East Asia continues to be the most stressed region with the majority of business leaders there suffering from a high stress increase last year, according to a global business stress index. 

The 2006 Grant Thornton International Business Owners Survey undertook a study of over 7,000 business owners in 30 countries worldwide and its results showed that 57% of business owners reported suffering from stress compared with 39% in 2004.

Topping the stress league were business owners in Taiwan (89%), followed closely by other countries or region with fast changing economies: China (87%), the Philippines (76%), Botswana (74%), Hong Kong (69%), and Singapore (67%).

Malaysia tied with South Africa in seventh spot at 65% while Swedish business owners recorded the lowest stress level at only 23%.

Business leaders in the Netherlands (25%) and Canada (26%) were also pretty laid-back, according to the survey.

Business owners in the "High Growth, Low Stress Increase" category have the best of both worlds. Booming performance has not caused extra stress. These business owners can be found in the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

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