Public views of the global economy have
plummeted in the past year, especially in Western nations that have born the
brunt of a worldwide economic slowdown, a global survey found Thursday.
A majority in 18 of 24 major countries now consider the economic
situation in their nations "bad," with emerging economies China and
India some of the few bright spots, according to the annual Pew Global
Attitudes Project.
Views plunged from positive to negative in the United States - where only 20
per cent now view the economy as "good" - as well as in Britain and
Spain. Overall, 50 per cent now view their economy positively, down from 61 per
cent in 2007.
In contrast, 82 per cent of the Chinese public and 62 per cent in India still
view their economies favourably, the survey found.
Most countries blame the United States, the world's largest economy, for their
own economic woes. Wide majorities across the world believe
the US downturn has had a negative impact on their country's condition, dpa reported.