Veedushi Bissessur

Staying connected to your loved ones back home is very important to an expat. Thankfully, connectivity in Hungary will definitely be no issue: Hungary has an extensive cellular telephone network and has actually ranked 9th fastest on a global survey on the fastest internet connections available worldwide.

As is the case with most Eastern European countries, accommodation in Hungary is quite affordable. Being home to so many students, both locals and expats, Hungary offers many accommodation options in the form of private dormitories or shared flats and even for private flats, the price can very often be negotiated.

The landlocked Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has suffered from such conflict that its economy and infrastructure are in ruins. However, for some expats and adventurous travellers, its allure has only been heightened by its inaccessibility over the past few decades.

Bangladesh is a country in Southeast Asia bordering India and Myanmar, and located close (though not sharing borders with) China, Bhutan, and Nepal. Bangladesh also has maritime territory in the Bay of Bengal.

Belarus (White Russia), a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, declared independence from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1991. Ever since the country’s politics, violation of human rights, and freedom of the press have been extensively criticised. However, the country is raising from its complicated past, seeing substantial industrial development taking place in the capital city of Minsk.

Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region and India. Nicknamed “The Last Shangrila” for its pristine natural environment, Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the philosophical teachings are reflected in almost every aspect of the everyday life. The country welcomes modern developments but prides itself on valuing its Gross National Happiness Index, which was introduced by the fourth King of Bhutan in the early 1970s, over its Gross National Product showing that well-being is not only dependent on economic growth, but also on spiritual and intellectual values.

Located in East Africa’s African Great Lakes region, Burundi borders with Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi is on a high plateau with the highest point (2,670 metres) being Mount Heha. The landscape is covered with trees, and the wildlife, although threatened, includes elephants, baboons, antelopes, hippos, and buffalos.

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in Central Africa surrounded by Chad, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Chad, officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked monarchy in Central Africa, which borders with Sudan (east), Libya (north), Niger (west), Nigeria and Cameroon (south-west), and the Central African Republic (south). Chad (along with Cameroon) is the home of Lake Chad, which is the world’s 17th largest lake, and the driver of the region’s economic growth, as it provides water to around 70 million people from four different countries.

Located in Central, Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean, Croatia enjoys diverse natural beauty and biodiversity. European Union’s youngest member state, Croatia is mostly known for its booming tourism industry, especially along the Adriatic coast and on its islands. But Croatia has more to offer to its expat population than sunny beaches and clear waters, which are indeed part of a good deal!

Close your eyes and be whisked away to the old romantic harbours and sun-soaked stretches of sand that are typical of the Republic of Cyprus. At just 9,251km², this island may be the third smallest country in the EU, but it is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean, and it has one of the most complex modern histories.

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is located in Southeast Asia, northwest of Australia and east of Indonesia. East Timor is one of the newest countries in the world, having achieved independence from Indonesia in 2002. The country’s tourism is in its infancy, and it offers one of the most off-the-beaten-track experiences for those willing to venture past the more popular destinations in Oceania.

Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest countries in Africa and consists of a mainland territory and several small islands. Once ruled by Spain, it gained independence in 1968, and since then it has only been governed by two leaders, with the current president being in power since 1979.

Bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti, Eritrea occupies a 117,400 km² area in the Horn of Africa that covers typically Abyssinian landscapes of plateaus, escarpments and soaring peaks, as well as deserted beaches by the Red Sea. The country has three climatic zones, and the highlands have the most comfortable weather all-year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit Eritrea is arguably between October and March when all the regions are dry, and travel options aren't restricted. The wet season occurs during the hotter months from June to mid-September.

Ethiopia is Africa's oldest independent country, which gives Ethiopians an additional reason to be proud of. Its scenery will leave you speechless, and its unique cultural heritage will evoke curiosity. Covering over 1.13 million km², this landlocked country is home to one of the oldest Christian churches, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and it is where the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the Nile, originates.

After over a decade of bloody guerrilla conflict, the small West African country of Guinea-Bissau freed itself from the Portuguese empire in 1974, but no elected leader has since served a full term. Known as the Slave Coast, as it was once ravaged by the transatlantic slave trade, this 36,125km² nation, which is sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea-Conakry, has a turbulent past and present. It has a record of military coups, and stability continues to remain an elusive goal for its approximately 1.8 million people.

