Arguably the best free online resource for global business information developed and hosted by Michigan State University.
TIP: Select a country and the "Resources" in the left column for links to that country's government resources--great for statistics, labor regulations, costs, etc.
A vast compilation of data from such sources as the CIA World Factbook, UN, and OECD. You can generate maps and graphs on all kinds of statistics for different countries.
Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions. *Includes audio and video clips from BBC archives Select a country, territory or international organization
The Country Profiles serve as an overview of social security programs in the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. Scheme descriptions are provided for over 170 countries and territories, and profiles of complementary and private pensions in 50 countries. Cover national social security programs established by statute that insure individuals against interruption or loss of earnings resulting from old age, disability; sickness and maternity; work injury or occupational disease; unemployment; and child rearing.
(Note: Always have to click 'Accept')
*Country Profiles provide excellent country specific overviews.
*Country Pulse provide news items about consumer trends within the country.
*Country Briefing gives Business Environment for a country based on World Bank Doing Business Report.
*Country Risk--includes strategies, macroeconomic indicators, and Risk/Reward Ratings
*Country Forecast Reports
*Compare & Export tool--use for country comparisons, including import/export data
Select Country Report by "Publication Type" on the home search screen and type country of interest in search box. *Examples of helpful country reports included here are Political Risk Yearbook and Country Reviews from CountryWatch. Also an excellent source for magazine and journal articles about countries.
Contains IBC's International Country Risk Guides with in-depth analyses of factors that could affect business, trade or investments in countries around the world. FIND: Select "Search By Content Type" at top of screen, then "Country Information" under the PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS directory, and then select the country and sources to search.
Best known for its publications and its statistics, the OECD’s work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics, to trade, education, development, science and innovation.
Statistical database from the International Monetary Fund that includes finance, balance of payments, trade, foreign investment, and more.
The 4 datasets include:
International Financial Statistics (IFS)—all aspects of international and domestic finance beginning in 1948
Balance of Payment Statistics (BOPS)— international economic transactions data and International Investment Position, with history to 1960
Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)—value of exports and imports between countries and their trading partners, with history to 1980
Government Finance Statistics (GFS)—budgetary and extra-budgetary financial operations data of governments, with history to 1990