In the new list of 20 Best Looking Nations United States, home to George Clooney and Jessica Simpson, came top in a poll of more than 5,000 globe-trotting Britons.

In second place was Brazil while Spain, which boasts Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz as one of its natives, was third. Blonde, tanned surfers of Australia saw it voted into fourth place, while Italy came fifth, according to the survey.

Sexy Swedes, such as model Victoria Silvstedt, helped the Scandinavian country into sixth spot, while England made it to the seventh place in the poll.

India, home to Bollywood beauties like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, and heartthrob Salman Khan, among others, has come eighth, while France came ninth and Canada finished off the top 10.

Other countries to feature in the top 20 include Portugal, Japan and Netherlands. Germany completed the top 20.

A spokeswoman for a website, which carried out the survey, was quoted by 'The Daily Telegraph' as saying, "America has got a lot on offer and boasts some of the sexiest people on the planet.

"The likes of Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt all help America's image as a hot bed of good looking people. But with a population of more than 300 million, they do have an unfair advantage.

"But in fairness, when you think of good looking countries, Sweden, Italy, France and Brazil talent all spring to mind before us lazy, pale Brits. If you're looking for some fun in the sun you now know where to head on holiday."

Top 20 'best looking nations'

1. America
2. Brazil
3. Spain
4. Australia
5. Italy
6. Sweden
7. England
8. India
9. France
10. Canada
11. Mexico
12. Portugal
13. Wales
14. Russia
15. Japan
16. Ireland
17. Argentina
18. Netherlands
19. Scotland
20. Germany