Germany has toppled the United States as the country with the best global "brand image," according to a German survey.
The United States dropped to sixth place, after being ranked first, according to a study conducted by German-based market research firm GfK and the political consultant Simon Anholt.
While France went from fifth place to second
France ranked the second most popular country in the world, followed by Britain, which retained third place, followed by Canada and Japan, which tied fourth place.
The Anholt-GfK index, conducted by the company in cooperation with the Anholt Office each year, tries to identify the image of 50 countries in the world's population, with regard to their governance, exports, people, culture and heritage, investment and immigration, and tourism.
The image of Germany has improved in Asia, especially in China, according to the study, while Germany's assessment was less positive in its European neighbors in France and Poland, as well as Brazil, as well as the Germans themselves.
The image of Germany has improved in Asia, especially in China, according to the study, while Germany's assessment was less positive by its European neighbors in France and Poland, as well as Brazil, and even by the Germans themselves.
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel welcomed the results, saying: "Germany's image no longer rests on our economic strength. People think we're capable of much in the world."
