ECONOMICS AND TRADE | Achieving growth through open markets
02 May 2008
Best Places to Start a Business
Countries that have relaxed regulations for doing business create more income, jobs and investment. They make it easier for private enterprises to thrive.
Source: Doing Business: 2008, by the World Bank
Ease of Starting a Business
1. Singapore -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$29,320.
Starting a business (on average) takes five days and requires following five procedures. The cost is $235, or 0.8 percent of GNI per capita.
2. New Zealand -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$27,250.
Starting a business (on average) takes 12 days and requires following two procedures. The cost is $27, or 0.1 percent of GNI per capita.
3. The United States -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$44,970.
Starting a business (on average) takes six days and requires following six procedures. The cost is $315, or 0.7 percent of GNI per capita.
4. Hong Kong (China) -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$28,460.
Starting a business (on average) takes 11 days and requires following five procedures. The cost is $882, or 3.1 percent of GNI per capita.
5. Denmark -- Gross national income per capita is U.S.$51,700.
Starting a business (on average) takes six days and requires following four procedures. The cost is zero.
6. The United Kingdom -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$40,180.
Starting a business (on average) takes 13 days and requires following six procedures. The cost is $321, or 0.8 percent of GNI per capita.
7. Canada -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$ 36,170.
Starting a business (on average) takes three days and requires following two procedures. The cost is $326, or 0.9 percent of GNI per capita.
8. Ireland -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$45,580.
Starting a business (on average) takes 13 days and requires following four procedures. The cost is $137, or 0.3 percent of GNI per capita.
9. Australia -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$ 35,990.
Starting a business (on average) takes two days and requires following two procedures. The cost is $288, or 0.8 percent of GNI per capita.
10. Iceland -- Gross national income (GNI) per capita is U.S.$50,580.
Starting a business (on average) takes five days and requires following five procedures. The cost is $1,366, or 2.7 percent of GNI per capita.
