Spain’s all-round lifestyle and business appeal has been recognised by a seventh place finish in a global Country Brand Index.

This year’s ratings from FutureBrand, a brand consultancy branch of the Interpublic Group of Companies, saw Spain excel in categories such as ‘Best Country for Nightlife’, while performing well against a range of criteria to finish in a top ten spot.

Other factors taken into account were the suitability of a country as a location for doing business, possibilities for family activity and cultural authenticity.

With cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia adding their cultural and business weight to Iberia’s appeal, Spain finished just behind top-performers Australia, USA and the UK, ranking well against continental rivals.

Rina Plapler, executive director of FutureBrand, said: "A country’s brand reputation is in itself a powerful currency. Reputation drives financial and business investment, sustainable growth and helps add fuel to the private and retail sectors."

Spanish growth has in recent years made the country more brandable – with job creation above Eurozone averages helping to end the country’s reputation as merely a holiday destination.