Typical transportation mode in Nicaragua, one of the least developed countries in the region.

Mexico and the countries of Central America are compared and analyzed on the basis of their geographic, infrastructure, environmental, social and economic characteristics. The objective is to infomr the reader of the differences that exist between the countries of this region and between the region and the world/USA. The data upon which this comparison and analysis of Mexico and Central America is provided at the end of the report in a convenient table.

Geographic Characteristics of Mexico and Central American Countries

Population: The most populated country in the region is Mexico (113 million), followed by the Guatemala (14 million) and Honduras (8 million). The populations of Mexico and the Central American countries are all lower than the United States (309 million). Mexico is significantly larger than any Central American country by a factor of 10.

Land Area: Mexico is also the largest country in the region (1.9 million sq km), followed by Nicaragua (0.12 million sq km) and Honduras (0.12 million sq km). The land area of Mexico and each of the Central American countries are lower than that of the United States (9.1 million sq km) – translating into a significantly larger resource base for the United States. Mexico, which is about a fifth the size of the United States has the broadest resource base for development in the region.

Population Density: when population density is calculated (population divided by land area), El Salvador has the highest population density (299 people/sq km), followed by Guatemala (134 people/sq km) and then Costa Rica (91 people/sq km). With the exception of Belize, the countries in the region have a higher population density than the United States (34 people/sq km). Most countries in this region also have a higher population density than the world’s average (53 people/sq km) with the exceptions of Belize, Nicaragua and Panama.

Urbanization: Mexico and most of the countries of the Central American countries are more urbanized than the the world’s average (20%), but less urbanized than the United States (45%) with the exception of the city of Singapore. Panama is the most urbanized country (39%) in Central America, followed by Mexico (35%), and Costa Rica (31%).  A majority of the capital cities in the region are ‘primate’ cities – relatively large, modern, and dominating the economic, political and social life of these countries.

Analysis of Geographic Characteristics: the larger population densities of Mexico and Central America suggests that this region is crowded. However, although the average population density is high for most countries – many countries have areas with very low population densities (deserts, mountains, tropical rainforests).

The capital cities of these countries are usually the largest city in any given country. Even in the smaller cities of Central America, these capitals may still be well integrated into the global economy. For example, although Panama City is not a huge metropolis, it plays an economically strategic role in trade and international finance because of the Panama Canal. Such cities are usually capable of providing a decent range of social amenities for international living and retirement.

Infrastructure Characteristics of Mexico and the Central American Countries

Internet Users: Costa Rica is the only country in the region with a lvel of internet use that exceeds the world average (27%) with an internet usage rate of about 34%. This is still much lower than the United States (78%). Mexico and the remaining Central American countries have internet usage rates below the world average.

Improved Sanitation: with the exception of Nicaragua, Mexico and Central America have improved sanitation systems that are better than the world’s average (61%), but not quite as good as the United States (100%). Costa Rica (95%), followed by Belize (90%), El Salvador (87%) and Mexico (85%).

Improved Water: Costa Rica has the best improved water systems equal to the United States (100%).  Mexico and the remaining Central American countries have improved water systems in place that are on par with the world’s average (96% of the population with access to improved water systems).

Analysis of Infrastructure: the data provided are national averages. In the largest urban centers, the infrastructure of Mexico and Central America are good with respect to access to internet, improved sanitation systems, and improved drinking water systems. The less developed rural areas tend to bring the national averages down. Despite being one of the smaller countries, Costa Rica seems to have the best overall infrastructure in the Mexico-Central American region.

Environmental Characteristics of Mexico and Central American Countries

Electric Power: Mexico and the Central American countries have electrical power consumption levels lower than that of the world’s average (2,900 kwh/person) and the United States (13,600 kwh/person). The nations with the highest electrical power consumption is Mexico (1,900 kwh/person), then Costa Rica (1,900 kwh/person) and Panama (1,,600 kwh/person).

Carbon Emissions: data on carbon emissions is ranked pretty much the same as electrical power consumption.

Price of Gasoline: the price of gasoline tends to be lower than the world’s average ($1.2/liter) but higher than the United States ($0.8/liter). Nations with the lowest gasoline prices are Mexico ($0.8/liter), Panama ($0.9/liter) and El Salvador ($0.9/liter).

Analysis of Environmental Characteristics: Mexico and the Central American countries share the environmental characteristics of developing countries (low per capita energy consumption). Mexico is a major oil producer which probably accounts for the lowest fuel costs in the region and the highest levels of electrical energy consumptions and carbon emissions.

Social Characteristics of Mexico and Central America

Life Expectancy: with the exceptions of El Salvador and Guatemala, Mexico and the Central American countries have  fairly high life expectancies that exceed the world’s average (67 years). Costa Rica (77 years) even exceeds the United States (76 years).

Public Health: expenditures on public health is below the world average (10% of GDP)  in Mexico and most of the Central American countries. Only Costa Rica has a higher expenditure rate than the world’s average (11%).

Out of Pocket Health Care: out of pocket health care costs are higher than the world average (46%) and the United States (24%) for Mexico and all Central American countries.

Spending on Education:  Belize (5.7%%) and Costa Rica (5.1%) are the only countries spending more on education than the world’s average (4.4 % of GDP). Mexico and the remaining countries in Central America have lower annual spending on education than the world’s average.

Analysis of Social Characteristics: overall, Costa Rica seems to have the best social characteristics among Mexico and the other Central American countries. Despite its stronger resource base and economy, Mexico does not outperform Costa Rica when social measures are evaluated.

Economic Characteristics of Mexico and Central American Countries

Per Capita National Income:  Mexico ($14,000) and Panama ($13,000) are the only countries that have per capita national incomes (adjusted for purchasing power) that exceed the world’s average ($11,000). Costa Rica is a near third with just slightly under $11,000. The remaining countries have per capita national incomes below the world’s average.

Inflation: with the exceptions of El Salvador (1%) and Belize (1%), inflation is higher in Mexico and Central American countries than the United States (2%). However, none of the countries have double digit inflation and most are below 5%. Although scoring well on social characteristics, Costa Rica was noted for the highest levels of inflation in the region (6%).

Ease of Doing Business: countries where it is relatively easy to engage in business activities include Mexico (35), Panama (72), El Salvador (86) and Belize (99) when compared to the United States (5). Scores on this statistic range from 1 to 183, where 1 is the easiest and 183 the most difficult. The remaining countries have ease of doing business scores above 100.

Foreign Direct Investment: Mexico is the clear leader  in foreign direct investment ($19 trillion), followed by Panama ($2 trillion) and Costa Rica ($1 trillion).

Analysis of Economic Characteristics: Mexico and the Central American countries are clearly ‘developing’ countries. Mexico has the strongest economy of all, with Panama coming in a distant second.

Summary of Mexico and Central American Countries

Mexico and the Central American countries are ‘developing’ countries. Mexico and Panama have the stronger economies in the region with a significant amount of foreign money flowing in for investments of one type or another. Costa Rica on the other hand has good infrastructure and social characteristics. These three countries are likely to be the best choices for international living and retirement.

The major urban centers of these three countries can provide the kinds of social amenities that would be desired by most American expatriates living abroad. The costs of living are low and the countries are located in close proximity to the United States.

(photo by: Delirante Bestiole)

References and Bibliography

Data Catalog, World Bank

We all live in a world of risks, and over time we develop an awareness and understanding of these risks. Conciously or unconsciously we internalize a set of rules that enable us to minimize our exposure to risks at home. We know which neighborhoods are safe or not. We develop mental ‘profiles’ of potential criminals so have a general feel for who the good guys and the bad guys are. We know when it is safe to be out and when it is not.

