Earl or Count is a TITLE of nobility that is used in many countries around the world. It is typically a hereditary TITLE, and is usually given to a person of high social standing. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the TITLE of Earl is the highest rank of the peerage, while in other countries, such as Germany, the TITLE of Count is the highest rank of the nobility. The TITLE of Earl or Count is often accompanied by a variety of other titles and honors, such as Baron, Duke, Marquess, and Viscount.