Russia

Rank: 18 (Change from 2007: -9)
Ease of Doing Business Ranking: 120
2008 FDI Inflows: $70.3 billion
2009 GDP: $1.3 trillion
2009 Per-Capita GDP: $9,370

Russia fell sharply in the rankings this year as its economic slump proved to be unexpectedly severe—worse than any in the other BRIC countries. European investors in particular recalibrated their opinion of Russia's prospects as an investment destination. While opportunities abound, especially in the oil and gas sector, transparency remains a major obstacle for foreign investors in these uncertain times.