When you move abroad, these rules may no longer apply. The slate may be wiped completely clean and you will have to develop a new set of rules to minimize your exposure to risks. These personal safety tips can help you make an adjustment to living abroad.

Safety Tips #1: Trust No One – At First

We are not recommending that you live in a permanent state of paranoia. But we are recommending that you develop your circle of friends and contacts slowly and avoid jumping into financial dealings too quickly. This safety tip applies to the locals AND the expatriate population in your new overseas home.

The sad reality is there will be a small number of people who target new residents and tourists. Many times, they will attempt ingratiate themselves into your life. Be open to friendships but careful. Make a distinction between an acquaintance and a true friend. A smiling face from a local or a familiar accent from an expatriate are not adequate screens from the criminal element out there. Over time, let your walls down but keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is something you should walk away from.

Safety Tips #2: Blending Into the Crowd

a. Quiet and Demure: To the greatest extent possible, another practical safety tip is to try to blend into the crowd. Of course, depending on your retirement destination this may not be entirely possible. Nevertheless, it is still possible to ‘tone it down’.

Americans have the tendency to be loud and confrontational. When living abroad, it’s a good idea to get a feel for what is ‘normal behavior’ by the locals. Of course as your circle of friends widen, more likely than not they will feel comfortable with who you are and what you consider to be normal behavior. But there is little point in drawing more attention to yourself – particularly in public places where criminals are looking for an easy mark. A initial quiet and demure approach may be a good strategy until you get to know the lay of the land and develop confidence in your new circle of friends.

b. Don’t Flaunt It: It is also a good idea not to flaunt your wealth when abroad. Flashing a lot of cash, wearing expensive jewelry, carrying around a big bag with cameras and laptops make you an easy mark. The risk to you is particularly great in public places where professional thieves are looking for easy targets. It’s a good idea to walk around with a minimum of cash that you will need.

c. Don’t Look Like a Tourist:  In general, tourists are good targets for criminals. More often than not, tourists go home and don’t press charges or follow up on investigations. Robbing tourists is one way for criminals to reduce their ‘risk’. Don’t help them. What does a tourist look and act like. Sit in the lobby of your hotel for a while and observe people coming and going. Vulnerable tourists have a way of standing out.

d. Do Look Like You Know What You’re Doing: if there’s anything that says ‘newbie’ it’s how you carry yourself in public. Try to look straight ahead, have an air of confidence, and look like you know what you’re doing.

Safety Tips #3: Increase Your Cultural and Social IQ

a. Become Familiar With the Country: develop an understanding of political issues (political unrest, violence, demonstrations, elections, etc.) and economic issues in your new home. This is the framework that shapes, drives and moves the people in your residence abroad. Be aware and prepared for critical events breaking events.

b. Understand Mother Nature Abroad: Be familiar with the natural hazards of your country (seasonal weather conditions, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, landslides, etc.). If you are considering the purchase of real estate, it would probably be a good idea not to buy a home in a flood zone that has a major disaster once every ten years or so.

c. Become Familiar With Your City: try to develop a feel for the city or town that you live in. What are the safe and dangerous places in the city? What is the level of police protection available? How do you get emergency services? Where do the locals shop and where do the foreigners shop? Where is the best hospital? What are the major transportation networks available for your use?

Safety Tips #4: Develop Your Security

a. Develop an Appropriate Level of Home Security: evaluate your neighborhood and the level of risks involved. The amount of security system required may vary depending on your circumstances, your neighborhood, and the frequency of crime. It could be as complicated as a complex security system and bodyguards to something as simple as bars on the windows, good locks on the door, and a barking dog. Within the home, you should have a place to secure your valuable documents and property.

b. Evaluate Your Helpers: many expatriates find it financially possible and desirable to hire helpers when living abroad. Try to evaluate each helper as a potential security risk. In many instances, helpers (nanny, maid, cook, garderner, driver, etc.) were the inside person who made a crime possible.

Sometimes it was an intentional ‘inside job’ where the helper was an accomplice. In other instances, the helper may have unwittingly given out ‘inside information’ to a thief about your security arrangements.

c. Make Your Home Your Fortress: be wary of anyone trying to get access to your home (e.g. free home walk through to evaluate …). Don’t provide personal or inside information to strangers (in person or over the phone).

d. Do Be Unpredictable: criminals will often try to evaluate your daily routines. Try not to make your daily activities overly predictable (e.g. when you go for your walk, go out shopping, etc.).

Summary of Personal Safety Tips

It is not possible for the typical expatriate to have 100% security. However, with a little awareness and simple adjustments to one’s behavior, following a few personal safety tips may make you a harder target for the common criminal when living abroad.

(photo by: Tex Texin)

References and Bibliography

Safety Tips for International Travellers, Smart Money

Tips for Travelling Abroad, Dept of State

Travel Safety and Security Tips, Travel Safety and Security

Street Cleaner in Hue, Vietnam

Although the countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are statistically among the most undeveloped countries in Southeast Asia, their major cities are significantly more developed and are increasingly becoming viable destinations for international living and retirement. There is a significant amount of foreign investment and development taking place in these countries, much of it focused in the major urban areas.

Thus although the nations appear to be behind the curve with respect to economic development, the major cities of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are developing at a rapid rate and offer an alternative to Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Kuala Lumpur.

Major Metropolitan Centers of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for International Living

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the most populated metropolitan center in Vietnam with about 9 million inhabitants. The city is located in a savannah type of climatic region with a distinctive rainy and dry season. Today, the city reflects a long and diverse history under Khmer, Vietnamese, French with a hint of Chinese from in migration. Buddhism is the major religion (80%) followed by Catholicism (11%).

Due to the long Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of the country are playing economic catch up with much of the rest of Southeast Asia. Despite ‘communist rule’ the country is making great leaps and strides in catching up, and is likely to emerge as one of the economic leaders in the region in the not too distant future. Partly due to the American influence during the war, English is somewhat used as a second language by many in Ho Chi Minh City.

If there is one thing admirable about Ho Chi Minh City is that despite its difficult recent history, the city is now moving forward at an extremely rapid clip. New satellite cities and city centers are being built, infrastructure is being improved, billions of dollars of foreign money is being invested annually to build up export processing zones, industrial zones, high technology ventures, a stock exchange, financial services, and tourism. Health care is based on French accreditation standards and the city has a few good hospitals that rise to those standards.

Given its large size, the expatriate will find that Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of lifestyle options – from intense immersion in a crowded Vietnamese urban culture to a more ‘suburban and upscale’ lifestyle in developments catering to Japanese, Korean and Western expatriates.

Although the country may still be behind compared to other Southeast Asian countries, the city of Ho Chi Minh will most likely pass other national capitals in the near future and emerge as one of the best cities for international living and retirement in the Southeast Asia region. Mega city oriented retirees are likely to find the new city centers to their liking with a broad range of social amenities in place.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: with a metropolitan population of about 2 million, Phnom Penh seems diminutive compared to Ho Chi Minh City. However, it is the capital and the major economic, political and cultural center of Cambodia. The city dates back to 1372 and has seen rule by the Khmers, the French and the Khmer Rouge before the current state was established. The post-Vietnam War era was particularly devastating to the capital, but it is now in a stable period where foreign aid, foreign investment and foreign loans are underwriting the reconstruction of the country.

As a result, the Phnom Penh has been experiencing an economic boom and is being ‘born again’ as a modern metropolis with the kinds of social amenities sought after by typical American tourists and expatriates. For better or worse (depending on your point of view), this includes high rise properties, modern malls, an international airport, and American food franchises.

The city hosts many cultural festivals and events, has a number of museums documenting the country’s diverse and sometimes turbulent history. Like Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh is a city in transformation and has the potential to develop into a global city in the future.

