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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

IHS Connect database

Recommended reports:

COUNTRY/TERRITORY REPORTS
Search tip:
To select a county, hover over the [Country Intelligence] link and then either:

  • click on the [Country Intelligence: Overview] link and use the drop down option at the top of the page to select a country
    or
  • use the research a geography search box to enter a country name and then select "Overview"

On the country's Overview page, explore the headlines, special reports, risk scores (political, economic, legal, tax operational and security), and economic data. In the Country/Territory Report box click Read Full Report to view the the full country report.

Euromonitor Passport database

Recommended reports: 

  • PEST ANALYSIS
    Search tip: 
    In the search box, type Pest Analysis [name of country]. For example: PEST Analysis USA
  • COUNTRY PROFILES
    Search tip: In the search box, type [name of countrycountry profile.  For example: Australia Country Profile
  • BUSINESS DYNAMICS REPORTS
    Search tip: Click on [Economies] in the top navigation bar, then select [Business Dynamics]. In the [Explore Analysis] section, select Country Report from the Analysis Type list, Business Dynamics from the Category list, and then choose a country from the Geography list.

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.