Known as the “Land of Many Waters”, Guyana is the third smallest country in South America lying on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for being one of the best destinations for eco-tourism in Latin America, Guyana is immersed in lush tropical forests and mountains overlooking the ocean.

Haiti is a Caribbean island situated between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, and a proud nation which was created as a result of a slave revolt. In the early 19th century, when Haiti emerged from the French colonialism and slavery, it became the first black-led, independent Caribbean state. In Haiti, one will experience both the African and European cultures and traditions, which coexist on this stunning landscape.

Honduras is in Central America, bordering with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, and is the second biggest country in Central America.

Having played a fascinating role in European history, Hungary's idyllic scenery is dotted with castles perfect for any expat seeking a backdrop of fantastical vistas. The country has a wealth of natural hot springs, renowned for their healing and restorative ability, as well as developed urban areas with an affordable cost of living.  

Iran became an Islamic republic In 1979, when the monarchy was overthrown and a highly conservative clerical elite assumed political control under the first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. The Supreme Leader is the highest power in Iran and appoints the heads of the judiciary system, military and media, as well as confirms the election of the president.

Iraq has been a battleground for competing forces since a US-led coalition invaded it in 2003 to oust former president Saddam Hussein. Since then, the mainly Shia-led governments have not succeeded to maintain order. The country is sadly still in turmoil, and extremely dangerous, so Western governments continue to advise against all but essential travel to many areas.

Kenya is one of Africa's key commercial and transport centres and attracts expats and tourists from all over the world, drawn to Kenya's natural beauty, wildlife, and employment and educational opportunities. Kenya offers a stable, democratic government and an affordable cost of living. The major metropolitan cities, such as Nairobi and Mombasa, attract many locals and expats, who move to Kenya in search of new opportunities. Below is an overview and introduction to Kenya, including demographics, history, politics, climate, and the economy.  

The Republic of Kiribati is an island nation of 33 islands (32 atolls and one raised coral island) in the Central Pacific Ocean.

Kuwait is a small country at the very top of the Persian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. Thanks to its strategic location and oil reserves, Kuwait is, according to the World Bank, the world's fourth richest country per capita.

The Kingdom of Lesotho is completely encircled by the Republic of South Africa, and is similar to an alpine country — it even has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters that often see snow and welcome the possibility of skiing. As its full name suggests, Lesotho has a monarchy, and King Letsie III is currently the Head of State. However, the monarch has no legislative or executive powers.

Bordered by Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia is Africa's oldest republic, but it gained itself a bad reputation towards the end of the 20th century for its long-running and brutal 14-year civil war — around a quarter of a million people were killed, and many thousands fled. Liberia's rebellion in Sierra Leone also didn't set it in good steed, then Liberians experienced another deadly conflict in 2014 — the Ebola virus.

The State of Libya is a country located in North Africa, and forms part of the Maghreb region, with Egypt to the East, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west. It is one of the largest countries in Africa, with a population of over 6.4 million, and is rich in oil and a very ancient history. Tripoli is its capital, and the official language is Arabic, and the major religion is Islam. The currency is the Libyan dinar. Libya is currently politically unstable, and has been suffering from a civil war and ongoing conflict in the last few years. It is also a major crossover for people fleeing their country and heading towards Europe.

Situated to the south of the Baltic Sea, Lithuania is a Northern European country that regained independence in 1991 following Soviet occupation. A vast majority of the population are of Lithuanian ethnicity, though there are some residents from surrounding countries. While there are a few significant urban areas, around a third of the country is forested.

The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked south-east African country that is bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. After suffering decades of corruption, underdevelopment, and the impact of the HIV-Aids virus (more than one million children are orphaned by the disease), it is making efforts to revive its economy for the sake of its population of over 18 million people.

The Maldives is a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean, which forms an archipelagic nation, surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear waters.

Mali is a landlocked, predominantly desert country in West Africa and, at 1.25 million km², it is one of the largest countries on the continent. For centuries, its northern city of Timbuktu was a centre of Islamic culture and a main trading post in the region. Its arid landscapes, magnificent monuments, and remote Dogon villages, which cling to the cliffs, are a sight to behold. However, most of Mali's extensive offerings are now off-limits to travellers, and the country is struggling to look after its 18 million citizens.

