Three in 10 Chinese Adults Smoke

Roughly 320 million Chinese smoke, including more than half of Chinese men
Three in 10 Chinese smoke, according to Gallup surveys conducted shortly after China's ban on smoking in public places took effect last May. This translates to roughly 320 million adults -- more than the entire U.S. population.

Many more had trouble paying for food, shelter last year
Iranians are increasingly struggling to afford food and shelter, and 65% say sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the U.S., and Western Europe will hurt the livelihoods of the country's residents "a great deal" or "somewhat."

Most favor aid from Arab nations
Egyptians are as likely to favor economic aid from Arab governments (68%) as they are to oppose aid from the U.S. (71%). Half favor aid from international institutions.

Faith in banks and financial institutions remains low
Europeans' and Americans' confidence in their financial institutions has followed a similar trajectory throughout the global economic crisis, suggesting a strong link between the two struggling economies.

Emotional wellbeing more positive as well
Two years after a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, "suffering" is the lowest Gallup has yet recorded. More Haitians are enjoying their lives, and fewer are reporting feeling sad, stressed, or angry.

Recent optimism about government, leadership, and corruption may advance Haitian recovery
Haitians' faith in government institutions has reached record highs since the devastating earthquake two years ago. Nearly half of Haitians (46%) are confident in their national government, up from 16% in 2010.

In most countries, pluralities say it is a bad time to find a job
A median of 12% of EU residents in 2011 said it was a good time to find a job where they live, while a median of 80% said it was a bad time. Residents of Greece were most pessimistic, while Germans were most optimistic.

WORLDWIDE TRACKING

Afghanistan

Apr-May 2011; reflects change from last survey

Thriving
4%
-8
Struggling
66%
+1
Suffering
30%
+7
Employed full time for an employer
<20%
Underemployed
35%+
Unemployed
15%+
With home Internet access
3%
-
Confident in public education
52%
-4
Confident in national government
31%
+1
Confident in honesty of elections
18%
-9
Food insecure
45%
+7

Features

Politics

Obama's Economic Approval Rating Improves

President Obama's 38% approval rating on the economy is far from robust, but has perked up from 30% in November and 26% last summer. Despite these gains, Obama continues to rate worse on economic issues than on foreign policy issues.

Congress' Job Approval at New Low of 10%

A record-low 10% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, down from 13% in January and the previous low of 11%, recorded in December 2011.

Election Matters: Why Being a "Massachusetts Moderate" May Not Be Bad

Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport and USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page reveal why being a moderate may not be a bad thing in the general election and also discuss President Barack Obama's standing amid an improving economy.

Economy

Obama's Approval Ratings Lowest on Deficit, Economy, Foreign Trade

Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport reveals President Obama's approval ratings across 11 issue areas and discusses how his rating on the economy specifically may affect his chances for re-election.

North Dakota Workers Report Best Hiring Situation in 2011

North Dakota workers were most likely to report their employers were hiring workers rather than letting workers go in 2011. All states showed positive scores on Gallup's Job Creation Index, with Rhode Island's +4 the lowest.

Small Business Hiring Intentions Best Since January 2008

More U.S. small-business owners intend to increase (22%) than decrease (8%) the number of jobs at their company in the next year, the biggest margin in four years, according to the new Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey.

Wellbeing

Engaged Workers Immune to Stress From Long Commutes

Long commute times are linked to more stress and worry for American workers who are unhappy in their jobs. For those who are engaged at work, this is not the case.

"Suffering" in Haiti Lowest Since 2006

Two years after a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, "suffering" is the lowest Gallup has yet recorded. More Haitians are enjoying their lives, and fewer are reporting feeling sad, stressed, or angry.

Northern Ireland Boasts Best Wellbeing in UK

Northern Ireland residents have higher overall wellbeing than those in England, Scotland, or Wales. This is due to their better life ratings, workplace perceptions, and access to basic needs. However, the nation's health habits lag.