Veedushi Bissessur

Saint-Louis, known as Ndar in Wolof, was the Senegalese capital city until 1957. Having been founded by the French in 1659, its strategic location on an island in the Senegal River estuary adjacent to the Atlantic, helped the city grow into a major trade hub.

Located 70 km from Dakar, Thiès is Senegal's third-largest urban centre with an estimated 765,000 people. Known as the ‘junction' of Senegal, it is perfectly situated at the apex of three of the country's main roads, including the new motorways to Dakar and Touba, and national routes to the south-east and Saint-Louis. As a result, Thiès is a very active city with many companies, especially Senegalese companies, choosing to set up offices there.

Sprawled across the southern banks of the Casamance river, life flows in Ziguinchor much like the water that gently ambles alongside. Wide-open streets, palm trees and low-rise buildings mark out the blueprint of this relaxed capital, which is becoming increasingly popular among expats thanks to the region's warmer climate and greener surroundings.

Senegal has long been a West African destination of choice for expats looking to live and work. Foreign professionals from around the world choose to work in Senegal, mainly in the big cities and coastal resorts. Thanks to the country's diverse, developing economy, Senegal offers many different career prospects, which attract foreign professionals from around the world. 

Dakar is the westernmost city of mainland Africa and has been Senegal's capital since 1960. The wider Dakar metropolitan area is home to an estimated 3.7 million people, accounting for more than one-fifth of the population, while the city of Dakar is made of 19 districts with downtown Plateau the heart and soul of Dakar's economic activities.

The former capital of Senegal and French West Africa, Saint-Louis was founded by the French in 1659. Located on an island in the Senegal River estuary, its unique location enabled ships from the Atlantic to travel to its ports and made it one of the principal West African trading hubs in the 17th-20th centuries.

Thiès is the name of the region outside of Dakar with its largest city, also called Thiès, the third-largest urban centre in Senegal with an estimated 765,000 people. Located 70km from Dakar and 30km from the new Blaise Diagne International Airport, Thiès is a well-connected city that is known as the ‘junction' of Senegal because of its road links to Saint-Louis, Touba (via a new motorway), Kaolack, Tambacounda and Mali. As a result, Thiès is a very dynamic city, offering many career opportunities to foreigners wishing to settle there, especially those involved with transporting goods across the country.

With 570,000 people, Kaolack is the fifth largest city in Senegal. Bustling and vibrant, Kaolack is situated on the main route from Dakar to the south-eastern regions of Senegal (Tambacounda, Kédégou) and the Guinean and Malian borders. As such, Kaolack was historically a major trading station for produce from these regions, such as peanuts - Senegal's main export crop. This trading hub was enhanced by the fact that Kaolack is located on the banks of a major river, the Saloum, which flows out into the Atlantic via the Sine-Saloum delta, one of Senegal's seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ziguinchor is the capital of Casamance, the southern Senegalese region wedged between The Gambia to the north and Guinea-Bissau to the south. Culturally, ethnically and geographically, Casamance (including Ziguinchor) is a world away from the rest of Senegal. Lying in the sub-tropics, Ziguinchor experiences warmer and wetter weather, while Basse-Casamance, where Ziguinchor is located, is the only Christian majority region in the country.

With its growing economy, openness to foreign investment and political stability, Senegal is a popular destination to set up a company in West Africa. However, like in all countries, there are lots of different ways of doing this, and ultimately it will depend on the structure and nature of your business, as well as your nationality (not all legal company structures are open to foreigners).

Senegal is very open towards young graduates and professionals seeking new opportunities in West Africa. With the vast array of industries, from charities and NGOs to financial services and telecoms operating in the capital, Dakar hosts a large number of interns every year. However, there are also opportunities across the country with a mixture of different businesses and organisations.

Senegal welcomes international students with open arms. In recent years, the country has seen its higher education system become one of the most advanced in Africa, comparable to many European and American countries. Both public and private universities offer open and specialised courses with the diplomas provided carrying the same weight as many in western nations.

Senegal is known worldwide for being the land of 'Teranga'; a Wolof phrase which roughly translates as warmth, friendliness and selflessness. In particular, the country's inhabitants are famous for their unprecedented hospitality towards foreigners. The Teranga and the general Senegalese way of life is often cited by expats as the reason for staying in the country for a long time.

If you have decided to relocate to Senegal, take your time when choosing your removal company. This is the most important step, and you should not rush into it. Set up an appointment with a relocation counsellor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glassware, mirrors, pieces of art etc.) and make sure to specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.).

Whether moving long-term or short-term, you may want to take your pet with you to Senegal. But before you do, you should familiarise yourself with the relevant procedures to ensure your pet's smooth entry into the country. In particular, you should check the health of your pet before researching the procedures as pets in bad health or those suffering from any contagious diseases will not be allowed into Senegal.

