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Company Research Guide

This Bentley Library research guide was created to provide a starting point for researching companies.

What is a PESTLE Analysis?

PESTLE (sometimes PEST) is a framework for analyzing the external macro environment of a business or industry, usually specific to a particular country. PESTLE stands for:

  • P – Political
  • E – Economic
  • S – Social
  • T – Technological
  • L – Legal
  • E – Environmental

Use the resources listed on this page for conducting a PESTLE analysis, including:

  • analyzing a country's economic, business, political, legal and security risk
  • investigating the ease of doing business
  • assessing commercial opportunities and challenges
  • examining social, cultural and environmental issues

Euromonitor Passport database

Recommended reports: 

  • PEST ANALYSIS
    Search tip: 
    In the search box, type Pest Analysis [name of country]. For example: PEST Analysis USA
  • BUSINESS DYNAMICS REPORTS
    Search tip: Click on [Economies] in the top navigation bar, then select [Business Dynamics]. In the [Latest Reports] section, click on View All.  Use the filters on the left side of the page to start by selecting a geography. Browse the results and use additional filters as needed. Note: When choosing an analysis type, start with a Country Report (if available), then explore the other types of analysis.

EIU Viewpoint database

Business Source Complete database

Search tip: Look for the Browse menu on the right side of the page and select  [Country Reports]. Enter the name of a country in the All Countries search box. The results list may include:

  • Country Reviews from CountryWatch (which include social and environmental overviews)
  • Country Profiles from MarketLine (which include In-depth PESTLE Insights)
  • Country Risk Reports from Business Monitor International (BMI). 

Statista database

Search tip: Click on [Reports] in the top navigation bar, then select [Country Reports]. Search for a country or region. Results will usually include Country Reports and Dossiers.

Doing Business In... Guides

These resources provide information on the ease of doing business and commercial opportunities, regulations, and business customs in a country:

Country Profiles

Need some more background information? These are good resources for country profiles.