This annual report, prepared by the staff of the World Bank Group, investigates the regulations that affect business activity both positively and negatively. It presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights in 178 economies in countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and over time. Specifically, it measures 10 stages of a business's life, each having a specific chapter: starting out, dealing with licenses, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and closing a business, using data current as of June 2007. These indicators are used to analyze economic outcomes and identify what reforms have worked, where they have worked, and why. Indicators refer to a specific type of business, generally a limited liability company operating in the largest business city. Methodology for this year has changed for dealing with licenses, employing workers, and enforcing contracts, with three new topics: not paying bribes, opportunities for women, and infrastructure. After chapters on the specific indicators are country and indicator tables. There is no index. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)