Beijing, Jan 9 (IANS): China's country code domain ".cn" is now the world's most commonly used, the state media reported.

It had 16.36 million users by the end of 2015, topping Germany's ".de", Xinhua cited China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC), which manages the domain, data released on Friday.

The .cn domain is also world leading in domain resolution service, security and the ratio of benign uses, said CNNIC head Li Xiaodong.

As China began to require real-name registration in 2009, the .cn domain protects users' interests and reduce online theft, phishing and fraud, Li said.

The domain is not only widely used by Chinese institutions and companies but also by overseas institutions and multi-nationals, according to the CNNIC.

It is used by all central and provincial governments in China and most telecom companies and commercial banks.

Multi-nationals including Apple Inc., Microsoft, Samsung and Amazon own .cn domain names.