Middle East Analyze the political, economic, legal and cultural environment of the region (Middle East) and outline the challenges and opportunities of conducting business in that region. Possible topics for the research: Demographics: Population, growth rate, distribution of population (age groups), rural vs. urban, cities vs. villages Per capita income levels, wealth distribution, social mobility. Major exports and trading partners Business environment: Government attitude to foreign investment and trends, ease of doing business, trade regulations, taxation. Inflation levels, currency exchange rate; risks of devaluation versus the dollar Education and literacy levels, availability of skilled labor, labor costs Membership in regional economic and trading blocks. Trade relationship with the United States. Legal system: Protection of intellectual property rights, enforcement of contracts, bribery and corruption risk/index. Cultural differences: Major religions, ethnic makeup and languages Major differences in beliefs, values, customs and behaviors, role of family Unique business customs, etiquette and practices one should be aware of when doing business in that region (time and decision-making, meetings, negotiations, business relationships, dress code, status, gift--giving, etc.) Describe the country's culture using Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions Last: Key challenges, risks, threats of doing business in that region. Identify the most important and most promising country(ies) in the region for international trade perspective.