Major Mid-Sized Cities of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for International Living

Hue, Vietnam: with a population of under a million, Hue was the old imperial capital of Vietnam until 1945. The city’s unique history has made it one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Despite damage received during the Vietnam War, today efforts are being undertaken to restore much of the old city.

Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, the development of Hue is not proceeding at break neck speeds and efforts are being undertaken to preserve its past. Hue is probably more suitable for the retired expatriate who can ‘rough it’ with fewer social amenities as a trade-off for a glimpse into Vietnam’s history.

Hue has a tropical monsoon climate with a very distinct wet and dry season. The city is served by an airport and a decent bus and rail system. Major tourist sites include Vietnam’s ‘Forbidden City’ and the Tomb of the Emperors. Hue offers a scaled back and more historical city than Ho Chi Minh City for retirees desiring something less than a super city for retirement.

Vientiane, Laos: the capital and economic center of Laos, this city has a population of about 700,000 inhabitants. Although medium sized, as the capital of Laos, Vientiane has received a significant amount of foreign investment to drive its development. The city has the feel of a small town that is on the verge of developing into a mainstream city.

The social amenities in Vientiane are somewhat limited, but will provide an expatriate retiree with access to basic services such as healthcare, malls and markets. Currently, it might make a decent choice for someone wanting an escape from western living with enough basic infrastructure to provide a reasonable quality of life. There is every reason to believe however, that the city will evolve over the next decade or two into a more modern metropolitan center.

Major Emerging Tourist/Resort Towns of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for International Living

Danang, Vietnam: with a population just under a million, Danang is another smaller city worthy of mention. It is the major industrial city in central Vietnam and has a decent infrastructure in place for international living. Industry is highly diversified and in recent years tourism has begun to grow in importance. A number of beachfront resorts are being developed as well as the development of a new city center that is likely to appeal to expatriates in Vietnam with a broad range of social amenities and housing options planned.

Expatriates will find a decent range of international schools, universities and hospitals available for a Vietnam retirement. The transportation infrastructure is well developed – with an international airport, a train system, and a port. Nearby to Danang are a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer a deeper insight into Vietnam’s history and culture.

Expatriates will find Danang offers a relatively modern industrial city, access to cultural sites outside of the city, and upscale resorts along white sandy beaches for a pleasant international retirement. Danang may lack the glitter and the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s capital, but provides quiet and luxury retirement living options without the maddening crowd.

Siem Reap, Cambodia: with a population of under 200,000 Siem Reap attributes much of its current growth and development to tourism. Despite the importance of tourism, Siem Reap is not yet of the same character of other tourist towns in the region (for example – Phuket, Thailand). Siem Reap is essentially the gateway to Angkor Wat, the ancient temples of the Khmer Empire.

The city thus retains more of an older, cultural and smaller town lifestyle than most heavily trafficked tourist towns. There are museums, temples and cultural parks to visit. The social amenities are available, but relatively modest even for a tourist town. Of course, the most popular tourist attraction is Angkor Archaeological Park, the 400 square kilometer ancient city that houses Angkor Wat and many other ruins for visiting.

Small Cities and Towns of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for International Living

Sihanoukville, Cambodia: the city is small (under 200,000 inhabitants) but is a relatively new city that was founded in 1960 after independence from France was achieved. The city was planned around Sihanoukville becoming a port city – the only deep water port in Cambodia.

Although today foreign investment continues to grow the port, tourism has developed along the many white beaches that offer guests everything from beach houses to world class luxury hotels. There are also a number of small islands off the Sihanoukville coast that can offer a get away from it all ecotourist experience or a lay on the beach resort experience. All in all, Sihanoukville offers the retired expatriate an opportunity for very laid back beachside living that is not as developed (overdeveloped) as other beachside cities in Southeast Asia.

Luang Prabang, Laos: a city of about 100,000, Luang Prabang is not really ready for prime time. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is likely to develop considerably over the next couple of decades. Much of the growth is likely to be driven by a growing tourist economy – particularly from China. The city is served by an international airport. Major attractions to this small town are its historic temples, natural features (waterfalls, caves, and elephant riding), and Royal Palace museum.

Vang Vieng, Laos: much of what is the city was developed back during the Vietnam War when the US maintained an air force base in this town. The population of Vang Vieng is under 30,000 but it is a popular location for backpackers around the world – a more rugged brand of youthful ecotourism. As such there are some basic social amenities (bars, guest houses, and restaurants) that is probably adequate for the younger crowd. For a young at heart type of retiree who really wants to get away from the large city and hang out with younger backpacker types, Vang Vieng may prove suitable for international living.

Summary of Major Cities of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for International Living

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are towards the back of the economic development curve in Southeast Asia. This is changing rapidly however, with a considerable amount of foreign investments pouring into these three countries. It is likely that within the next decade, the capitals of these three countries will have developed into reasonably modern urban centers for international living with all the basic amenities needed.

The smaller towns and cities can be expected to grow more slowly however, making it possible for an expatriate to find more quiet and out of the way cities in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos for international living.

Map of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

(photo by: Vu Pham, map by: Google Maps)

References and Bibliography

Danang City, Vietnam Tourism

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Online

Hue, Vietscape

Luang Prabang, Ecotourism Laos

Phnom Penh, government website

Siem Reap

Sihanoukville

Vang Vieng, Tubing Laos

Vientiane Times

New York ranked #1 global city

The Global Cities Index is an international ranking of the world’s global cities. Unlike your basic city, a global city is one that has an influence (economical, intellectual, cultural, technological, and political) on the world beyond its boundaries. In essence these are the cities that are driving the global economy today.

The Global Cities Index is a concept developed by the AT Kearney consulting firm, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Foreign Policy Magazine,. They have released two Global Cities Index reports – the first in 2008 and more recently in 2010.

Rather than just repeating the data in the report, we will try to evaluate the findings of those reports in relation to regional developments around the world. Although some retirees would prefer a quiet international lifestyle, others will tend to prefer the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps – and the global city may be right up their alley.

The Global Cities Index: A Regional Analysis

Today, half of the world’s population live in an urban area. These urban areas are centers of political decision-making, economic activity and cultural life. Many of these urban areas have evolved into global cities and are shaping the world and the regions around them.

One would expect many American and European cities to be in the listing, and there are many. However, they now represent less than half of the 65 global cities listed in the Global Cities Index. More than half of the global cities are part of what was once considered the ‘developing’ world. So where are these upstart cities located that are challenging the west for global influence?

The Rise of Asia: more than any other region, Asia (including Australia) accounted for 23 of the 65 global cities in the index. The countries and number of cities represented were: China (6 global cities), India (6), Japan (2), and the remainder with 1 global city each – Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

This is really not so surprising when you consider that this is the region with very high rates of population growth and correspondingly high rates of urbanization. The rise of Asia is largely due to the growth of industry and markets – often fueled by large foreign investments from the ‘developed’ countries seeking to position themselves in regions with low cost labor and emerging markets.

In the year 2000, the five largest world economies were in the following order: the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and France. In 2012, it is being forecast that the top five economies will be: the United States, China, Japan, Germany and France. India is also predicted to emerge as the world’s number 10 economy. While the United States and Europe are likely to hold the top positions, the long term trend is for the most rapid growth to be occurring in the Asian countries. Some economists are already predicting that China will take the number one spot before 2050.

Europe Holding On: 18 of the urban areas in the Global Cities Index are in Europe. The countries and number of cities were: Germany (3), Italy (2), Spain (2), Switzerland (2) with the following countries with 1 global city each – Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Despite its current problems, Europe remains a major economic region in the world. The economies of Germany, France, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom are positioned among the ten largest in the world. And their global cities continue to shape and influence the world’s economy and culture to a large degree.

