In the beginning of the game you have to choose the location of your base. There are five possible options for the location of your base:

North America
Europe
Asia
South America
Africa

North America

Placing the base in North America, you get a bonus Air and Space: "All aircraft and aircraft weapons cost 50% less to purchase, build and maintain".

Europe

Placing the base in Europe, you get a bonus Expert Knowledge: "Laboratories and Workshops cost 50% less to build and maintain".

Asia

Placing the base in Asia, you get a bonus Future Combat: "All projects in the Foundry and the Officer Training School cost 50% less".

South America

Placing the base in South America, you get a bonus We Have Ways: "Autopsies and Interrogations are completed instantly".

Africa

Placing the base in Africa, you get a bonus All In: "Monthly XCOM funding increased by 30%".