The US is increasingly viewed as a “culture-free zone” inhabited by arrogant and unfriendly people, according to a study of 25 countries' brand reputations.

The findings, published online on Monday, will add to concerns that anti-Americanism is hurting companies whose products are considered to be distinctly “American”. The Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index found that although US foreign policy remained a key driver of hostility, dissatisfaction with the world's sole superpower might run deeper.