Database: Key Global Indicators Database
This interactive database allows users to explore public opinion trends in 55 countries on topics ranging from attitudes toward the U.S. to views about globalization, democratization, extremism and other important issues. Search by question, topic or country.
Confidence in Obama Lifts U.S. Image Around the World
In many countries opinions of the United States are now about as positive as they were at the beginning of the decade before George W. Bush took office. Improvements in the U.S. image have been most pronounced in Western Europe, where favorable ratings for both the nation and the American people have soared. But opinions of America have also become more positive in key countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, as well. Signs of improvement in views of America are seen even in some predominantly Muslim countries.
Optimism and Obstacles for Obama in Europe
Polls suggest Obama may have reason to expect a mostly — but not entirely — warm reception on his coming overseas trip with stops in Britain, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Turkey.
The Globe’s Emerging Middle Classes
As economically developing countries grow prosperous, their middle classes understandably become more satisfied with their lives and their values become more like those of the publics of advanced nations.
Trickle-Down Global Economics: World Already Saw U.S. Influence as Negative
Well before the current economic crisis circled the globe, publics worldwide were well aware that U.S. economic conditions affected their own economies. Most — including the U.S. itself — viewed that influence in a negative light.
A New Leader for a Chronically Gloomy Japan
Even if international financial markets were thriving, it is likely that the selection of Taro Aso as the new leader of Japan’s ruling party would still have played out against a backdrop of national apprehensiveness and pessimism.
The Chinese Celebrate Their Roaring Economy As They Struggle With Its Costs
As they eagerly await the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese people express extraordinary levels of satisfaction with the way things are going in their country and with their nation’s economy. With more than eight-in-ten having a positive view of both, China ranks number one among 24 countries on both measures in the 2008 survey by the [...]
Assessing Globalization: Benefits and Drawbacks of Trade and Integration
Enthusiasm for economic globalization has waned considerably over the last few years in many wealthy nations, but survey research suggests that most average citizens around the world embrace the idea of a globalized world, albeit cautiously.
Global Economic Gloom — China and India Notable Exceptions
Although views of the U.S. remain negative, and many now worry about the US economy’s impact on their nations, the U.S.’s favorable ratings have increased modestly since 2007 in 10 of 21 countries with comparative data. People around the world are following the U.S. election closely – and in most places surveyed, express greater confidence in Obama than in McCain.
Italy’s Malaise: La Vita Non É Cosí Dolce
Taken aback by critical depictions of their country’s “collective funk,” Italians’ spirits are flagging — but not their sense of cultural superiority.
