We’re #1! A recent Forbes ranking of most-liked countries put the U.S. back on top. Now I can go back to assuming that everyone in the world looks up to America. People attribute the jump from seventh to first place to award-winning (Nobel) President Obama.

These ranking obviously mean nothing. I know there was a lot of handwringing about “not being able to travel” during the last presidency, but these were the same people who talked about moving to Canada and never got beyond the internet research phase. Of all the travelers I know, I don’t know anyone who canceled or postponed a trip because the world was mad at the U.S. Besides, complaining about politicians is one of the easiest things to talk to people about when you’re traveling.

via Wend

The full ranking with 2008’s position in brackets:

• 1. United States (7)
• 2. France (2)
• 3. Germany (1)
• 4. United Kingdom (3)
• 5. Japan (5)
• 6. Italy (6)
• 7. Canada (4)
• 8. Switzerland (8)
• 9. Australia (9)
• 10. Spain (tie) (11)
• 10. Sweden (tie) (10)