Each potential nation will have its own unique characteristics. Its attractiveness as a market and its availability for different products and goods depend on its demographic, economic, socio-cultural and political-legal environment. Before entering the international market, business leaders must educate themselves and their key personnel about the local market, consumers, politics, laws and business practices. A thorough risk assessment includes political and legal issues, such as government stability and the level of political corruption or civil unrest. Politics can be a major concern for businesses operating abroad and can be the most volatile aspect of international marketing. Unstable political situations can expose businesses to many risks that they would rarely face at home. Financial issues such as monetary stability as well as investment and trade conditions, such as tariffs and trade agreements, also need to be assessed. It is also important to take into account the socio-cultural aspect. This includes assessing the skills of a country's workforce, cost and availability of labor. When choosing an international market, it may be wise to choose one that is geographically and culturally close to the domestic company's environment. If you are a U.S. business, Canada and Mexico are great options due to their proximity to the United States, as well as their participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Additionally, when choosing foreign markets, you should also consider the purchasing power/income of the foreign country, its economy, the level of competition from similar products, the need for the service/product you are providing and the population. All of these factors contribute to determining which market(s) would be best suited for your business.