Prime Minister Imran Khan and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai have been featured in a list of the 'world's most admired people'.

YouGov, a British data analytics company that annually compiles the ranking, prepared the list by gathering nominations from 38 countries and territories.

The company used the nominations to compile two separate lists of 20 women and 20 men.

Prime minister Imran Khan was placed number 17 on the men's list, while Malala Yousafzai was number 9 among women on the lists of the 'world's most admired people' for 2021.

"This year's rankings also see the re-entry into the top twenties of investor Warren Buffett, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Chinese actresses Liu Yifei and Yang Mi," YouGov said on its website.

According to the website, the top three spots for each men and women's list are unchanged since last year.

Former US President Barack Obama retains his position on the top of the list, with business tycoon and philanthropist Bill Gates remaining second, followed by Chinese premier Xi Jinping.

Michelle Obama, the former first lady, also retained her position on top of the pack just like her husband. Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie continues to be the world’s second-most admired woman, ahead of third placed British monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

"Pakistani human rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra have risen farthest in the ranks this year, climbing five places to 9th and 10th respectively," the company said.