This data is contained in the Global Soft Power Index 2026 ranking developed by Brand Finance.
Soft power reflects a country’s ability to shape global public opinion through culture, diplomacy, business and international influence.
The index evaluates and ranks countries by how positively they are perceived in the world based on surveys and other perception indicators collected from around the world.
In the 2026 Global Soft Power Index, the United States ranks first with a score of 74.9, ahead of second-place China by only 1.4 points.
Japan is in third place (70.6).
Highly developed countries lead the way
Western European countries such as the UK (69.2), Germany (67.7) and France (65.8) remain influential, although their scores have declined slightly in recent years. Countries such as Switzerland (63.2) and Canada (63.2) also perform strongly, reflecting their strong reputations for stability, quality of life and governance.
Diverse global landscape
Beyond the top tier, the index shows a wide range of soft power indicators.
Medium-ranked countries such as India (48.0) and Brazil (49.2) reflect significant cultural and regional influence, while smaller nations and emerging markets sit at the bottom of the list.
Our neighbors
Of the states close to Moldova, Italy ranks 9th (61.6), Spain 12 (58.9), Russia 14 (58.7), Turkey 25 (52.4), Israel 39 (44.8), Ukraine 47 (41.4), Romania 53 (40.3).
One rank above Moldova is Libya (31.1), one rank below – Tajikistan (31.0).
Vanuatu (21.4), Nauru (20.7) and Kiribati (21.7) round out the list.
