How Americans’ views of the U.S. compare with international views of the U.S.
People around the world see both strengths and flaws in the U.S., but they generally view the U.S. positively, according to a new survey of 24 countries.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
North America
-
-
International Views of Biden and U.S. Largely Positive
Overwhelmingly, people believe the U.S. interferes in the affairs of other countries (82%), but most also believe the U.S. contributes to peace and stability around the world (61%). U.S. President Joe Biden receives mostly positive reviews from publics around the world with 54% expressing confidence in Biden, while 39% say they lack confidence in him.
-
Economic ratings are poor – and getting worse – in most countries surveyed
Majorities of adults in 18 of 24 countries surveyed this spring rate their nation’s economic situation poorly.
-
In 2020, properties in 102 countries and territories were targeted in incidents tied to religion
In 2020, properties in 102 of the 198 countries and territories in the study were targeted in incidents tied to religion.
-
In U.S. and elsewhere, most say their country will be better off embracing changes over sticking to traditions
Across the nations surveyed, a median of 62% of adults – including 63% in the United States – say their country will be better off if it is open to changes.
-
Anti-Jewish harassment occurred in 94 countries in 2020, up from earlier years
Incidents against Jewish people in 2020 ranged from verbal and physical assaults to vandalism of cemeteries and scapegoating for the pandemic.
-
Black Americans Firmly Support Gender Equality but Are Split on Transgender and Nonbinary Issues
Nearly six-in-ten want organizations working for Black progress to address the distinct challenges facing Black LGBTQ people. Black Americans are more likely to know someone who is transgender or nonbinary than to identify as such themselves.
-
Social Media Seen as Mostly Good for Democracy Across Many Nations, But U.S. is a Major Outlier
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
-
In advanced and emerging economies, similar views on how social media affects democracy and society
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
-
Key findings about COVID-19 restrictions that affected religious groups around the world in 2020
Our study analyzes 198 countries and territories and is based on policies and events in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.