North America Starting to Slip: the United States has 9 global cities, followed by Canada with 2 global cities and Mexico with 1 global city. Although the United States remains the largest world economy, both Canada and Mexico have now dropped out of the top ten largest economies in the world.

Despite the appearance of decline, the North American region remains strong economically, politically, and culturally.

South America Rising: Brazil has 2 global cities, followed by Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela with one global city each. The growth of Brazil has been solid and it is one of the rising stars in the world’s economy (now the sixth largest in the world).

The Middle East Maintaining: four global cities are located in the Middle East – Egypt, Israel, Turkey, United Arab Emirates with one global city apiece.

Africa Emerging: three global cities are located in Africa - Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa with one global city apiece.

The Global Cities Index: A Closer Look at the Measurements

Business Activity – Asia Rising: when business activity is examined alone, there is a clear pattern emerging. Six Asian cities are represented in the top ten global cities with respect to business activity (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul). In addition, Europe (Paris and London) and North America (New York and Chicago) hold two positions each.

The top three leaders – New York, Tokyo and Paris have weathered the current global economic crisis well. The remaining seven global cities are increasingly dominated by Asian cities – particularly China.

Human Capital – America in Front: human capital refers to the level and investment that a city makes in its brain power. This includes such measurements as the level of education of its population and that its foreign born expatriates. Human capital also looks at educational systems and top universities.

The top three cities for human capital were London, New York and Los Angeles. In total, North America placed six cities in the top ten cities for human capital (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Toronto and San Francisco), Asia/Pacific with 3 cities (Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney), followed by Europe (London).

Information Exchange – European Dominance: this variable is a measure of how connected a city’s population is with the internet (broadband connections), international news coverage, and degree of censorship. These are fairly important to a modern city, and although may be biased towards western countries, few would argue against using some measure of information exchange in the measurement of the Global City Index.

As a result, seven European cities rank in the top 10 for information exchange (Geneva, London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Stockholm), two North American cities (New York and Washington D.C.) and one Asian city (Tokyo).

Cultural Experience – the Developed World Leads: a wide variety of cultural venues are measured including the performing arts (e.g. theaters), sporting events, museums, tourism, and culinary offerings. While one could make arguments for different ways of interpreting important cultural experiences, these are a reasonable start.

Four European cities make the top ten in cultural experience (London, Paris, Moscow, and Berlin), four North American cities (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago), and one from Asia and South America (Tokyo and Buenos Aires).

Political Engagements – Europe with a Slight Lead: attempts to measure the political influence that a city has upon the world by measuring such things as think tanks, embassies, international organizations. Europe fielded the most global cities (Brussels, Paris, London, Geneva, Vienna), followed by North America (Washington D.C., New York), Asia (Tokyo, Beijing), and the Middle East (Cairo).

The Global Cities Index: Complete Listing

The complete listing of global cities by region follows. The rank of each city is provided beside the name of the city.

Africa: Johannesburg (52), Nairobi (56), Lagos (59)

Asia/Pacific (East Asia): Tokyo (3), Hong Kong (5), Seoul (10), Beijing (15), Shanghai (20), Taipei (39), Osaka (47), Guangzhou (57), Shenzhen (62), Chongqing (65)

Asia/Pacific (South Asia): New Delhi (45), Mumbai (46), Bangalore (58), Karachi (60), Kolkata (63), Dhaka (64)

Asia/Pacific (Southeast Asia): Singapore (8), Bangkok (36), Kuala Lumpur (48), Manila (51), Jakarta (53), Ho Chi Minh City (61)

Europe: London (2), Paris (4), Brussels (11), Berlin (16), Madrid (17), Vienna (18), Frankfurt (20), Stockholm (23), Zurich (24), Moscow (25), Barcelona (26), Rome (28), Amsterdam (29), Geneva (32), Munich (33), Copenhagen (37), Milan (42), Dublin (44)

Latin America: Buenos Aires (22), Mexico City (30), Sao Paolo (35), Rio de Janeiro (49), Bogota (54), Caracas (55)

Middle East: Dubai (27), Istanbul (41), Cairo (43), Tel Aviv (50)

North America: New York (1), Chicago (6), Los Angeles (7), San Francisco (12), Washington DC (13), Toronto (14), Boston (19), Montreal (31), Miami (33), Houston (38), Atlanta (40)

The Global Cities Index: Summary of Trends

North America and Europe still possess the more ‘dominant’ global cities today, particularly when examined on the basis of culture, human capital, political influence, and information exchange. However, the developing world is beginning to place more cities on the list – lead by Asia, then South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Global Cities Index suggests that living abroad is indeed increasingly viable, particularly in the ‘developing’ countries. Although the Global Cities Index focuses on five main characteristics associated with urban life – a country that possesses a global city more than likely to be able to provide access to the kinds of social amenities essential for retirement abroad.

These amenities include access to health care, modern transportation and communication networks, strong economies with access to a variety of different types of markets, modern water and sanitation infrastructure, and security in the form of a police force, fire protection, and emergency services. Even if one prefers retirement away from a large city, there will be occasions when access to a modern urban center and all of its social amenities will be essential for international living.

One can clearly debate the effects of globalization on the world. From the perspective of a retirement abroad, the Global City Index suggests that the global economy is contributing to the development of modern cities throughout the world. These are indeed islands of modern international living, even when located within a developing country. Should the current trends continue, the options for an overseas retirement are likely to expand as well.

(photo by: Anthony Quintano)

References and Bibliography

2010 Global Cities Index, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

The Global Cities Index 2010, Foreign Policy

The New Global Economy, CNN

The Rise of Asia At America’s Expense, The Economist

The Urban Elite, Global Cities Index 2010, AT Kearns

Geographic Characteristics of the Southeast Asian Countries

Population: The most populated country in Southeast Asia is Indonesia (240 million), followed by the Philippines (93 million) and Vietnam (87 million). The population of all Southeast Asian countries are lower than the United States (309 million).

Land Area: Indonesia is also the largest country in Southeast Asia (1.8 million sq km), followed by Myanmar (0.6 million sq km) and Thailand (0.5 million sq km). The land area of each of the Southeast Asian countries are lower than that of the United States (9.1 million sq km) – suggesting the potential for a much larger resource base in the United States.

Population Density: when population and land area are factored together, the Philippines has the largest population density (313 people/sq km), followed by Vietnam (280 people/sq km) and then Thailand (135 people/sq km). In general, most countries of Southeast Asia have a larger population density than the world’s average. (Singapore was excluded due to it being a city state). Theoretically, the land has to work harder in these three countries to support its populations.

Urbanization: the countries of Southeast Asia are much less urbanized than the world’s average (20%) or the United States (45%) with the exception of the city of Singapore. The Philippines is the most urbanized country (14%) in Southeast Asia, followed by Vietnam (13%), and Myanmar (11%).  Despite that fact, the capital cities in most of Southeast Asia’s countries are relatively large and relatively modern for developing countries.

Analysis of Geographic Characteristics: the larger population densities of the Southeast Asian countries might suggest that these countries are more likely to encounter resource problems due to the high population to land area ratio. However, what the population density figures overlook is the fact that these are for the most part all maritime nations with economic rights to large ocean areas that are thought to be rich in a variety of energy and mineral resources.

The low rates of urbanization also belies the fact that the capital cities of these countries tend to be large metropolitan areas and often times well plugged into the global economy. These countries do provide retirees and expatriates with the opportunity to select a quiet rural lifestyle that is not that far away from a relatively modern city with all of its social amenities.

