According to a survey by the renowned consulting firm FutureBrand, America is currently the World's top ranked country brand, that is, if the US was a product, it would be the best-selling, top ranked product.

FutureBrand, which is an international brand consulting group, every year uses inputs from frequent business travelers and vacationers to rank countries via an online survey. Last year's number three America, outraced by Australia and Canada, has managed to climb to number 1 this year.

"It's logical to assume that the shift in the political climate and renewed optimism surrounding the election of President Obama was a key influencer in the U. S. topping the list", shared René A. Mack, president of Weber Shandwick's Travel & Lifestyle Global Practice, a public relations firm and FutureBrand's survey conducting partner.

For the current year, Canada stood at number 2, but this is only for a while till it starts getting all the attention as it prepares for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Among the top five were Australia, New Zealand and France.