Majorities or pluralities in 19 of the 25 countries surveyed by Pew Research have a favorable view of the United Nations. Moreover, ratings of the U.N. have grown more positive since 2007 in 12 of the 25 countries. Currently, roughly six-in-ten (61%) in the U.S. hold a favorable view of the U.N. This represents a 13-point increase since 2007 in favorable ratings — the largest increase of any public included in the survey. This is the highest favorability rating given to the U.N. since the question was first asked by the Pew Global Attitudes Project in 2004. Positive opinions of the U.N. also rose in Canada to 70% in 2009, and throughout the Western and Eastern European countries surveyed views remain largely positive. Favorable views of the U.N. are also widespread among the two African publics surveyed, though positive views, while still a high 76%, have declined in Kenya. Among Nigerians, a strong majority (71%) gives a favorable rating to the U.N. However, opinions of the U.N. are sharply negative among three of the publics in the Middle East. Almost six-in-ten (57%) in Jordan say they have an unfavorable view of the U.N. while Israelis and Palestinians find rare common ground in their dislike of the U.N., with roughly two-thirds of both publics saying they have an unfavorable opinion. Lebanese and Egyptian respondents stand apart from their neighbors, with majorities in both countries expressing a favorable opinion of the U.N. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.