Finding Country Information

For anyone considering doing business in a foreign country, it is imperative to conduct advance research in order to learn about the country: its culture, its economic system, its business practices and regulations, etc.

Many UMUC Library databases contain country reports that provide an overview for various countries. These databases include:

Print books in catalogUSMAI and online books in e-book collections such as eBook Collection (on EBSCOhost) contain country information as well.

A variety of country information is also available on the free Web.

Scroll down the page or use the links provided above to learn how to find country information in these different types of resources.

Finding Country Information in Databases

ABI/Inform Complete

To find country information in ABI/Inform Complete, click on the Browse tab in the top left-hand corner of your screen:

Then scroll down the page to see links to available types of country reports:

Business Source Complete

Follow the directions shown in the screen shot below to find country reports in Business Source Complete:

LexisNexis Academic

In LexisNexis Academic, click on the Country Information link on the left-hand side of the page:

Then use the drop-down menus to select a country (and, if desired, a date and/or information source):

Mergent Online

Use the drop-down menu in the Country Profile section of the page to find country reports in Mergent Online:

Additional information in these and other databases

You may be able to find additional country information in the databases listed above and in other UMUC library databases (Academic Search Complete, Dissertations & Theses, etc.) by conducting a keyword search for a country's name, along with a keyword search for an aspect of the country that you're interested in studying (e.g., japan AND "business etiquette").

Finding Country Information in Print Books

• Doing business globally
• the Doing business in [country name] series
• Doing business internationally: The guide to cross-cultural success
• Doing business internationally: The resource for business and social etiquette
• Global business etiquette: A guide to international communication and customs
• Kiss, bow, or shake hands: The bestselling guide to doing business in more than 60 countries

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Finding Country Information in Online Books

• Breaking through culture shock: What you need to succeed in international business
• Bridging the culture gap: A practical guide to international business communication
• Countries and their cultures

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Finding Country Information on the Free Web

• Census Bureau International Data Base
  This site from the U.S. Census Bureau provides "tabular data for countries and regions as well as demographic indicators, population pyramids and source information."

• CIA World Factbook
  This site from the Central Intelligence Agency provides "information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities."

• Deloitte Taxation and Investment Guides
  Consulting firm Deloitte's site provides access to international Taxation and Investment Guides, which are intended to be "a first stop for investors wishing to gain a working perspective on the operating conditions and investment climate -- including the legal, accounting, and taxation framework" in 65 worldwide jurisdictions.

• Department of State Background Notes
  As of May 2012, the U.S. Department of State's Background Notes are no longer being created or updated; they are in the process of being replaced by Fact Sheets that focus on U.S. relations with each country. The Background Notes available from the link above are the most recently published versions.

• Doing Business
  This site, maintained by The World Bank Group, "provides objective measures of business regulations for local firms in 183 economies and selected cities at the subnational level." To use the site, select a country from the select an economy menu in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

• Euromonitor Country Reports
  This site, maintained by independent, privately owned Euromonitor International, provides "data and analysis of market size, distribution channel analysis, market trends, competitive landscape, legislation, local company profiles, company and brand shares, and five-year forecasts" for 80 countries. Reports are updated annually.

• International Monetary Fund
  The IMF Web site provides access to reports and data related to countries' finances. See especially the Country Info and/or the Data and Statistics tabs.

• TradeStats Express
  This site, presented by the Office of Trade and Industry Information, Manufacturing and Services, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, presents state and national quarterly and annual trade data from the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau.

• UNdata
  This site, created by the United Nations Statistics Division, provides access to "official statistics produced by countries and compiled by United Nations data system, as well as estimates and projections."

• U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library
  This site, offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides access to country commercial guides and to market research reports. Some reports are only accessible after users have created an account at Export.gov.

• World Bank Countries and Economies
  This site provides access to a variety of information, including world development indicators, financial information, and climate data. Search results can be exported in different formats.