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Americans and British see terrorism as the greatest challenge the planet is facing today; other European countries are more concerned about global warming and religious fanaticism China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK, and the USA are seen as the most influential countries in the world
The increase in the cost of living is the major concern in domestic markets LONDON, PARIS and, ROCHESTER, N.Y. – JANUARY 5, 2007 – A Harris Interactive® study for France 24 and The International Herald Tribune conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA, among adults ages 16 and over, shows that terrorism, religious fanaticism and global warming are major concerns. Adults in the UK and the USA view terrorism as the greatest challenge facing the planet today with 49% of Americans and 43% of the British citing it as a greater threat than global warming, religious fanaticism, war, and nuclear proliferation. Religious fanaticism is the top concern in Germany, Italy and Spain; it is seen as the greatest threat by 42% of German, 40% of Italian and 39% of Spanish adults. This is followed by global warming; which is cited by 41% of Germans, 39% of Italians, and 33% of the Spanish. In France however, global warming is the primary concern with 54% of adults naming it as the greatest challenge, followed by religious fanaticism (43%) and terrorism (26%). The British and the Americans rank global warming (40% and 30% respectively), and religious fanaticism (39% and 29% respectively) as their next biggest concerns. China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK, and the USA are rated highest among 10 countries and Europe for the importance of their influence in the world. Vast majorities of American (94%), British (90%), French (89%), Spanish (88%), German (88%), and Italian (85%) adults think that China has a very or somewhat important influence in the world. The influence of France in the world is also generally seen as being important, despite a lower perception of her influence by the British and Americans. In fact, even though 86% of the Spanish, 80% of Germans and 76% of the French consider France as being influential, only 66% of the British and 61% of Americans think the same. Most (92%) of the Spanish see Germany as a somewhat or very important influence in the world, as do 81% of Germans, 77% of Americans, 76% of the French, 75% of Italians and 74% of the British. Russia also has a primary place in the international political landscape: 89% of the Germans consider its influence as being somewhat or very important, as do 86% of Americans, 85% of Italians, 84% of the British, 83% of the Spanish and finally 79% of the French. The UK’s influence is perceived as somewhat or very important by 93% of the Spanish, 91% of the Americans, 89% of the Italians, 86% of the British, 85% of the Germans and 79% of the French; a third of the British and the Italians even give it a very important rating (36% and 33% respectively), as do half of the Spanish and the Americans (46% and 51% respectively). Majorities in all of the countries surveyed agree about the influence of the USA in the world: 98% of Italians think that that country’s influence is somewhat or very important, as do 97% Americans, French and Spanish, and 95% of Germans and the British. Moreover, those who think that the USA has a very important influence in the world are substantial: 87% of Italians, 84% of Spanish, 83% of Americans, 80% of French and, 70% of Germans and 69% of British. There is also a general feeling that Europe has important influence in the world (even if it is slightly lower than for the USA): 92% of the Spanish share this view with 90% of Germans and Americans, and 86% of the British. DOMESTIC SOCIAL ISSUES In France, economic issues are at the forefront of people’s concerns about society. When asked to rate the issues that concern them the most, 42% cite the increase in the cost of living, 41% poverty, and 28% unemployment. In Italy, those same three issues rank as top concerns: 39% for the cost of living, 33% for poverty and 35% for unemployment. The increase in the cost of living is seen as a major issue across all of the countries surveyed. Indeed it also ranks as a top concern in Germany (40%) and Italy (39%). Immigration is the greatest concern in the UK (39%), closely followed by the increase in the cost of living (38%), and the healthcare system (37%). In Germany, the increase in the cost of living is also a top concern (40%), followed by unemployment and concern about the health system (both at 37%). Americans have also indicated concern for the health system (40%), followed by the increase in the cost of living (31%), and immigration (28%). The Spanish are concerned about the increase in the cost of living (31%), poverty (34%), and immigration (31%). To view the full report for this study in both French and English, go to http://www.novatris.fr/news/ Methodology The survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive for France 24 and The International Herald Tribune, from November 30th to December 9th 2006 with a sample of 12,570 persons. The sample was representative of the national populations aged 16 years old and above in each country, with quotas based on gender, age, region of residence and social status: 2,140 French, 2,135 Germans, 2,098 British, 2,096 Italians, 1,998 Spanish and 2,103 Americans. These results can be extrapolated to the national populations of the countries surveyed. All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, non-response (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting. With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite "margin of error" for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided. With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure probability sample of 12,507 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/-1.5 percentage point. For individual countries, sampling error is +/-3 percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated. About Harris Interactive Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world’s largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com.
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