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Canada 'second most loved nation' |
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Canada is the second most favorite country in the world, according to a
new poll. Boosted by a strong showing in the immigration and people
categories, Canada beat out several Western nations including the
United
States and Britain, finishing second only to Australia in
the Anholt-GMI Nation Brand Index.
This second quarterly NBI surveyed 10,000 people on 25 nations in six
different areas, including immigration, investment, tourism, people and
culture. Canada, included for the first time in the poll, finished
strongly, displacing the UK, which ranked number two in the first NBI
in May 2005.
In most areas - best places to work and live, expand
business, people, and governance – Canada came in right after
Australia, showing that the country’s positive reputation continues to
remain strong.
Unlike Canada’s neighbour and close ally the United States, which ranks
11th; globally, the government is seen as neutral, with the
majority of those polled describing the government as trustworthy.
Adding to this perception, is the fact that Canada ranks number two,
after Switzerland, on overall governance, as well as on how much people
around the world trust the country’s government to make responsible
decisions and uphold international peace and security.
It might appear that a large part of the world’s perception of Canada
can be attributed to how they feel about Canadians: the people
came in second place in the hospitable category, right after
Australians.
"The NBI is designed to measure the real underlying brand power of each
country, something that takes generations to build and change," said
Simon Anholt, co-author of the NBI and leading nation brand
expert. "With a stable, liberal and democratic government and a
healthcare system envied by its neighbours – justified or not – Canada
is clearly a strong brand that goes beyond the borders of its
hemisphere."
Canada’s Global Rankings in Six Areas
- 1. Investment & Immigration Overall 2
-- Live & Work 2
-- Expand Business 3
- 2. Tourism 3
- 3. People 2
- 4. Cultural & Heritage Overall 18
- 5. Governance 2
- 6. Exports (Brands/Products) 11
Canada low ranking in culture came as a surprise, considering how many
popular icons it can claim as its own - including singers Celine Dion,
Sarah McLachlan and Neil Young, actors Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey, and
TV personalities Peter Jennings and Alex Trebek. Perhaps the problem is
that many people assume they are American.
Anholt adds: "On the flip side, it seems that Canadians have made quite
the positive impression. This could be attributed to Canadians who have
traveled the world, worked abroad, or from foreigners visiting the
country. These factors obviously have had an enormous impact, but
Canada could work harder on improving its product brand image."
Complete ranking of all 25 nation brands:
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Switzerland
4. UK
5. Sweden
6. Italy
7. Germany
8. Netherlands
9. France
10. New Zealand
11. United States
12. Spain
13. Ireland
14. Japan
15. Brazil
16. Mexico
17. Egypt
18. India
19. Poland
20. South Korea
21. China
22. South Africa
23. Czech Republic
24. Russia
25. Turkey
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