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Australia, followed by Canada, topped a worldwide survey of the world's favourite nations. One thousand people in 10 nations were asked to rank countries on a series of criteria, ranging across tourism, immigration, exports, investment, culture, heritage and people. The survey of 25 nations was compiled by marketing research firms Anholt-GMI.
Australia was new to the survey this year, and it replaced Sweden as the strongest "nation brand" in the world. New Zealand also appeared in the survey for the first time.
The United States dropped from fourth to eleventh place and Sweden moved down to fifth place.
While Canada scored high marks when it came to hospitality, government and living and working, it didn't fare so well when it came to culture.
"Canada's low ranking in culture is somewhat troubling, considering this is a real indication of how people feel about a country," Canadian government officials said in a news release. Canada also ranked second in categories including investment, immigration, and people. It placed third in the hospitality category.
"On the flip side, it seems that Canadians have made quite a positive impression. This could be attributed to Canadians who have travelled the world, worked abroad, or from foreigners visiting the country."
One of the top categories for Canada was governance. Those surveyed put it as their second choice for government.
Unlike the United States, which ranked in at the 11th position, Canada's government was seen as neutral. The majority of those polled also described the government as trustworthy, Anholt said.
Canada also ranked second in categories including investment, immigration, and people. It placed third in the hospitality category.
New Zealand did best on tourism and investment and immigration. It scored least on culture and heritage and exports.
