International Marketing - The Country
This page focuses on the country and includes primary databases
for country
analysis, the economic, and political
environments and trade data.
Links to web finding aids are also included.
There are two approaches to finding information on a country:
1. Use information from commercial sources and international governmental organizations. The advantages of this approach are that the information and data are comparable across countries, that data may be converted into one currency and are available over many years. The disadvantages are that the recent data may be two or three years old and may not be as as specific as you would like for marketing research.
2. Use local country information. The advantages of this approach are that the information may be unique to the country and may have regional information. The disadvantages are that the data are often not comparable across countries, are in local currency, are incomplete, and are for a limited time span. What is collected for any one country may not be collected for another country.
For a market plan, you may need both types of information sources.
Country Analysis
A few major databases and websites are highlighted here. Use the Country Research pages from Global Perspectives for complete lists.
EIU
Country Reports
Quarterly reports and updates and an annual profile for over 200
countries.
EIU
Viewswires
Executive summaries from all of Economist Intelligence Unit's publications,
this is a premier site for country research; includes country risk
reports.
ISI
Emerging Markets
News, Company & Industry Information, Financial Markets, Macro-economic
Analysis and Legal & Current Affairs direct from emerging markets
in Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East
and Africa. Some information is only offered in the local language. Sponsored
by the Mew Fund.
Economic Environment
Selected International Sources of Economic Data
World
Development Indicators
From the World Bank, an interactive database with over 500 data
elements from over 200 countries and regions. Time series
data and Excel spreadsheet compatible. Search
aid.
Global
Market Information Database
From Euromonitor, a compilation
of economic, demographic, and other country level data, convertible
into U.S. dollars or Euro and then into per capita figures.
Time series data and excel spreadsheet compatible.
National Sources of Economic Information
The two primary local sources that collect economic data are the national statistical offices and the central bank. Many other ministries and consular agencies may also have useful data.
Political Environment
The library has many sources with a country's political background
and history. Use the Country Analysis resources above and also,
consult
sources on the web.
Background
Notes
The U.S. government's Background Notes provide an overview
of the history and political climate. However, the notes for each
country are not updated annually.
Emory Libraries Research Guides on Comparative Politics / Foreign Government Research and International Relations.
Trade
Goizueta
Business Library International Trade Research Aid
In depth guide to macro and specific movement of goods and services.
Additional trade links in Key International Websites.
Finding Aids
International
Organizations/Nongovernmental Organizations Research/Subject Guide
Emory University General Libraries bibliography.
International
Governmental Organizations
A list from the American Library Association's Government Documents
Roundtable.
Books such as Doing
Business Internationally: The Guide to Cross-Cultural Succes
and on "Doing
Business In...." other countries, in the Emory collection.
