This report outlines the findings of The Economist Intelligence Unit's in-depth analysis of the microfinance business environment in 55 countries. The index that underlies this report allows countries and regions to be compared across two broad categories: Regulatory Framework and Practices, which examines regulatory and market-entry conditions, and Supporting Institutional Framework, which assesses business practices and client interaction. Most of the research for this report, which incluyes surveys, interviews and desk analysis, was conducted between April and June 2012.