Infrastructure Characteristics of the Southeast Asian Countries

Internet Users: Singapore (73%) and Brunei (81%) have high levels of internet use in their respective countries that exceeds the world average (27%) and is about on par with the USA (78%). The remaining Southeast Asian countries with a moderately high level of internet usage are: Malaysia (57%), Vietnam (28%) and Thailand (26%).

Improved Sanitation: most countries in Southeast Asia have improved sanitation systems that are better than the world’s average (61%), but not quite as good as the United States (100%). As a developed country, Singapore has a 100% rating. The other countries with good sanitation infrastructure are: Malaysia (96%), Thailand (96%), Myanmar (81%), the Philippines (76%) and Thailand (75%).

Improved Water: with respect to improved water systems, Singapore (100%), Malaysia (100%), Thailand (99%) and Vietnam (99%) exceed the world’s average of 96%.  The Philippines (93%) and Indonesia (89%) are not that far behind.

Analysis of Infrastructure: one needs to keep in mind that we are looking at averages here. In most urban centers, the infrastructure of Southeast Asian countries are good with respect to internet access, improved sanitation systems, and improved drinking water systems. The less developed rural areas tend to bring the national averages down. Nevertheless, it can be seen that some countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have a decent infrastructure that can support a retirement lifestyle that most Americans should be comfortable with.

Environmental Characteristics of Southeast Asian Countries

Electric Power: a majority of countries in Southeast Asia have electrical power consumption levels lower than that of the world’s average (2,900 kwh/person) or the United States (13,600 kwh/person). Only Brunei (8,500 kwh/person), Singapore (8,200 kwh/person), and Malaysia (3,400 kwh/person) have energy consumption levels above the world’s average. The next closest country is Vietnam (800 kwh/person).

Carbon Emissions: data on carbon emissions pretty much reflects electrical power consumption with the countries of Brunei (20.1 metric tons/person), Singapore (11.8 metric tons/person) and Malaysia  (7.2 metric tons per person)with emissions level higher than the world average (4.6 metric tons per person).

Price of Gasoline: the price of gasoline tends to be higher in most Southeast Asian countries than the world’s average ($1.2/liter) or the United States ($0.8/liter). Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia have prices in the range of $1.2-1.4/liter. The price of gasoline is lowest in Brunei ($0.4/liter) and Malaysia ($0.6/liter).

Analysis of Environmental Characteristics: both Singapore and Brunei fit the profile of developed countries with their pattern of high energy consumption levels. Malaysia and Thailand seem to be closing the gap, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Vietnam seems to be making the greatest strides as an individual country and may be on par with Malaysia and Thailand in the future.

Social Characteristics of Southeast Asian Countries

Life Expectancy: countries in Southeast Asia with fairly high life expectancies that exceed the world’s average (67 years) are: Singapore (79 years), Brunei (76 years), Vietnam (73 years), and Malaysia (72 years). Singapore is the only country that surpasses the United States (76 years).

Public Health: expenditures on public health is below the world average (10% of GDP)  in all Southeast Asian countries with the exception of Timor.

Out of Pocket Health Care: out of pocket health care costs is higher than the world average (46%) and the United States (24%) for all countries with the exceptions of Timor and Brunei.

Spending on Education: the only countries spending more on education than the world’s average (4.4 % of GDP) are Timor (11.3%) and Vietnam (5.3%).

Analysis of Social Characteristics: the data seems to suggest that the ‘social safety net’ is not well developed in most Southeast Asian countries. In general, individual retirees will have to pay out of pocket for better levels of health care and education for themselves and their families. This is not necessarily a big negative since the costs of health care and education will also tend to be lower. And, if the length of one’s lifespan is any indication, it is quite possible to live a long and healthy life in many countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Economic Characteristics of Southeast Asian Countries

Per Capita National Income:  Singapore ($55,000) and Malaysia ($14,000) are the only Southeast Asian countries that have per capita national incomes (adjusted for purchasing power) that exceed that of the world’s average ($11,000). The country with the next highest per capita income is Thailand ($8,000). The remaining countries of Southeast Asia have per capita national incomes at $4,000 or below.

Inflation: with the exception of Malaysia (2%) inflation is higher in all Southeast Asian countries than the United States (2%). However, none of the countries have double digit inflation and many are below 5%.

Ease of Doing Business: countries in Southeast Asia where it is relatively easy to engage in business activities are: Singapore (1), Thailand (19), Malaysia (21) and Vietname (78) – compared to the United States (5). Scores range from 1 to 183, where 1 is the easiest and 183 the most difficult. The remaining countries have ease of doing business scores well above 100.

Foreign Direct Investment: Singapore leads the Southeast Asian countries in foreign direct investment ($39 trillion), followed by Indonesia ($13 trillion), Malaysia ($9 trillion), Vietnam ($8 trillion), Thailand ($6 trillion) and the Philippines ($2 trillion).

Analysis of Economic Characteristics: Singapore and Brunei share characteristics of developed countries. Malaysia and Thailand appear to be the more advanced of the ‘developing’ countries. Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines appear to be somewhat in the middle of the pack of the countries in Southeast Asia. Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia appear to be the least developed of the countries.

Summary of Southeast Asian Countries

Singapore is a developed country and will provide the retiree with all the social amenities that the United States could. The costs of living however will be high. Nevertheless the national (health care, water, sanitation, technology)  infrastructure is in place and the economy is strong.

Malaysia and Thailand seem to be the next in line with regard to decent infrastructure, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The costs of living will be lower in these countries – and offer the retiree with a balance between access to social amenities and lower cost of living. Social amenities in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos are likely to be perceived as too ‘underdeveloped’ by a typical American retiree.

(photo by: Leo Chuoi)

References and Bibliography

Data Catalog, World Bank

Jakarta skyline, early evening

Although not the most popular destination for expatriate living, the major cities of Indonesia are slowly growing in popularity for international living, work, and retirement. Indonesia’s major cities come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are capable of meeting a large variety of needs for today’s expatriates seeking a retirement abroad.

Major Metropolitan Cities of Indonesia for International Living and Retirement

Jakarta: is the capital and largest city in Indonesia with a population approaching 10 million inhabitants. It is also the largest city in Southeast Asia today. Jakarta is classified as a ‘global’ city because it has evolved into a major hub within the global economy. As such, you can pretty much gain access to all the social amenities required for an international retirement lifestyle if you welcome Indonesian city life in that is in the fast lane.

If you have ‘high brow’ cultural tastes, odds are that Jakarta will be to your liking. The city sponsors a number cultural (film, art, music, crafts) festivals. Jakarta is also home to many museums and cultural centers that reflect the Malay, Chinese, Arab, and European influences on this Indonesian city. The cuisine of Jakarta also reflects the city’s diverse history and position as a world city. The city offers a full range of choices from finest dining to fast foods to local street vendors.

The cultural milieu of Jakarta reflects a city that has become a global city, but Jakarta is first and foremost a center of business and finance. Depending on your retirement intentions, Jakarta may meet your needs well if you decide to remain active in some business or financial manner.

There is no shortage of health care services in the city. Jakarta has hospitals that meet JCI accreditation standards. Entertainment, transportation, communication, electrical, water, shopping, and police provide a very broad range of social amenities that a retiree is likely to need for international living in this major Indonesian city.

Major Mid-Sized Cities of Indonesia for International Living and Retirement

Batam: with a population of under a million, the island and city lies just south of Singapore. In 1989, the city became a free trade zone and today, the city is part of a special economic zone with Singapore that eliminates tariffs between the two countries. Its lower costs of labor has attracted many industries from Singapore and Batam has become a major shipbuilding and manufacturing city of Indonesia.

