighted in years gone by, this area of society has improved.

Dubai has a very strong relationship with the likes of Great Britain, with whom the country had a protection agreement in the late 1880s.  This agreement was later withdrawn and the country set about building its own culture, economy and way of life.  Dubai is most definitely one of the major successes of the Middle East region, encompassing both traditional local customs and laws, while embracing a European way of life at the same time.

The visa situation in Dubai is a little complicated with countries such as the UK, France, Germany, etc all welcomed without tourist visas.  There are however many other countries such as Israel, where entry is either prohibited or near impossible. Permanent residency visa are also easier for European nationals to obtain, and while the process includes a medical, and vast quantities of paperwork, the majority will be successful.

It is paramount that Expats wanting to live in Dubai check their personal situation before travelling there as a tourist or possible foreign national. 

Dubai, fueled by its oil industry, is growing faster than any other city in the world.  Most available jobs are to be found in that sector and in fact, about 80% of Dubai’s population is foreign oil workers. Jobs, however, can also be found in the booming construction industry and other  sectors. 

The safest option for a foreign worker would be to secure a job before actually going to Dubai . This can be done through the help of countrymen who already work in the city or through employment agencies. Agencies based in major cities such as Paris usually supply managerial level employees while manual workers are recruited from agencies based in their own countries. Make sure that you tap only registered and reputable recruitment agencies.

France is one of the power houses of the European Union and has attracted much interest from foreign residents looking to relocate overseas. The country itself has a style and look all of its own, and is often mentioned in the same breath as Italy as a popular country for romantic breaks.

There is however a lot to France behind the scenes, with culture, art and architecture once again coming to the fore. This country certainly has a lot to offer both in terms of employment and everyday life and a deeply engrained freedom of speech which forms the basis of French law and culture. These are some of the reasons that the Expat community living in France grows every day.

Though France suffers from some serious labor shortages, the country’s unemployment rate is high, especially among male immigrants (20% versus 9% for locals).   Immigrants who are not EU citizens are not allowed to work as pharmacists, midwives, airline pilots, architects, and in at least 46 more professions and occupations. 

The French usually identifies the immigrant population with social problems such as higher crime rates and lower school standards, and there is still considerable prejudice against foreign workers with religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds different from the French majority.  The newly elected French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has also promised tougher immigration rules which will effect prospects for jobs in France . 

Comprising of over 260 islands, Hong Kong is probably a little different to what many people might believe. This ex-British colony has made itself one of the major economies of the region, often acting as a go-between for the West and Far East giving way to a diverse community of Expats living in Hong Kong .  

The colony was passed to Chinese control in 1997, although under a special agreement with the Chinese, the Hong Kong authorities will have autonomy with regards to their internal affairs until 2047.  After this period Japan will be able to take full control of the area, although they took control of foreign affairs and the defence of the nation as soon as the 1997 agreement was signed. 

Gaining entry in Italy to work will be a breeze for all citizens of the European Union. You would have to be, however, equal in academic or practical training and language skills with Italian nationals. If you meet all these requirements, you will be given equal status to Italian employees. Your family too will be entitled to benefits for Italian citizens. 

Individuals who do not hail from any of the EU countries might have a tougher time gaining entry. Many job vacancies in Italy are meant only for Italians and EU members. Employers sometimes only recruit non-Italians or non-EU citizens if there is no one else with the skills for the job. They will have to however, avail of Entry Visa for Reasons of Work before they get to Italy. Getting this Visa is really difficult hence many opt to marry Italian citizens or working illegally inside the country.

Japan is a country full of contradictions, a very private culture which has been exported to the masses overseas, a society which is heavily based upon family life, with a cut throat business environment.  However, Japan does have one of the oldest cultural bases dating back thousands of years, and a way of life which is deeply ingrained in society.

Consisting of over 3,000 separate islands, the country is dominated by three main islands, one of  which takes in Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world with a population in the region of 30 million.  The “land of the rising sun” offers a beautiful mixture of intrigue, history and a way of life which is alien to many Westerners.

Many will be surprised to learn that this economic leader of the world is between 70% and 80% forest and mountainous land which is unsuitable for even the simplest of agricultural industries.  It is also surprising to learn that the country encompasses 6 different climatic regions, from the Northern area which has regular snow falls, cold winters and cool summers, to the Southern islands which have a subtropical climate!

Over the last 20 years the country has opened up to both foreign visitors and foreign businesses, and immigration numbers for Expats living in Japan are growing.  Many are attracted by both the prospects for the economy as well as the traditional family values which ensure that the elderly and poor receive excellent financial assistance throughout their lives.

The visa system in Japan is one of the most straight forward in the world, and once a visa (whether temporary of permanent) has been granted there is no need for this to be renewed.  Applications for residency in the country are considered against the person’s financial background, employment prospects and ability to fund themselves.  There are certain timescales for different situations and these should be checked before applying for the paperwork. 

Portugal is most definitely a country which is on the up, with the population growing and a flourishing economy.  While there are large areas of the country dedicated to tourism and holiday makers, there are climatic differences between the north and southern ends of the nation.  However, on average it is still one of the warmest European states, perhaps one of the main reasons why the country is seeing net immigration grow with more Expats moving and living in Portugal . 

