The Republic of the Maldives is set to undergo a comprehensive destination branding evolution. Set to launch next year, the Indian Ocean island nation is to develop a new strategy including a new logo, slogan, advertising and worldwide campaign.

The fifth annual G20 Summit, taking place next week in Seoul, will aim to impress the Group of 20 world leaders and delegate with the country's high-tech advances — ultra-fast communication, portable broadband, Web-connected mobile television and other futuristic technologies — "that have become rather humdrum for Koreans," in one assessment.

Canada has the best branding of any nation, knocking the United States off its perch on the top of the heap.

Last week the Shanghai Expo 2010 closed. On three sweltering days this summer I toured the vast and frenzied space that was the Expo. My objective was to see how the nations of the world were representing themselves to the Chinese public and how each responding to the Expo's official theme: 'Better City, Better Life.'

Last week the Shanghai Expo 2010 closed. On three sweltering days this summer I toured the vast and frenzied space that was the Expo. My objective was to see how the nations of the world were representing themselves to the Chinese public and how each responding to the Expo’s official theme: ‘Better City, Better Life.’

Following globalisation and increased competition to attract tourists, markets, talent, investors, events, etc., countries conceive brand management as a key success and competitiveness factor as well as a key item in their economic, social and cultural development.

On Oct. 29 and 30, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy's research team in Shanghai released the final two video conversations in the series. The first video highlights views from the Chinese pavilions, including its national and regional provinces and the second features an interview with the Secretary General of the International Exhibitions Bureau. Click here to view the videos.

How does Brand Oz look in China these days? Jennifer Mills went to the Shanghai Expo to see the results of Simon Crean's recent nation branding exercise