The study by KPMG considers a whole range of factors that affect the attractiveness of international business locations.

While the primary focus of the study is the cost of doing business, other factors are also considered such as population and demographics, education and skilled labor, innovation, infrastructure, economic conditions, regulatory environment, cost of living and personal quality of life. For the first time the study included the BRIC countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China. The study also updates the comparison of 10 other countries included in the study conducted in 2010: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the USA.