The Republic of Ireland has broken into the top 10 list of countries with the best international reputation for the first time.

The annual Country Reptrak study has Ireland ranked in ninth place out of 55 states surveyed by the general public across G8 nations. 

The nation improved its scores across 17 different attributes, and was praised for offering "favourable environment for doing business", the fact it is "run by an effective government" and the way in which it has "adopted progressive social and economic policies".

The index, which has been published since 2009, named Sweden as the country with the world's best reputation.

Meanwhile, Ireland was ranked seventh in the list of countries people would like to visit and in 10th place for people's propensity to buy products and services from the state. 

Reputations Agency MD Niamh Boyle said the news was "very timely" in the climate of uncertainty that exists post-Brexit.

She said:

"Reputation is increasingly important in a very competitive global marketplace.

"Ireland’s positive reputation and top 10 position is encouraging as we look to showcase our country to international visitors and investors."

Boyle noted that traditional measures such as size and output do not majorly impact on the public's emotional connection to a country:

"Being welcoming, safe and beautiful are the top three drivers of a country’s reputation, and nations with strong reputations such as Ireland are better positioned to welcome more tourists, increase exports, improve diplomacy and attract foreign direct investment, knowledge and talent."