In addition to its industrial base, Batam attracts a large number of tourists from Singapore and Malaysia and has a growing ‘tourist’ infrastructure in place to accommodate them. If Singapore is one’s ideal retirement destination, then Batam can be considered a Singapore-Light, which in a few decades is likely to become a Singapore clone. It may be a good time to get in on the ground floor of a future Singapore.

Medan: the third largest city of Indonesia, Medan is also the capital of North Sumatra. The city’s population of nearly 2 million reflects its diverse history with many ethnic groups ranging from the Chinese, Javanese, Malay, and Indian ethnic groups. Although less well known to foreign tourists, Indonesians often visit Medan to indulge in the city’s ethnic cuisine.

Medan represents a more of a local, Indonesian urban development that some of the other heavily internationalized cities of Indonesia. Some retirees may find this more attractive for a retirement destination – although it also means that the social amenities are not quite as developed.

Major Specialized Small Towns and Cities of Indonesia for International Living and Retirement

Manado: has a population of about 400,000 and is the capital of North Sulawesi. A scaled back version of Bali tourism, expatriates. There are good beach and diving spots, a few malls and nightspots, but nothing on the scale of the larger tourist oriented cities of Indonesia. Manado definitely has a small town, but with a more cosmopolitan and European feel to it.

The population of the city is mixed ethnically and predominantly Christian – which also sets it apart from the other cities of Indonesia. All in all, Manado is a nice get away town lacking in some social amenities (e.g. high quality health care). However, it is not difficult to get to Jakarta or other cities for the best health care or shopping malls when one needs it.

Mataram: with a population of about 400,000, this is the capital of West Nusa Tenggara. Although a relatively small city, Mataram is serviced by an international airport. As the capital, it does have some of the important social amenities in place for international living. However, Mataram is best seen as a city with a small town look and feel for expatriates wanting a quieter and more peaceful retirement lifestyle. There is a small but diverse expatriate population in the city.

Yogyakarta City: is a city of nearly 400,000 in the Yogyakarta Special Region. It is a city that is a major education center and somewhat of a university town with a wide range of universities, colleges and academies.

The city also has a reputation for its cultural works (art, batik, dance, drama, film-making, silverwork poetry). A number of temples nearby also help maintain a growing tourist industry. Nevertheless, it is distinct from Bali and has a strong academic, cultural and intellectual appeal.

Major Tourist Towns and Cities of Indonesia for International Living and Retirement

Denpasar: the capital of Bali has a population of nearly 800,000 and is one of the more rapidly growing cities of Indonesia. The city is known for its temples, museums and park facilities. From Denpasar, one can easily access the many beaches and tourist destinations on the island of Bali.

Shopping ranges from a number of malls to small shops selling fabrics, jewelry, and silk items. Denpasar dining is very cosmopolitan and the city’s nightlife is adequate – although the major nightlife is found in other towns such as Seminyak and Kuta. Seminyak and Kuta are the prime tourist towns on Bali, but Denpasar makes for a decent central location for accessing the tourist spots along the Bali coast. For long term residence, Denpasar’s health care facilities and access to the airport makes it a good retirement destination close to the island’s hot spots.

Major Cool, High Elevation Cities in Indonesia for International Living and Retirement

Bandung: the capital of West Java has an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet, which gives this city of Indonesia an average temperature in the low 70’s throughout the year – much cooler than the rest of the country. Historically, Bandung was a resort town for the wealthier European tea and coffee plantation and fruit orchard owners.

Once known as the ‘Paris of Java’, the city still possesses an old colonial atmosphere of sophistication and international cuisine. Bandung is surrounded by mountains and built upon an old prehistoric lake. Major economic activities today are education, textiles, and commerce.

Malang: with a population of nearly 1.2 million inhabitants, it is the second largest city in East Java. Its average elevation of about 1200 feet gives Malang a cooler average temperature throughout the year.

Malang is an old city dating back to early Hindu kingdoms over which it has the colonial stamp of Dutch rule imprinted. Today, this Indonesian city is a major destination for its beaches and historical features. Overall, Malang is a relatively clean city, cooler than its other Indonesian counterparts, and possesses decent social amenities for retirement without that ‘Big City’ feel.

(photo by: Yohanes Budiyanto)

References and Bibliography

Bandung Tourism, official city website

Batam Island, Batam.com

Denpasar City, Bali Star Island

Jakarta, official travel website

Malang Tourism, official travel website

Manado, visitmanado.com

Mataram, Lombok Indonesia

Medan: Entry Point to North Sumatra, official Indonesia travel website

Yogyakarta: A Modern Blend of the Ancient and the Arts

Cliff diving at Acapulco.

Mexico is a fairly large and diverse country that offers many faces for expat living. While some locations probably deserve their bad reputations, most Mexican destinations can offer a decent environment for retirement and expat living. Whether one prefers an ‘extra spicy’ or ‘mild’ international lifestyle, a Mexico retirement can provide many possible destinations for expat living.

Mexico Retirement: The Economy for Expat Living in Mexico

Mexico is a rapidly developing country. Poverty rates remain high, but the economic progress of the country is making a gradual impact on poverty levels. Thus, an expatriate is likely to find a lower cost of living that is associated with developing countries – but with a rapidly developing infrastructure associated with a strong Mexican economy.

Thanks in part to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico exports over $300 billion (USD) in goods to the USA, Canada and Europe. The United States remains its major trading partner – with about 80% of its exported manufactured goods (electronics, transportation, vehicles) and oil entering the US market annually. Mexico is the second major oil supplier for the American economy and one of the top ten oil producers in the world.

Another major source of income for the country is from remittances (over $20 billion a year) from overseas workers. A third major source of foreign currency for Mexico comes from tourism. Mexico is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world, which brings in about ($11 billion a year).

Less than 15% of Mexico’s workforce work in agriculture – with about half still engaged in subsistence farming. The agricultural workforce declines steadily each year as more people seek other forms of work to improve their economic well-being.

In short, Mexico has a dual economy. Part of the economy is strong and modern, supplying the United States with electronics and vehicles and drawing in millions of tourists a year. Yet, another part of the country’s economy remains bogged tied to subsistence agriculture. Thus, a Mexico retirement can be anything from a typical urban lifestyle in a modern industrial city, to a beach resort lifestyle in a tourist town, or a very simple lifestyle in a remote agricultural village.

Today, slightly more than 40% of the population lives below the poverty level. While much of that poverty is rural, an increasingly large amount of that poverty is urban as the rural population moves to the city in search of jobs and a way out of poverty.

For expat living, Mexico thus offers a wide range of lifestyle choices. The strong economy is associated with dramatic improvement in the availability of social amenities whether it be modern health care or quality education. Thus, to some degree, Mexico does make for one of the best retirement choices in North and Central America. However, as in all developing countries, there are social risks (crime, political turmoil) associated with the relatively high level of poverty in the country.

A Mexico retirement also means a generally lower cost of living, although not quite as low as in the Southeast Asian region – but an improvement (cost wise) compared to retiring in America.

Mexico Retirement: Food and Healthcare for Expat Living in Mexico

The quality of healthcare is improving in two major ways. With Mexico’s strong economy and with the increased importance of tourism, the quality of healthcare is improving due to the availability of better technology, health care professionals, and standards of care. Several hospitals have received JCI accreditation – although many are focused on cosmetic surgery for medical tourism purposes.

As quality of healthcare increases, costs have remained low. To some degree healthcare is subsidized by the government. Mexico’s IMSS healthcare plan boasts a $250 annual fee for full medical (including pharmaceutical), dental and vision care. By some estimates, well over 50,000 retirees have fled across the border – south to Mexico for an affordable health care system that the United States has not been able to put together for its citizens.

The IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) healthcare system is comparable to a HMO in the United States. A Mexico retirement also offers public healthcare (which is even more affordable, but lesser quality) and private healthcare (more expensive, higher quality). Private hospitals with JCI accreditation are as good as their counterparts in the United States. Again, a Mexico retirement offers a broad range of choices for expat living with respect to healthcare.

Most Americans are quite familiar with Mexican cuisine that is heavily oriented to the use of corn, beans, rice and a wide range of spices. However, dining out in Mexico is not necessarily just a trip to another Taco Bell outlet. Major cities are well integrated into the international economy and one can find international fine dining and fast food without problem. On the other hand, if you are inclined towards tacos, burritos, enchilada, and other traditional Mexican foods, expats are very much in luck with a Mexico retirement.

Mexico Retirement: Housing for Expat Living in Mexico

Housing choices are varied with a Mexico retirement. In major urban centers, the price of a typical three bedroom rental unit will range from about $800 – $1300 (USD). Outside of the major urban centers, prices will drop correspondingly. Of course, one can opt for something much more upscale and much more expensive. And, one always has the choice to go more native and reduce costs even further.

For expat living in Mexico, there is a growth in the development of retirement communities for Americans. These retirement communities may be built around a condominium development, townhomes, or a larger suburban type of neighborhood. Prices will vary depending on the market and amenities associated with the development. In some cases, prices will generally be lower than American prices, but if you are looking for a beachfront type of villa, prices could be very high. For retirees needing special support services, a number of Mexican retirement communities offer assisted living services.

With so many American expatriates opting for a Mexico retirement, one is likely to have choices between living in areas popular with expatriates or tourists (prices will tend to be higher) and have the best access to social amenities – or opt for a more local and affordable lifestyle.

Mexico Retirement: Social and Political Environments for Expat Living in Mexico

The sources of political and social instability that may affect expat living in Mexico are varied – but all are rooted in the poverty of the country. In recent years, illegal drugs and the drug trade have been a serious problem for Mexico. In 2008, the US Department of State identified Mexican drug dealers as the major organized crime threat against the US. In Mexico, drug related gang violence claimed over 6,000 lives in 2009.

In southern Mexico, the Zapatista National Liberation Army has been active in its pursuit of more native Indian rights. Most of the conflict is limited to the state of Chiapas and in recent years violence has not been a serious issue.

If deciding upon a Mexico retirement, an expat will have to consider the level of drug related violence in Mexico’s cities. Major centers of violence tend to located in the northern towns near the US border – given the sad reality that America is the major market for the illegal drug trade. Much of the violence tends to be gang related – either gang rivalries or anti-police hostilities.

There are many safe cities in which to retire, but a wise expat will keep in mind the potential for violence that can occur.

Mexico Retirement: Transportation and Communications for Expat Living in Mexico

Transportation and transportation networks are relatively well developed. Flights to the United States are easy to find. A network of buses provide the major mass transit within the country. Communication systems are well in place and a Mexico retirement will come with radio, television, and internet access.

Mexico Retirement: Summary for Expat Living in Mexico

Strengths: as a retirement destination, Mexico is a solid choice for the North-Central American region. The cost of living is reasonably low and a lot of progress is being made with the country’s infrastructure. Health care in particular is a good option for expat retirees. A variety of urban to rural environments offer a range of housing and cost choices for expat living in Mexico. The country does offer a special retirement visa for retirees.

Weaknesses: the major risk associated with a Mexico retirement is gang related violence associated with the drug trade in Mexico. The dangers are greatest in the cities and towns at the northern border with the USA.

Analysis: overall, the long term prospects for Mexico are good. A solid economy and the growth in tourism suggests that the country’s infrastructure will continue to improve over time. On the plus side for a potential American expatriate – Mexico is not considering building a wall to keep out potential retirees. For many Americans, a Mexico retirement will be a viable healthcare and cost of living alternative to living in America.

(photo by: Jack Fiallos)

References and Bibliography

America’s Emigrants: US Retirement Migration to Mexico and Panama, migrationinformation.org

Background Note: Mexico, state.gov

Healthcare System in Mexico, solutionsabroad.com

Mexico’s Health Care Lures Americans, USAToday

Mexico  – Infrastructure, Power and Communications, Encyclopedia of the Nations

Regional map of Central America showing the location of Mexico.

Satellite map of Mexico showing major landforms, cities and neighboring countries.

(maps: Google maps)

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is tasked with protecting the American consumer from death or injury from consumer products. One of the products that has been closely monitored by the commission are toys. When living abroad, it is likely that there will not be a CPSC monitoring hazardous toys. And you may find that you will have to play the role of that commission when living overseas.

Sometimes, this is not as easy at it might seem. For example, in the photograph above, the average person may assume that the obvious risk with the toy gun is the shooting of the dart at another child and causing accidental injury. That is true, such injuries do happen. However, for young babies, the greater risk lies elsewhere. In the United States, there have been fatalities from babies chewing off the rubber tips of such darts, swallowing the tips and then choking to death.

Many toys are sold abroad that are not being monitored by regulatory agencies. It is not inconceivable that you will find toys being sold in an overseas market that would be prohibited in the United States. Often times, the price of the toy will be very low and fill many vendor stalls in a developing country. Children often find it difficult to resist such toys and parents may find it difficult to say ‘no’.

It will be wise then to become familiar with the kinds of risks associated with toys when living abroad. Fortunately, the CPSC monitors the fatalities and injuries associated with toys on a regular basis and publishes an annual report of incidents in the USA. This report is a useful start to ‘becoming your own CPSC’ – by identifying the most common hazards associated with toys.

The most recent report is from 2010 and the results are listed below.

Toy Safety: Major Causes of Fatalities From Toys

Keep in mind that the data are solely from the United States as reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2010, 17 toy related deaths were reported among American children less than 15 years of age. A majority of the deaths were due to choking or asphyxiation – from balloons, small balls, and small toy parts. Most of the deaths were infants who choked on balloons and one six year old who suffocated on a large balloon that ruptured and covered her face.

A second major cause of fatalities were from riding toys such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. The final major cause of death was from accidental drowning associated with the chasing, retrieving or falling of toys near swimming pools.

Toy Safety: Major Causes of Injuries From Toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission also reports over 180,000 emergency room level injuries from toys in 2010. Nearly half of the injuries were to the head and face area of the child. The nature of the injuries were mixed and included everything from lacerations, contusions, sprains/strains to bone fractures.

The major causes of injury were from riding toys, toy vehicles and toy balls.

Although not listed, the CPSC has also been involved in the regulation of lead content, lead paint, phtalates, and cadmium content of toys – more long term hazards to the health of a child.

Toy Safety: Summary

When living abroad, children will be children and there are risks associated with certain toys that they will be playing with. Fatalities are often associated with ruptured balloons and small toy parts for infants and toddlers and drowning for those above five years of age. The number of fatalities however is relatively small (17 in the USA in 2010).

The number of injuries however is much higher and soars into the 180,000 range for children under 15 being admitted to an emergency room.

Some would argue that the United States has the strongest regulations in place for toy safety. When living abroad and raising your family, there is not likely to be an agency like the CPSC protecting your child’s safety and you will have to play the role of the regulator of your child’s safety.

Toy Safety: Suggestions

Infants: these may be useful steps for helping you baby-proof your home

1.  Avoid small toys or toys with small parts that might easily break off and be swallowed by an infant. The greatest risk for death involves swallowing small balls, balloon fragments, or small toy peieces and choking on those items.

2. If you have older children around the home, you will have to manage and supervise their toys as well.

3. Clean the house regularly paying attention to small items that might be easily swallowed by a child.

4. If you use a nanny, make sure the nanny is properly trained and understands the risks associated with small items. Many times, a well-intentioned nanny may purchase an item for a child not realizing the potential dangers.

