While neighbouring countries descend into turmoil, Cyprus is busy moving on from its downturn, finding alternative markets for its real-estate sector and incentivising investment. 

Cyprus has a global reputation for being a high-quality hub for the shipping industry. And its commitment to training its workforce in this sector and providing a stable and business-friendly tax regime mean that it is unlikely to lose its competitive edge any time soon.

Cyprus, already well known as a tourist destination, is now branching out in terms of the services it can offer travellers, from a casino and golf courses to medical tourism. 

Many of the millions of visitors who flock to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh are doing so because of the country's rich history. Over the past few years, however, the city's academic excellence and collaborative spirit have seen it become a world-class destination for companies working in sectors using cutting-edge technologies.

The sheer number of start-up companies emerging in hi-tech sectors in Edinburgh is a testament to the city's highly educated workforce, its pro-business environment and its proximity to financial services firms offering to fund these new entrepreneurs.

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.

Renewable energy has become big business in recent years, both in developed markets – where many companies use it as a cheap 'off-grid' option – and developing markets, where it is widely viewed as a long-term solution to electricity supply problems. However, is commitment to this source of energy weakening among the world's governments?

France tends to conjure up images of industrial unrest and high taxes, but also of a highly educated workforce and an innovative approach to business. Both views are equally valid, but after a sluggish few years the country is hoping to play to its traditional strengths to draw in investment.

Located at the heart of Europe and housing one of the world's busiest airports, the German region of Hessen ticks plenty of boxes for would-be foreign investors. Add to that mix a vibrant ICT sector, a world-renowned financial services industry and a workforce that is as skilled as it is large, and it becomes apparent why Hessen has been a star FDI performer over the past few decades.