The states with more embassies and consulates in the World often maintain a good overall soft power ranking, too.

How many diplomatic posts (embassies, consulates, permanent representations) do the World power sport?

The Global Diplomatic Index offers the most accurate snapshot available.

The 2019 Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index visualises the diplomatic networks of 61 G20, OECD and Asian countries and territories. That edition makes data available across three years – 2016, 2017 and 2019 – and sees the addition of one new country, Lithuania.

Here’s the ranking of the states with more embassies:

1. China – 276 posts (of which 169 embassies)
2. USA – 273 posts (168)
3. France – 267 posts (161)
4. Japan – 247 posts (151)
5. Russia – 242 posts (144)
6. Turkey – 235 posts (140)
7. Germany – 224 posts (150)
8. Brazil – 222 posts (138)
9. Spain – 215 posts (115)
10. Italy – 209 posts (124)

Remarkably, it is China who tops this special chart, a clear sign of constant investment in public diplomacy by the Asian giant.

It is also noteworthy to underline that 4 out of the top 10 countries are European: one may add Russia and Turkey to that number, as to explain how the ‘Eurasian continent’ still bears so much diplomatic power internationally, constantly investing strategic capitals for this effort.

Check out the Global Diplomatic Index.