Germany surpasses US to become world's favourite country

A survey has revealed that Germany has surpassed the US to become the world's favourite country.

According to News.com.au, for the first time in five years, the USA was knocked from top spot in the annual Nation Brands Index produced by Anholt-GfK.

Participants were asked to rank 50 developed and developing countries on the basis of 23 parameters that included exports, governance, culture, people, tourism and immigration/investment.

More than 20,000 people from 20 different countries were interviewed for the survey.

Germany's popularity is said to have grown after its victory in the 2014 World.

Professor Simon Anholt, an independent policy adviser who co-produced the report said Germany appears to have benefited not only from the sports prowess it displayed on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup championship, but also by solidifying its perceived leadership in Europe through a robust economy and steady political stewardship.

He added that Germany's score gains in the areas of 'honest and competent government', 'investment climate', and 'social equality' are among the largest it achieved across all the aspects covered by the NBI 2014 survey.

The Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index top 10

1. Germany

2. United States

3. United Kingdom

4. France

5. Canada

6. Japan

7. Italy

8. Switzerland

9. Australia

10.