0 Top 10 Best Countries For Business 2009

The economic downturn that's swept the globe has crushed financial markets, exploded unemployment and shaken confidence in the banking system.The disaster isn't shared equally, though. Some countries are in a much better position than others to rebound from the current malaise by attracting entrepreneurs, investors and workers.

Rank 1:Denmark

GDP per capita: $38,900

GDP, real growth rate: 0.3%

Population (millions): 5.5

Trade balance as % of GDP: -0.6%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 6.7%

Rank 2: U.S.

GDP per capita: $48,000

GDP, real growth rate: 1.4%

Population (millions): 303.8

Trade balance as % of GDP: -5.6%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: -3.1%

Rank 3: Canada

GDP per capita: $40,200

GDP, real growth rate: 0.7%

Population (millions): 33.2

Trade balance as % of GDP: 1.9%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 0.2%

Rank 4: Singapore

GDP per capita: $52,900

GDP, real growth rate: 3.0%

Population (millions): 4.6

Trade balance as % of GDP: 17.2%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 0.6%

Rank 5:New Zealand

GDP per capita: $28,500

GDP, real growth rate: 0.6%

Population (millions): 4.2

Trade balance as % of GDP: -1.3%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 0.4%

Rank 6: U.K.

GDP per capita: $37,400

GDP, real growth rate: 1.1%

Population (millions): 60.9

Trade balance as % of GDP: -7.8%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: -5.9%

Rank 7: Sweden

GDP per capita: $39,600

GDP, real growth rate: 0.9%

Population (millions): 9.0

Trade balance as % of GDP: 5.2%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 3.3%

Rank 8: Australia

GDP per capita: $39,300

GDP, real growth rate: 2.5%

Population (millions): 21.0

Trade balance as % of GDP: -1.0%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 0.4%

Rank 9: Hong Kong

GDP per capita: $45,300

GDP, real growth rate: 2.8%

Population (millions): 7.0

Trade balance as % of GDP: -8.5%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: -0.7%

Rank 10: Norway

GDP per capita: $57,500

GDP, real growth rate: 2.8%

Population (millions): 4.6

Trade balance as % of GDP: 31.6%

Federal budget balance as % of GDP: 32.5%