What do people abroad think of British people? Britons drink too much but are polite and well-educated, according to a new survey.

Some 5,000 people aged 18-34 in Brazil, China, Germany, India and the USA were asked for their opinions of Britain.

The results are as follows:

Best British characteristics

Politeness and good manners
Educated and skilled
Friendly
Respect rule of law
Sense of humour

Worst British characteristics

Drinking too much
Bad eating habits
Ignorant of other cultures
Too nationalistic
Intolerant towards people from other countries

Name someone associated with Britain

William Shakespeare
The Queen
David Beckham

A wider survey that included young adults in Britain as well as the other five countries showed that, in terms of overall “attractiveness”, the UK was ranked second only to the USA, sharing joint second place with Australia.

With respondents not permitted to rate their own country, France was in fourth place and Italy fifth.

British Council strategy director John Worne said: “This research confirms culture and education are among the UK’s biggest assets in attracting people from important countries to the UK’s future.

“But, while there’s a lot to be proud of, some stereotypes still colour the way that we’re viewed overseas.”