Whether for work or leisure, knowing how to move around the country is essential for all expats. In Senegal, there is a wide range of public transport options ranging from horse-drawn carts to light aircraft. What transport you use will depend on where you are going, what your budget is and how quickly you need to be there. In addition, many people rent or buy scooters or cars to get around.

Settling abroad is not just about work, but also the unique opportunity to discover the country's charms during your evenings and weekends. Whether with family, friends or on your own, Senegal offers a huge range of things to do and see that covers all age groups, tastes and wallet sizes. From travelling to its seven UNESCO World Heritage sites to immersing yourself in the local Wolof culture, there's something for everyone in Senegal.

Dakar is not just Senegal's capital city, but its economic, cultural and sporting hub. Situated on the Cap-Vert peninsula, it is almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic ocean, which offers up a number of watersports, fishing opportunities and beaches, while Dakar also hosts a wide range of stadiums and sports clubs. In addition, there is an endless number of museums, art galleries and theatres for you to dip your cultural toe into.

Telecommunications will be an essential part of your expatriation project in Senegal. You will definitely have access to telecommunication services in the country, although these are not as developed as you could expect in many other countries. In fact, the country hosts only two major telephone service providers which have monopolised the telecommunications market. But these provide landline, mobile phone lines as well as Internet connection in most of the country.

Getting around Senegal's major cities is easy with taxis costing comparatively little and public transport even less. However, if you want to go further afield, travel intercity or just have the convenience of your own set of wheels, then you'll probably be looking to drive. For most people, this only requires having a valid driver's license and knowledge of the country's road traffic regulations. However nationals of some countries may have to convert their national driver's licence to be allowed to drive in Senegal.

Benjamin Franklin reportedly said that ‘nothing is certain but death and taxes'. Well, that's certainly true in Senegal, where taxes are levied on expats who work in the country, set up a business in the country or who own a property. The taxes are applied in various rates and methods and so it's important that you're clued up with the tax system before you go.

Senegal is relatively open to foreigners, but like most countries, its borders are protected by local authorities which will determine your ability to enter the country based on your nationality. Some 59 countries are exempt from visas*, including all EU and ECOWAS countries, but other nationalities will have to obtain a visa before they arrive in Senegal.

Like most countries, Senegal controls the entry and exit of travellers at its borders: be it at a port, airport or land crossing. As a result, anyone looking to move to Senegal, whether for a few weeks or a few years, should be aware of the travel regulations before they set off.

Senegal is a popular destination for retired foreigners, especially those from France and Belgium, who flock to Senegal's year-round sun and natural beauty. However, it's not just golden sandy beaches and sunshine that attracts retirees to Senegal, but also the stable economic and socio-political situations and the affordable cost of living. Moreover, Senegal is known as the land of ‘Teranga' thanks to its inhabitants' legendary hospitality and friendliness, not to mention their relaxed lifestyle and open-mindedness.

Senegal is a democratic, multi-party republic in West Africa. Its capital, Dakar, is the westernmost city of mainland Africa, located on the Cap-Vert peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Senegal covers a land area of 197,000 square kilometres, which straddles two climate zones: the semi-arid Sahelian north and the sub-tropical south.

Downtown Helsinki is a rather narrow piece of land pointing towards the sea. This geography can easily jam the rush hour and even weekend traffic. Driving to your downtown office and back can be painstaking unless you have a reserved parking space. If you are lucky enough to live and work in or in the vicinity of the city centre walking is often the smartest and quickest way to move around. For those living a bit further in the satellite areas, nothing beats the local trains.

Hordes of joyful youngsters roaming around in the city wearing student caps and boiler suits. Roughly estimated, some ten per cent (70 000) - of Helsinki's population are students. And it shows. Helsinki Metropolitan area is home to three scientifically oriented universities, one with a focus on arts and one concentrating more on practical learning.

Planning to study in Helsinki? You are among many since student life in all its aspects is one of the city's characters. But first, one has to know how to finance the studies. The financial aid built for Finnish students doesn't cover international ones. Therefore, proving that you can afford your stay is necessary since it is a prerequisite for a residence permit. Otherwise, the infrastructure is in place for international students to build up their future.

When approaching Helsinki on a plane, the announcement to fasten your seat belts may surprise you. Outside the window, you can see mostly forests, coastline and a pond here and there. Where is the city? Even if the Helsinki Metropolitan area has some 1.5 million inhabitants they are quite spread out leaving many green pockets between residential areas.

How do you build a social circle and make new friends as an expat in Helsinki? The same basic rule is applicable in Helsinki as it is everywhere else. Choose the things that interest you most and then go and search for like-minded people.