Halfway between Australia and Hawaii lies a group of 1,152 islands and 30 atolls known as the Marshall Islands, boasting breathtaking seascapes and offering some of the best wreck diving spots in the world. But due to their remote location, the islands are still hidden from mainstream tourism and are, in many ways, an explorer’s dream destination.

Bordered by Senegal, Mali, Algeria, and Western Sahara, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania bridges western sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab Maghreb. The 1.04 million km² country lies across one of the great trans-Saharan trade routes and, although it is one of the largest territories on the continent, it also has one of the world's lowest population densities.

The Federated States of Micronesia is a country of 607 islands scattered across the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Diversity is inherent in the region with each island state offering a different type of adventure. There are four island states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae — each distinctive and intriguing in its own way.

Sharing land borders with South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania, the Republic of Mozambique is a relatively undeveloped Southern African paradise that prides itself on its pristine beaches that are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Formerly known as “Pleasant Island”, Nauru proudly holds the title of the smallest independent island republic in the world. Located in the Central Pacific Ocean and belonging to the subregion of Micronesia, the island covers the area of just 21 square kilometres.

Nepal is a gorgeous country and a paradise for mountain climbers. In fact, if you add up all the summits in Nepal, they would achieve a height of more than 1,500,000 meters above sea level. In the last few years, Nepal has become a favorite destination for Asian tourism. It is a country full of mysticism and ancestral customs, characteristic of a people who live in the shadow of the Great Himalayas. One interesting tidbit: the Nepali flag is the only one in the world to not be square-shaped.

Ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index in 2015 as one of the world's least developed nations (it came 187th out of 188 countries), the landlocked country of Niger is home to over 20 million people and has one of the fastest population growth rates in the world. As a victim of political instability and chronic food shortages caused by natural crises, such as drought, locust infestations and floods, this large West African nation receives a great deal of international support in the form of debt relief and foreign aid.

Located right above South Korea and bordered to the north by China and Russia, North Korea (also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) is a communist regime in East Asia, and is rigidly controlled. It has a population of around 25 million, with a life expectancy of 66 years for men, and 72 for women. The capital city is Pyongyang and the main language is Korean, but there are no religions that prevail in North Korea, and it is officially considered a secular country.

The Northern Mariana Islands are the Commonwealth of the United States in the northwestern Pacific Ocean comprising 15 islands. The region has gained tourist acclaim thanks to its fascinating scuba diving and snorkelling in a sea with vivid marine life and shipwrecks from World War II.

Dubbed “the underwater Serengeti”, the Republic of Palau is one of the world's best diving destinations. Comprising a total of 200 limestone and volcanic islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau attracts travellers with its wild natural beauty of lush green forests and calm turquoise lagoons.

A country that has inspired hundreds of books, Papua New Guinea is one of the least explored regions in the world often referred to as “the Last Unknown”. With its rugged terrain, some parts of the country were not mapped until the 1930s, and even today it is believed that Papua New Guinea may be home to some undiscovered species of flora and fauna.

Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a US territory and, as such, entry requirements for would-be expats are the same as for the United States. However, US citizens can travel to and from Puerto Rico without either a passport or visa. The country's year-round tropical climate and sandy beaches make it appealing to both tourists and expats.

El Salvador is in Central America and has a border with the North Pacific Ocean. It is one of the smallest countries in Central America, but its small size is not detrimental to its charming and attractive culture and nature.

Sierra Leone is a relatively small country in West Africa boasting over 400 kilometres of coastline. The country has borders with Guinea and Liberia and is one of West Africa’s most unknown beach destinations.

Said to be the country exactly in the middle of Europe, Slovakia has been an independent state since 1993, after parting ways with the Czech Republic (also one of the five bordering countries). Known for its mountains and castles, the romantic landscape perfectly fits with Slovakia’s pronounced seasons — summer days can reach exceed the 30°C and winter temperatures are brisk at around -3°C.

A relatively small European country, Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe. Once a part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia became an independent state in 1991, after a short ten-day battle.

The Solomon Islands is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean located east of Papua New Guinea. The region has many World War II sites and is known for its excellent diving spots.

Located on the so-called “Horn of Africa”, Somalia shares its borders with Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. The country used to be a magnet for travellers with its fascinating culture, pristine mountain treks, and sandy beaches. However, today, Somalia is off limits for foreign travellers due to a turbulent internal situation, which makes individual travel in the country impossible.