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.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo

Full story: Best countries for small businesses

2009 rank: #181 (out of 181)
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.

By Stacy Cowley

NEXT: Central African Republic

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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