The French polling agency BVA, working in association with Gallup, has conducted an international survey regarding the perception of economic difficulties to come in 2011.
French people emerged as the most pessimistic people of the 53 countries surveyed, with 61% of the people thinking that 2011 will be riddled with economic problems for their country or them personally. The most optimistic Europeans are the Germans, among whom only 22% foresee a dark year for the economy. The average of pessimists in Western Europe is 38%, against 33% in North America.
Emerging countries topped the list of optimistic nations. Almost half of Brazilians, Indians and Chinese are confident that 2011 will bring them increased prosperity.
French people are not only concerned about economic growth, but also the most worried Europeans about their personal wealth. 37% of them think that they will be poorer in 2011 than they were in 2010, a sharp increase since since last year's poll (24%). 26% of western Europeans expect to get richer this year, with the Swedes topping the polls (53%) and the French (15%) once again at the bottom.
Britons most concerned about unemployment
British people were the most likely to fear an increase in unemployment (74%), not far ahead of the French (67%). Only 27% of the Germans had concerns about growing unemployment.
55% of Brits think that they might personally lose their job, twice more than the Western European average (27%).
When asked if they think they could find a new job quickly after losing their current job, Britons were once again the most pessimistic. 67% of them expect it to take a long time to find a new job. At the other end of the scale, 31% of Swedes thought likewise.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nordics, Germans, Swiss, Belgians and Dutch were the most optimistic Europeans for 2011. Worldwide, the Vietnamese and Nigerians were far ahead of other nations.
French people emerged as the most pessimistic people of the 53 countries surveyed, with 61% of the people thinking that 2011 will be riddled with economic problems for their country or them personally. The most optimistic Europeans are the Germans, among whom only 22% foresee a dark year for the economy. The average of pessimists in Western Europe is 38%, against 33% in North America.
Emerging countries topped the list of optimistic nations. Almost half of Brazilians, Indians and Chinese are confident that 2011 will bring them increased prosperity.
French people are not only concerned about economic growth, but also the most worried Europeans about their personal wealth. 37% of them think that they will be poorer in 2011 than they were in 2010, a sharp increase since since last year's poll (24%). 26% of western Europeans expect to get richer this year, with the Swedes topping the polls (53%) and the French (15%) once again at the bottom.
Britons most concerned about unemployment
British people were the most likely to fear an increase in unemployment (74%), not far ahead of the French (67%). Only 27% of the Germans had concerns about growing unemployment.
55% of Brits think that they might personally lose their job, twice more than the Western European average (27%).
When asked if they think they could find a new job quickly after losing their current job, Britons were once again the most pessimistic. 67% of them expect it to take a long time to find a new job. At the other end of the scale, 31% of Swedes thought likewise.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nordics, Germans, Swiss, Belgians and Dutch were the most optimistic Europeans for 2011. Worldwide, the Vietnamese and Nigerians were far ahead of other nations.