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Germany is seen as having the most positive influence in the
world among all countries evaluated. This has been the case
since tracking began in Germany in 2008. Globally and in the 24
countries surveyed both in 2010 and 2011, 62 per cent of people
rated Germany positively, which represents a three-point
increase since last year. However, negative views—while still at
very low levels—rose two points (15%). Out of 27 countries
polled in 2011, 26 lean positive and one is divided (Pakistan).
Positive views have strengthened across various regions. Notable
increases are found in the Anglo-Saxon countries, where ratings
were already largely favourable. In the United Kingdom, positive
views rose 14 points to 77 per cent. In Australia, 77 per cent
say Germany has a positive influence in the world (up 12
points). In the US, 76 per cent (up 11 points) say this, while
69 per cent (up 5 points) say this in Canada. In Europe, Italian
and French views are even warmer than British ones. Almost nine
in ten Italians (89%) give Germany positive ratings (up 12
points, the highest percentage among all countries surveyed).
Positive ratings are 84 per cent in France. Russian views have
improved, and close to seven in ten rate Germany positively
(68%, up seven points). Nearby, Turkish opinion shifted
favourably to lean positive in 2011 (53%, up 23 points) after
being divided in 2010 (30% vs 33%).
All African countries surveyed lean positive towards Germany,
with particularly strong majorities in Nigeria (73%, up 12
points) and Ghana (70, up 5 points). A near majority of South
Africans hold positive views of Germany’s influence (49%).
However, Kenyan views cooled slightly since 2010, with a
17-point drop in positive ratings, leaving a comfortable but
reduced majority of 58 per cent with positive views. Positive
ratings increased in India (37%, up 15 points), Indonesia (65%,
up 10 points), and Pakistan (22%, up 9 points), where overall
views shifted from somewhat negative to divided.
Views have cooled down in a few other countries. In Latin
America, positive views declined in Brazil—although there
remains strong majority of Brazilians favourable to Germany’s
influence (64%, down 6 points). The cooling in Chile’s
perceptions is more significant, with a 12-point decline in
positive views (54%) combined with an eight-point increase in
negative ratings (19%). Negative ratings also increased in
Mexico (27%, up 10 points), while positive views remained stable
at 45 per cent. Largely favourable to Germany in 2010, Chinese
views deteriorated sharply this year, with a 12-point decline in
position.
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