10 worst countries for startups
The World Bank's annual "Doing Business" report ranks 181 countries on how friendly their regulatory climate is to entrepreneurs. These 10 countries filled out the bottom of the list, presenting major obstacles to fledgling new ventures.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
2009 rank: #181 (out of 181)
2008 rank: #181
NEXT: Central African Republic
2008 rank: #181
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the least friendly spot on Earth for entrepreneurs, according to "Doing Business 2009." Startup costs typically run to more than four times the $140 per-capita gross national income, and formally registering a business takes 155 days. Obtaining financing is a challenge, with few protections for investors and little credit-record information maintained for the country's citizens. Imports and exports are also pricey, averaging more than $2,400 per container.
NEXT: Central African Republic
Source: All data comes from "Doing Business 2009," a publication of the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. Detailed methodological information is available at www.doingbusiness.org.
LAST UPDATE: Sep 11 2008 | 1:19 PM ET
| Sponsored by |
Singapore is tops in the World Bank's survey of the friendliest regulatory environments for startups and small companies. More 
These top 20 hot spots came up tops in the World Bank's "Doing Business" rankings. More 
Fortune Small Business's picks of the best places in the U.S. to start a company. More 
Top Stories
