Canada has secured the second spot in the 2021 Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index, marking its highest-ever position in the prestigious global ranking. According to Maple News, the country achieved this milestone thanks largely to its top-ranking reputation in immigration and investment, as well as strong scores across multiple governance and cultural categories.
The Nation Brands Index evaluates how 60 countries are perceived worldwide, based on the opinions of over 60,000 respondents. The study measures six core dimensions: exports, governance, culture, people, tourism, and immigration and investment.
Canada earned first place in the immigration and investment category, which assesses a country’s ability to attract immigrants, skilled foreign workers, and international students. It also evaluates perceptions of life quality and business climate — areas in which Canada is widely recognized for being stable, inclusive, and opportunity-rich.
The country also scored top marks in governance, reflecting global confidence in Canada’s political leadership, fairness, and active commitment to key global issues such as environmental sustainability, peace, and social equity.
Canada was ranked highest in the “people” category, a measure that considers how the global community views a country’s citizens in terms of friendliness, openness, competence, and tolerance — traits for which Canadians have long been praised.
In the remaining categories — exports, tourism, and culture — Canada maintained strong and consistent rankings. These reflect the country’s high-quality goods and services, a thriving tourism industry, and a cultural identity that blends its rich heritage with a vibrant contemporary arts and sports scene.
Germany claimed the top position for the fifth year in a row, benefiting from strong perceptions in exports and overall governance. Canada’s rise to second place allowed it to surpass the United Kingdom, which fell to fifth in 2021 amid weaker public sentiment regarding governance and perceptions of its people.
Canada’s rise in the Nation Brands Index not only highlights the country’s evolving image on the world stage, but also underscores its ongoing attractiveness as a destination for immigrants, international talent, and global entrepreneurs — making it one of the most inviting nations for newcomers looking to build a future.
Maple News reports that Canada’s respectable climb in global rankings further reinforces the country’s commitment to being an open, inclusive, and forward-thinking society amid a world of increasing challenges and competition.