[alexro]

But do Google treat country level domains specifically, it gives them a boost when a local search is performed, but lows them in the global search context?

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/359704/google-approves-co-domain...

[nadinengland]

I wasn't aware of this, although it does make sense.

Going of the list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_top-level_doma... it doesn't appear like you have much choice.