Economic Research, Statistics and Reference Data


Financial Crisis dataFinancial Crisis Data: New cross-country data from business surveys in Eastern Europe reveal for the first time the scale of the demand crisis that hit the region this year and how firms have responded so far. The data show a varied impact across different types of firms. These differences could have significant implications for the economic recovery of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the region most affected by the global financial crisis.

Do your own analysisGenerate custom graphs: The World Bank's graphical analysis tool allows you to query our research and statistics database and easily generate customized graphics and charts in seconds. Understand the top concerns of local companies and businesses regarding their business climate. Compare micro-economic indicators across countries, geographic regions and income groups.

Country Notes - International Business Climate Profiles


Country Notes
provide a customized snapshot of a country’s business environment relative to other economies surveyed in its geographic region. They include both analysis and policy recommendations. Discover some of the most difficult challenges and obstacles to running a business in various countries.

Enterprise Notes - Worldwide Economic Research


Download our new 3-4 page research briefings, covering topics such as job creation, the informal sector, and business regulation reforms.

How are firms in Eastern and Central Europe reacting to the financial crisis?
Determinants of Doing Business reforms
Consumer behavior and competition in Indian retailing
Formal and informal microenterprises
The effects of rigid labor regulations in Latin America

Research Papers


Research Papers are journal articles or academic working papers.

New! Obstacles to registering: necessity vs. opportunity entrepreneurs
New! Labor productivity in the informal sector: necessity vs. opportunity firms
Entry regulation, labor laws and informality
Foreign exposure of firms and growth in developing countries
Natural resources and reforms
Multinational firms, global value chains and the organization of knowledge transfer

Enterprise Surveys News

New! The World Bank's Enterprise Analysis Unit has updated its survey work in Cameroon (2009), Cape Verde (2009) and Malaysia (2007). In total, 1,421 firms were surveyed. 
Previous data releases

Current Survey Projects

The World Bank is currently gathering data in 39 countries around the globe. 

Business Data

Our free database contains the collected survey data for you to conduct your own economic research.  Hundreds of business environment indicators provide critical insight into a country's economic, financial, regulatory and investment environment.  Based on face-to-face surveys of business owners and top managers, discover which countries have the:

  • Easiest access to finance
  • Least corruption
  • Strongest infrastructure
  • Most productive workforce
  • Lowest crime rates
  • Highest female entrepreneurship
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