You heard me right. The U.S. has now claimed the throne as the world’s no. 1 favorite country. What’s the big surprise? Many say that the nation has President Barack Obama to thank. Global confidence in Obama has put the U.S. in a positive light. Even approval of America among the French has risen from 42% in 2008 to 72% this year.

According to Forbes who released the results, the 2009 poll involved 20,000 people in 20 geographically and economically diverse countries. 2008’s champion Germany was dethroned, coming in at no. 3. An increase in the U.S.’s popularity meants a decrease in its neighbor, Canada – falling to 7th from its previous 4th place. Japan maintains its position as the only Asian country on the list, at no. 5.

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)

[Via: Forbes]