Ireland is now one of the most admired and respected countries in the world

Ireland placed 11th as the best place out of 55 countries, according to research by The Reputation Institute.

Ireland ranked ahead of the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and France and the US in the Country RepTrak study, which was compiled by the Reputation Institute and its Irish counterpart, the Reputations Agency, the Irish Times reports.

Over 48,000 people across the G8 countries were surveyed via an online poll. ‘Effective government,’ ‘appealing environment,’ and advanced economy’ were also taken into account, reports Joe.ie.

Ireland ranked number nine for its “friendly and welcoming people” and  placed number six for having a “beautiful country.”

“An increasingly globalised world with intensified competition makes country reputation matter more than ever,” said Niamh Boyle, managing director of the Reputations Agency.

“Attracting tourists, FDI and high-skilled workforce, improving international diplomacy, and being able to sell Irish products abroad, are all facilitated by having a strong country reputation.

Read more at irishcentral.com