From Ukraine to Gaza
The number one issue of most concern across the 29 countries surveyed is inflation, with 33% of the population voicing their worry. Turkey tops the list at 55%, but it's Canada (51%) and the United States (50%) where levels of concern about economic stability have seen the sharpest rise.
Second on the list of global worries is crime and violence. Thirty percent of the population across 29 countries voice it as their major concern. Four countries—Chile, Peru, Mexico, and, interestingly, Sweden—tie for the position of most concerned, at 57%.
Poverty and social inequality ranks third on the list of global worries, with 29% of people across 29 countries identifying the problem as a key issue. Hungary and Thailand are joint most concerned (43%). Mexico (41%) is in third place.
Nearly three in 10 (28%) choose
unemployment and jobs as their main worry. Of the 29 countries surveyed, South Africa heads the table with 66% of its population concerned about holding down a job. People in Colombia (52%) and Argentina (48%) are similarly concerned enough to make the top tier.
On average across 29 countries, 26% of people mention financial/political corruption as a worry in their country. It's of greatest concern in Indonesia, Peru, Malaysia, and South Africa.
Maintaining social programs, things like access to social housing and welfare, unemployment benefits, health insurance, and food assistance, is the top worry among 7% of the population across 29 countries.
Issues surrounding immigration control are worrying 17% of the population across 29 countries. For example, the proportion of people who think migration has had a positive impact on Great Britain has steadily decreased since July 2022, though more are still positive than negative. In the United States, immigration remains a hugely contentious subject and is likely to remain so throughout the 2024 presidential campaign.
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing society today. The number across 29 countries mentioning climate change as a worry is 17%. Those surveyed believe that the phenomenon presents a threat to our way of life in the next 25 years. Numerous European countries express concern, as do places like Japan and Australia.
The discrepancy between high and low tax brackets, the divisions at which tax rates change in a progressive tax system, are of sufficient inconsistency to worry 16% of the population across 29 countries.
The often discriminatory nature of education—instruction, schooling, and training—and lack thereof is of concern to 14% of the population across 29 countries. The standard of tuition is also a worrying issue for many.
Ten percent of the population across 29 countries believe morality, the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior, is in decline.
On average across 29 countries, 10% of the population listed military conflict between nations as one of the key issues facing their homeland. Nearly half the population of Israel believe this is so. Over a quarter of the population of Poland express similar concerns.
Nine percent of the population across 29 countries also feel that the rise in extremism merits concern. The growth of popularist right-wing movements and far-right demonstrations across the globe, and in particular Europe, has left many voicing fear and bewilderment.
Threats against the environment—deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, and overpopulation—remains the concern of 9% of the population across 29 countries.
On average across 29 countries, 8% say terrorism is one of the top three issues facing their nation. Of those countries surveyed, Israel is the most concerned. Germany and France are the countries in Europe most anxious about a possible terrorism event.
The specter of COVID-19 is still worrying 4% of the population across 29 countries, with APAC (Asia-Pacific) nations the most concerned. The people of Singapore and Thailand are especially anxious that a second pandemic could rear its ugly head.
On average across 29 countries, 2% of people mention access to credit as a top worry. Credit access can mean the ability to own a home, purchase a car, or get insurance, among many other financial advantages. And, of course, it affords the use of a credit card.
One in four people across 29 countries, or 23%, say health care is a key issue. Great Britain has reached a historic level of concern for health care, with over half the population expressing worry and dissatisfaction. Canada, Hungary, and Singapore are among other nations where health care is a major talking point.
When asked whether things in their country are heading in the right direction, or off on the wrong track, 38% of people across 29 nations believed their homeland was heading in the right direction. However, 62% said otherwise. Here's what the populations of 13 of those nations had to say.
In Australia, 45% of those surveyed said the country was heading in the right direction. Fifty-five percent believed it was on the wrong track.
In Brazil, 41% believed the country was heading in the right direction. However, 59% thought otherwise.
While 37% of those surveyed in the United States said their country was heading in the right direction, 63% said it was on the wrong track.
Thirty-six percent of those asked in Spain reckoned the country was heading in the right direction, while 64% disagreed.
In Sweden, 30% of people said the country was heading in the right direction, while 70% said it was on the wrong track.
Similarly in Italy, only 30% gave the country a thumbs, up while 70% gave it a thumbs down.
In the Netherlands, 29% of those surveyed thought the nation was heading in the right direction. Seventy-one percent had a different opinion.
Likewise, only 29% believed Canada was heading in the right direction, while the rest of those surveyed said it wasn't.
In Great Britain, 28% of those surveyed said the country was going in the right direction. Seventy-two percent said it was on the wrong track.
And it's the same story in Germany. Twenty-eight percent gave a positive answer, while 72% said otherwise.
South Korea is heading in the right direction according to 23% of those asked, while 77% believed that it wasn't.
In Japan, the mood is even more pessimistic. Of those surveyed, only 22% believed the nation was heading in the right direction, while 78% thought otherwise.
Currently, France is one of the most pessimistic of all nations included in the survey. Only 20% felt the country was going in the right direction, while 80% thought it was on the wrong track.
Sources: (Ipsos)
The Ipsos survey tracked public
opinion on the most important social and political issues across 29 countries today. These are the results, listed in descending order.
Multinational market research and consulting firm Institut Public de Sondage d'Opinion Secteur (Ipsos) has recently published its latest survey to determine just that. Called 'What Worries the World,' the global study comprises a representative sample of 24,686 adults aged 16-74 in 29 participating countries, undertaken between June 21 and July 4, 2024. The report presents the top concerns around the world, alongside whether people think things in their country are heading in the right or wrong direction.
Curious? Click through this gallery for the results.
The global concerns affecting us all in 2024
What exactly is worrying the world?
LIFESTYLE Society
The mood across the world is currently less than optimistic. In fact, it's quite pessimistic. Conflict, climate change, political and social upheaval, and economic gloom are all conspiring to create an atmosphere of despondency and cynicism not felt for decades. But what are the most worrying global issues affecting society today, and to what degree?
Multinational market research and consulting firm Institut Public de Sondage d'Opinion Secteur (Ipsos) has recently published its latest survey to determine just that. Called 'What Worries the World,' the global study comprises a representative sample of 24,686 adults aged 16-74 in 29 participating countries, undertaken between June 21 and July 4, 2024. The report presents the top concerns around the world, alongside whether people think things in their country are heading in the right or wrong direction.
Curious? Click through this gallery for the results.