When a firm conducts business internationally, it encounters problems and challenges not found in its domestic market. These arise from two different aspects of the international business environment. One aspect involves the crossing of national boundaries, which involves financial, legal, and political differences. The second aspect of the international environment arises from the unique cultural, economic, and political situation within each foreign market where the firm conducts business. This course introduces the student to the various dimensions of the world economy and to the characteristics of foreign countries that are important for economic activity.