Switzerland safest, Great Britain most historic, US most entrepreneurial

TORONTO SEPTEMBER 16th, 2014 - In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1581 Canadians 18 years of age and older, Australia posted the highest favourable score (86%) and an extremely high net favourable score (favourable minus unfavourable) of +78 when respondents were presented with a list of 10 OECD countries. Australia is followed closely by Switzerland (85% favourable, net +79) and Sweden (84%, +79).

After these leading nations come Great Britain (79%, +66), Germany (74%, +46), Italy (67% favourable, +48 net), France (64%, +46) and the US (60%, +28). Favourable opinions of Greece (49%, +14) and, especially, Israel (37% favourable, net score -12) were lowest.





US seen as most entrepreneurial, best lifestyle, Switzerland safest

When asked which country best embodies a series of attributes, the US wins convincingly on entrepreneurial spirit (41%), followed by Germany (21%) and Sweden (10%). Switzerland is widely seen as the safest and most secure country listed (28%), followed by the US (18%) and Sweden (17%). Great Britain (30%) edges France (20%) and Italy (19%) for history and culture, while Italy (21%) narrowly leads several countries in tourism, including the US (19%), France (17%) and Australia (16%). The US wins for dynamic lifestyle (23%), followed by Australia (18%) and Sweden, of all countries (14%).





"Australia is clearly "the Fortunate Land" in Canadian eyes, it is seen in the most favourable light of some the leading OECD countries, and it is at an advantage for its lifestyle and tourism. It is interesting our closest neighbour and largest trading partner places no higher than eighth on a list of ten friendly nations," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.

