LONDON, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Bank International has today announced the launch of its new interactive Expat Explorer tool, an online resource providing users with unprecedented access to data and insights from HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey, the world's largest study of expats.

To view this multimedia news release click here:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/hsbc/47609/

Expat Explorer contains the complete 2010 data from the survey's three reports; Expat Economics, Expat Experience and Offshore Offspring detailing every aspect of life abroad. The tool gives users the chance to interact with the findings through data visualisations and compare countries across a range of criteria.

The resource provides users with highly visual results through a variety of graphics and charts including league tables, country comparisons and rankings. Each output generates its own specific URL which can be shared through a number of social media sites. This data is also accompanied by a number of expat case studies across different locations to provide a colourful picture of life in a given location.

Commenting on the launch, Lisa Wood, Head of Marketing at HSBC Bank International, said: "The online launch of Expat Explorer is a proud moment for us and one that demonstrates our commitment to building on the success of our Expat Explorer Survey and understanding expats' lives. With us undertaking the world's largest study of expats, we have such a wealth of information on the experience of living overseas and wanted to bring this to life for expats in a visually rich and engaging way.

"Considering a move abroad can be a daunting prospect, often involving a huge amount of research and hopefully through our new online resource we'll provide some really useful insights for any potential expats. Individuals will be able to view information tailored to their priorities in life and lifestyle expectations.

"It's a resource that's got something for everyone, from those interested simply in where their country ranks to would-be expats and regular movers looking for their next location. By making the findings social media friendly we hope to have developed a tool that expats and non-expats alike will want to share with their peers."

The tool is built in an innovative way, as a blended build using JavaScript, Flash and PHP. It uses an innovative "physics engine" to create a fluid and realistic Flash world map, and uses the HTML5 framework to allow dynamic generation of data based on user selection. The tool was designed and developed with HSBC Bank International by digital agency Heathwallace.

Get involved

To experience the tool visit: http://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com

Tweet us at: http://twitter.com/expatexplorer

Share your experiences: http://expatexplorer.blogspot.com/

To watch a short video about Expat Explorer and some of the survey highlights visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS_iw5YlTPM

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