It may be a little island on the eastern fringe of the Atlantic Ocean but Ireland has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. 

Ireland has been crowned the top country in the world out of 125 countries assessed by an inventive survey in 2014.

The results of the first Good Country Index were released online. The man behind it all, Simon Anholt, says the idea of the survey is “to measure what each country on earth contributes to the common good of humanity, and what it takes away.”

Ireland bagged the number one spot by finishing in the top 10 in four of the seven categories of the survey, excelling in the “Equality and Prosperity” division and as a key “contributor to the greater good.”

Surprisingly, Ireland didn't place very high in the “Science and Technology” sector but it did rank number four in the “World Order” section, revealing it as the most charitable country in the world despite some tough economic times in recent years.

Ireland might be a considered small country, but certainly has a big heart and that’s a fact. It’s a proud day for the Irish!

* Originally published in 2014.