Older Children: the greatest risks involve the use of riding toys such as tricycles, bicycles and scooters.

1. Use safety gear such as helmets and elbow pads.

2. Teach children safety rules if they play on the street. If playing on the street, try to provide supervision.

3. Avoid riding near swimming pools or bodies of water where drowning might occur.

(photo by: flickriver.com)

References and Bibliography

Consumer Product Safety Commission

The 7 Most Dangerous Toys for Kids, Yahoo Shine

Toy Related Injuries and Deaths Calendar Year 2010, USPSC

Toys Safer This Season Due to Stronger Safety Rules, Elixir

There is no one best city for retiring in Malaysia. There are many best cities of Malaysia – each providing different options that make for a ‘best’ retirement destination depending on your lifestyle preferences. A retired expatriate will find choices that range from ultra modern, but densely populated metropolitan areas to small town settings to a tropical beach/mountain getaway from the crowds.

Best Major Metropolitan Centers of Malaysia for Retirement and International Living

Kuala Lumpur: as the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is part of a metropolitan area that is over 7 million in population size. And as the capital, it is also the major political, economic and cultural center of Malaysia. Historically, the development of the city reflected a heterogeneous mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian people and influences.

Adding to this historic depth of cultures, today Kuala Lumpur has become a major international city with a solid place in the global economy. Nearly 9 million tourists visit Kuala Lumpur each year, the fashion industry is well developed, and shopping (with over 60 malls in the city) is embedded into the way of life. The architecture of the city is flamboyant (the Petronas Twin Towers – tallest twin buildings in the world) and makes a statement about Malaysia’s place in the world economy.

Kuala Lumpur is a relatively young and modern city. Retirees will find a full range of social amenities (transportation, healthcare, shopping, security, dining, etc.) to support a comfortable international lifestyle. The cost of living is reasonably low for a modern metropolis when compared to other major urban centers around the world.

Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate that experiences high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. As such, the city is vulnerable to flooding and is something to plan around if selecting the city for retirement and international living.

Best Mid-Sized Cities of Malaysia for Retirement and International Living

Ipoh: the metropolitan area of Ipoh has a population of about a million people. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this city is that over 70 percent of the population are of Chinese ancestry drawn to the city in the 1800’s by an emergent tin industry. The city is also distinguished by its division into two sections. ‘Old Town’ Ipoh maintains much of the imprint of British colonialism in its architecture (e.g. Ipoh Railway Station and Town Hall). ‘New Town’ Ipoh reflects a later period of development that heavily emphasized a more scenic and green city.

The city is also surrounded by limestone caves and lakes. Some of the caves have been altered to house Chinese Temples such as the Kek Lok Tong temple. From a more utilitarian perspective, the city has modern social amenities in place and provides the retiree with the essentials for international living in a mid sized city of Malaysia with a distinctive colonial and Chinese cultural influence.

Georgetown: the capital city of Penang has a population of about 1.2 million people. Georgetown is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as being an example of a unique type of architectural ensemble reflecting a significant stage in human history. The city is located on the island of Penang in northwestern Malaysia.

The city grew as a trading port and remains an important transportation center today. Georgetown is considered one of the most livable cities in Asia based on a number of social and environmental criteria. The city hosts a number of religious sites, historic buildings and museums that helped it become a heritage site. The city is a little more laid back that Kuala Lumpur and presents itself as a nice city with a small town feel but not devoid of tourists passing through to see the architectural features of the city.

Malacca City: in many respects, Malacca City is somewhat of a twin to Georgetown and is the second city of Malaysia that has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malacca City’s population is about 500,000 inhabitants. The city is located in southwestern Malaysia.

Historically, the city was once the capital of the sultanate of Malacca and later colonized by Portugal, Holland and Britain. The has most necessary social amenities in place, but not at the levels that Kuala Lumpur has. The city is well connected to both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, so it does make a reasonably nice getaway town with relatively easy access to large metropolitan centers when needed.

Kuantan: recently selected for a Special Economic Zone classification, Kuantan is now being positioned to become an economic hub for northeastern Malaysia. Although a medium sized city, efforts to develop the requisite infrastructure to boost the economy and further develop tourism suggests that Kuantan will soon be developing the full range of social amenities that a retiree might be looking for – without having to settle in a large metropolitan area like Kuala Lumpur.

At present, the city’s economy is geared towards tourism (shopping, historical tin mines, beaches and inland waterfalls). Currently in the works are hotels, expansion of health care facilities, and transportation networks. For a retiree, it may be an opportune time to get in on the ground floor of a major economic development initiative.

Best Short Time Resort Cities and Locations of Malaysia for Retirement and International Living

Redang Island: for short term stays, Redang Island is part of Pulau Redang Marine Park and offers a great opportunity for beach combing, snorkeling and diving. Encountering endangered marine life such as the green turtle is not unusual. The social amenities for a short stay (vacation, getaway) are fine for this resort village but not adequate for most Americans interested in a long term stay.

The population of the island is limited to a few hundred native families. Redang is ideal for a short ecotourist type of getaway. One should probably enjoy the vacation sooner rather than later, as the island may evolve into a high end upscale resort catering to a few of the more elite visitors to the island.

Genting Highlands: as the name suggests, the Genting Highlands are located in the mountains in central Malaysia at an elevation of over a mile high. Besides the cooler weather, the resort area offers a range of more upscale hotels, family theme parks, restaurants, golf clubs, casinos, and entertainment spots. Prices are reasonable from an American perspective and provide a different environmental and cultural perspective of Malaysia.

Best Cites of Archipelagic Malaysia for Retirement and International Living

Kota Kinabalu: with a metropolitan population of under a million, Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the largest city in eastern archipelagic Malaysia (Sabah). About half of the population is of Chinese ancestry, with the remainder being Malay, and small populations of other southeast asian peoples.

As the capital of Sabah, one can find a reasonable range of social amenities for retirement in the city. Health care facilities are adequate, but with the growth of tourism these can be expected to continue to develop rapidly. The city is serviced by an international airport, several hospitals, nearly a dozen major malls, and a few historic spots worthy of visiting. Some would suggest that the atmosphere here is a little more laid back than on the mainland. Activities to keep a retiree active in this city of Malaysia include an aquarium, butterfly museum, and wildlife park for nature lovers. Of course for the cultural elite, there are museums, cultural villages, religious temples, and theme parks.

Miri: is a city of 300,000 in Sarawak. Its claim to fame has been the drilling for oil and the beginning of the petroleum industry in Malaysia. As a result, the small city has seen the coming and goings of an expat crowd since the early 1900’s. Many large petroleum multinational corporations still drill in the region and Miri continues to be a major hub in oil operations – whether it’s for transportation or headquarters operations.

Because of its history, a reasonably decent infrastructure exists to provide basic social amenities to its expat population. Ecotourism also plays a role with nearby National Parks and cave systems – in one of which was found the oldest human fossil site in southeast Asia.

Best Cities of Malaysia for Retirement and International Living: Summary

The cities of Malaysia offer a range of options for an overseas retirement – this includes retirement in a large metropolitan area with a full range of social amenities to small towns for short term stays. To a large degree the cities of Malaysia reflect the broader economic changes taking place in the country. As a new developing industrialized country, the basic infrastructure of cities are developing rapidly. An emphasis on tourism in most of the cities listed further insures that development will move in a direction to develop the kinds of social amenities by western travelers.

(photo by: Auswandern, map by Google Maps)

References and Bibliography

Genting, Malaysia

Georgetown, Penang

Ipoh Online, Ipoh.com

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tourism Board

Kuantan

Melaka, melaka.gov

Miri City, miricity.com

Redang

VisionKL