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LONDON - Iran is the country seen as having the most negative influence in the world, according to an annual survey by BBC World Service published on Monday.

The Islamic Republic was followed by North Korea and Pakistan in the survey of negative and positive views of people in 27 countries based on events in 2010.

Iran saw its negative rating rise three points to 59 percent since the previous study, which was based on events in 2009.

Unfavourable ratings for Iran showed a marked year-on-year increase in Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia and the Philippines.

Germany was the most positively viewed nation, but Brazil was the big winner as its status as an emerging power was confirmed with a positive rating which rose from 40 percent to 49 percent, leaving it ranked seventh in the positive stakes.