American People Are More Popular Than the U.S.

The American people continue to be viewed more positively than their country, with majorities in 14 of 23 countries having a favorable opinion of Americans, including at least 70% of those surveyed by Pew in South Korea, Lebanon, Poland and Britain. By comparison, only eight countries have a favorable opinion of the United States. Significant gaps between favorability for Americans and the U.S. exist, especially in Western Europe. For example, while only 31% of Germans have a positive view of the U.S., 55% have a favorable opinion of Americans. Similarly, just 42% in France take a positive view of the U.S., but nearly two-thirds (64%) see the American people in a favorable light. In the Latin American and African countries in the survey, however, ratings for Americans and the U.S. tend to track each other very closely. Read More