Gallup Country Favorability Poll: Canada, Australia Favourite Allies Of Americans; Iran, North Korea Least Favourite
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Americans' perceptions of Canada are at an all-time high, according to a Gallup Poll. Canada jumped over the Australia and the UK to take top spot in a recent study that looked at perceptions of allies and enemies around the world.
According to the poll 96% of Americans held favourable views on Canada. Australia and the UK aren't far behind at 93% and 90% respectively.
North Korea and Iran, not surprisingly rank near the bottom of the list with 13% and 10%.
"That favorable rating is the highest Gallup has measured for any country in more than 20 years of asking this question. Canada's 93% ratings in 1987 and 1989 were the previous high favorable for any country," Gallup said on their website.
Surprising results include big gains in favourability for Egypt (+7%) and Mexico (+6%). American views on China seem to be souring with a 6% drop and only 41% of those surveying saying they have a favourable opinion on the Asian giant.
The numbers for Pakistan, a very low 15% favourability, also point to growing resentment at the South Asian country. "Americans' rating of Pakistan is the lowest Gallup has measured, coming nearly a year after Osama bin Laden was found hiding in that country, thus raising questions about whether the Pakistani government was helping to protect him," the polling firm wrote.
The slideshow below looks at possible reasons why countries may have scored well or poorly in the Gallup poll:
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The Huffington Post Canada First Posted: 02/16/2012 5:23 pm Updated: 02/16/2012 5:27 pm