Business & Management

Overview

Use the online and library resources outlined in this guide to research a specific country. This guide is especially useful if you need to conduct a PESTLE analysis.

Business Source Ultimate offers country reports detailing economic analysis, business risk, government & politics, GDP, industries, employment, and more. Pay attention to report dates. If you are looking for a PESTLE analysis on your country, MarketLine reports (found in this database) will often use this format. 

1. Type the name of your country in the search box. 
2. Scroll down the search options to “Publication Type” and select “Country Report” from the drop-down menu. 
3. Click Search

1. Select World Edition 
2. Enter a country in the search box or use the interactive map  

This database carries Dun & Bradstreet RiskLine reports, which provide country insights and in-depth coverage of the core components of risks and opportunities associated with doing business in a given country. 

1. Click the “Country Insight” tab
2. Select region or expand a region to select a country 

You can view a short video on this process below:

1. Hover over “Reports” and select “Country Reports” 
2. Browse or filter by country or region 

Country profiles covering history, politics, and economic background of countries and territories.  

GlobalEdge is an openly available, online database managed by Michigan State University. It compiles statistical data for countries around the world. In addition to statistics, historical, economic, and political conditions are available. 

1. Click the “Global Insights” drop-down menu 
2. Select “By Country”  

Their new reporting service, Business Ready (B-READY), is projected to launch September, 25, 2024.

Includes indicators and regulations for 189 countries. Doing Business offers economic data from 2003 to the present. This is a great tool for conducting a PESTLE analysis. 

1. Select a country from the “Economy Snapshots” drop down menu. 
2. Once on the country’s page, click “Download Profile” to view a full, detailed report. 

       Download country specific data by:

1. Theme (Taxation, Economics, etc.)
2. Country
3. Theme and Country
4. Statistical Data
5. Podcasts on Economic and Social Issues

US Perspective

Produced by US Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook presents data and information about countries around the world from a US perspective.

Popular among students conducting PESTLE analyses, this tool is great if you are researching how to expand a US-based business to a new country or market.  

This resource can be used for finding background information on the political and economic environment of a particular country.

Canadian Perspective

Looking for a Canadian perspective? Use Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service website to research business opportunities in specific countries. You can also browse by sector to find new markets and growth possibilities.