Social Issues
Americans' Life Ratings at 11-Month High
Life evaluation up along with economic confidence, standard of living
February 9, 2012
Americans rated their lives better in January than in any month since March of last year. Americans' life ratings have been steadily recovering since October, when they fell to their lowest level in more than two years.
Three in 10 Chinese Adults Smoke
Roughly 320 million Chinese smoke, including more than half of Chinese men
February 9, 2012
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.
Election Matters: Why Being a "Massachusetts Moderate" May Not Be Bad
February 6, 2012
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.
Most Egyptians Oppose U.S. Economic Aid
Most favor aid from Arab nations
February 6, 2012
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.
Key Chronic Diseases Decline in U.S.
Young adults show most improvement since 2008
January 20, 2012
Slightly fewer American adults in 2011 reported having ever been diagnosed with high cholesterol and high blood pressure -- the two most widespread chronic diseases in the county out of the seven that Gallup and Healthways track.
Almost All Nigerians Say Gov't Is Corrupt
Fuel subsidy protests reflect poverty, mistrust of officials
January 16, 2012
Ninety-four percent of Nigerians say corruption is widespread in their government, explaining the outrage triggered by the government's recent decision to remove fuel subsidies.
Americans' Economic Worries: Jobs, Debt, and Politicians
Few Americans say their economic worries focus on international issues or inequality
January 12, 2012
Americans name jobs, the national debt, continuing economic decline, outsourcing, and politicians' bickering -- including President Obama and Congress -- when asked to say what worries them most about the national economy at this time.
In Africa, Power Reliability Similar for All Business Sectors
Nigerian workers are among the least likely to have reliable electricity
January 11, 2012
Workers in sub-Saharan Africa whose places of employment are on the power grid report on average about three days of blackouts. But power cuts range from one day or less in South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana to about five days in the Central African Republic and Nigeria.
Slightly Fewer Americans Obese in 2011
For first time in three years, Americans as likely to be a normal weight as overweight
January 10, 2012
The percentage of American adults who are obese declined slightly in 2011 to 26.1%, from 26.6% in 2010, but this percentage is still higher than it was in 2008. Blacks, low-income Americans, and those who are middle aged remain the most likely to be obese.
"Suffering" in Iraq Highest Since 2008
More Iraqis experiencing negative emotions daily, as U.S. withdraws forces
January 9, 2012
The percentage of Iraqis who rate their lives poorly enough to be considered "suffering" rose in 2011, reaching 25% in September, reversing a positive trend from the last few years. Iraqis are also now more likely to say they experienced negative emotions like stress, anger, and sadness than in the past.
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