Years of sluggish economic growth and the political deadlock of recent months have seen the US's AAA credit rating once again come under risk, but could the country's pro-FDI stance and shale gas-fuelled energy boom be about to alleviate some of this pressure?

Countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly keen to show off their tourism credentials to international travellers. But while visitor numbers are on the rise, the region's dated infrastructure and poor image are proving to be tough obstacles to overcome.

Remote and robust, New Zealand managed to avoid the worst of the global economic downturn, and while its exports remain strong, the country's finance minister says that oil exploration being carried out could elevate it to another level.

With its deep-water natural gas resources and potential to be a major provider of solar power, Cyprus is positioning itself as an energy hub within the eastern Mediterranean.

Albania's new government has set about ridding the country of its reputation for corruption and demonstrating to investors from the western Balkans and beyond that it is very much open for business, its prime minister Edi Rama says.