The history of Portugal is both interesting and varied, having under gone a series of wars and battles to cement independence, before releasing explorers to all areas of the globe.  The country also has the longest standing alliance of all time, having signed an agreement of co-operation with England in 1373.

While relatively small with a population of only 4.4 million residents, Singapore has a massive tourism industry which continues to grow year on year. With approaching 10 million people a year visiting the country, it has also attracted a number of Expats living in Simgapore who are impressed by the climate, the standard of living and the employment potential.

Formerly a British colony, Singapore still has strong links with the UK although this developing nation is attracting interest from all areas of the world. 

Spain has quickly become one of the hot spots of Europe, with regards to the place of rest for many foreign nationals.  This has resulted in a truly multi-cultural society, offering a safe and pleasant haven for many looking to settle overseas.  The excess sunshine also seems to attract many from the colder areas of the world!

Spain is one of the more popular destinations for foreign nationals looking to move overseas and become Expats living in Spain . An estimated 4.8 million foreign residents as at the end of 2005 were Expats in Spain .  The country is very popular with Moroccan and Ecuadorian nationals, although the British (8.09%), French (8.03%) and Germans (5.58%) also make up a substantial part of the overall 4.8m total.  The country has particularly strong cultural ties with south America, hence the high number of south American nationals choosing Spain for their new home.

In the space of ten years (1996-2006), the immigrant population of Spain has jumped from 1.37% to 8.75% of its total population, and 10.4% of the country’s total employed population. Within the same time frame, many Spanish jobs have been created, but unemployment remains relatively high at 10.4%. 

Construction and agriculture, personal services, and hotels and restaurants are the sectors that have the most number of hard to fill vacancies. Most foreign workers are, understandably, concentrated in these areas. Spanish employers prefer to hire either Spanish nationals or expatriates fluent in the Spanish language 

South Africa is a nation of nations, having suffered from much racial friction between the various elements of this diverse society. Cut adrift from the rest of the developed world in 1980s, due to the countries record on human rights and inequality amongst the population, it was reintroduced to the world in a blaze of publicity. While relationships between the ethnic parties in the country still require much work, there is definitely a move forward.

While South Africa is classed as a developing nation, there are areas such as Durban, Cape Town, etc which are fully developed, but progress among the outer towns and villages is very slow. The problems of the past have over shadowed what South Africa has to offer, with some of the most beautiful scenery you could hope for, with extreme desert conditions in the South and lush green forna in the North. These positive attributes are attracting more Expats wanting to live in South Africa .

Situated in the South East of Asia, Thailand has experienced a number of years of economic growth, although the military coup of 2006 has stalled any growth in the immediate future.  While the coup has not had a massive effect on the day to day running of the country, there are concerns about the date for the promised democratic elections.  There is pent up demand with regards to foreign investment, but as and when this will actually materialise is uncertain at the moment.

The main focal point of the country continues to be Bangkok which has an official population in the region of 7 million (although independent estimates put this closer to 14 million).  The city is one of the main tourist attractions of the world and a common stopping off point for Europeans making the long journey to Australia.  Tourism is fast becoming a massive part of the Thai economy, opening up foreigners to some of the beauty of this ancient country.

The Thai immigration system is fairly simple for Expats wishing to live in Thailand . While it is possible to arrive in the country without a visa, it is recommended that visas are arranged prior to travel especially if you are looking to stay more than 40 days.  It is also recommended that you do not out stay your welcome, ensuring that your visa is updated if your stay is extended.  There are situations where if you are found to have an invalid visa you may be detained in an Immigration Detention Centre - until your case is heard and you are deported. 

The UK has for some time been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with the American tourist very common place in the country.  The country has a number of factors in its favour including the colourful history (starting with the Celts) which has taken in the Roman invaders, Vikings, Saxons and Normans and many more who have tried and ultimately failed to conquer the land.

Consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the UK offers the full range of climates from the cold winters of Scotland to the warmer climbs of the South coast of England.  All elements of the UK have their own personal history, and they are all within easy travelling distance, by plane, car, water or train.

Beautiful landscapes, steeped in history, a monarchy rule, a community spirit and a warm welcome await the millions of foreign national who decided to visit and very often re-locate to the UK.  A strong member of the European Union, NATO, G8, UN and other influential political groups, the UK seems very much to punch above its weight on the worldwide stage.

The UK, along with Italy, has the largest influx of immigrant workers in Europe, and while more is being done to control the figures this is proving very difficult.  This has also had an impact on permanent residency figures with stricter guidelines and rules coming in to force over the last couple of years.  Interviews, nationality tests and an opinion of what an visitor can bring to the UK will all be part of the future immigration policy. These procedures do make it a little more difficult for Expats who want to move to the UK.

As well as being the economic power house of the world, the USA offers an unrivalled mix of cultures, religions and employment opportunities.  The tourist market is also enormous, with every tourist attraction you would ever wish to see!

The terrain is by far the most varied in the world, with glacial plains and deserts, high mountains and sub sea level hot beds and everything else in between.  The USA is the world leader in a variety of areas, and if something is popular in the USA you can guarantee that it will spread worldwide at some stage - the ultimate trend setter. These are just a few of the postive aspects why the number of Expats living in America is growing.