Helsinki may be situated on the outskirts of Europe, but it has managed to create a handful of high profile business gatherings. So if you are looking for new business or work opportunities, there are various ways to reach them. This article tells you about the networking opportunities available in a wide range of fields and popular events you should watch out for in Helsinki.

There is an enduring saying when it comes to Finnish people and their social skills. It was first launched by a German author and playwright, Bertolt Brecht back in 1940 when he visited Helsinki. The Finns, they keep silent not only in one language, but two. He was referring to the country's two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Do you want further proof? Well, here's another saying, used by the Finns themselves: Speech is silver, silence is golden.

What should one absolutely do in Helsinki? What would be the quintessential Helsinki thing to experience, to try, to eat? Well, first you should take your clothes off, literally.

It is the middle of the working week, and you need an evening out just to carry on the rest of the week. In Helsinki, ways to indulge oneself are many. This article tells you more about the leisure activities you can choose from.

There is not only one Helsinki, but two. Or even three or four. There is winter, and there is summer. And spring and autumn. Four distinctive seasons. And they all have an effect on how you may want to spend your time in the city.

It is not an exaggeration to claim that Helsinki is an excellent city for practising various sports or enjoying them as a spectator both winter and summertime.

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. The same applies to an accidental tourist or someone who has just moved into town. Every place has its own taste. What would that be in Helsinki?

The labour market in Helsinki can be described as unbalanced, a bit schizophrenic even. Simultaneously, there is an increasing number of vacancies available, but unemployment remains quite high especially among the newly arrived immigrants. For the past few years, Helsinki has been struggling in its efforts to integrate newcomers from abroad. However, applicants and jobs do not meet.

The statistics don't lie. By looking at them, one can presume that in Finland, and in Helsinki, there will be an increasing demand for the workforce from abroad. The demographic forecasts show that the elderly population is growing rapidly vis-à-vis the younger generation. And not only that, the population is shrinking. The country needs more taxpayers and especially skilled labour force.

If there is one thing you should know about the work environment in Helsinki (or indeed Finland), it must be this: do not talk about salaries or other income. At least not openly at coffee breaks. People asking about other peoples paychecks are considered rude. Those bragging about how much they make are seen as an embarrassment to themselves. When it comes to money, modesty is a virtue. The same applies to education and former career. Listing your universities, titles and positions earns you quickly a reputation for trying to be better than the rest.

In Finland, urbanisation is accelerating, and people are flooding to the south and particularly Helsinki Metropolitan area. Therefore, house prices are surging even if there has been a construction boom. One reason for high prices is that a fairly large number of flats are kept uninhabited, even empty. Incentives to rent out may not be sufficient to rent them out.

Moving to Helsinki and wish to rent out an apartment in a block of flats? First, decide the parameters. How many rooms, how much are you able to pay for rent? Then, go online and contact a person or an agent. There are a number of companies and entities to assist you, and it is worth asking your employer as well. Also, the City of Helsinki has rental homes on offer; look for "Stadin asunnot".

Wish to live in downtown Helsinki? In principle, and in practice, buying a property in Helsinki is simple. However, there are some bureaucratic procedures one must obey and follow. Reserve some time and patience.

Thanks to New Zealand's large economy and required workforce, along with its relatively small population, New Zealand can't rely on its own population alone. This means that New Zealand is dependent on expatriate workers to help sustain some of its industries. No matter what industry you work in, you are likely to find a job. 

The idea of living overseas for a year or so, working small jobs to pay your way as you travel sounds like a dream. And for anyone between the ages of 18-30, this dream can become a reality, thanks to a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). 

Home to almost 5 million people, New Zealand is located in the bottom corner of the world - southeast of Australia. Consisting of two main islands (the North and South Islands), New Zealand is made up of a total of 600 islands, including Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island, and hosts other small islands that litter the coast. 

Ireland is going through a sustained period of economic growth. As a result, unemployment levels in the country are near all-time lows. There is plenty of demand for skilled works throughout the country. While the economy may slow down in the future, there are many key industries that will still need top-quality talent to be on board.

If you are looking for a job in Ireland and you are living abroad, then you will have plenty of opportunities to choose from. Employment levels are near all-time highs, and there is always room in the job market for those from outside of Ireland. While there may be some restrictions in place for those people that are not living in an European Economic Area (EEA) country, there are still opportunities to be availed of.

There is a good communications network in place in Ireland, whether you are using landlines or mobile devices. Naturally, you will want to get a phone shortly after arriving in Ireland. It is a good idea to take your time and shop around to see which package and provider are best for your specific needs. 

Isn't love beautiful? Denmark is a country with plenty of romantic cobblestone streets, waterside restaurants, and beautiful parks for a loved up picnic. Anybody who meets the criteria set by the Danish authorities can get married in Denmark.