These Countries Have Some Real Beef With America
Whether it be due to American habits, culture, or politics, some of the following countries have pretty negative thoughts about the land of opportunity. You might want to wipe these places off your vacation list!
Greece
According to the Pew Research survey that tests how the rest of the world perceives The United States, 63% of people in Greece expressed unfavorable feelings towards the great nation. The main reason? Public drinking!
Apparently, Greeks heavily disapprove of Americans coming into their country and drinking out in the open. Perhaps that national debt has left a bitter taste in their mouths.
Egypt
While the Greeks have an issue with drunk American tourists, Egyptians’ disdain for The United States has a lot more to do with the fraught political situations than their holiday habits. The survey shows that 85% of Egyptian people disagreed with the U.S decisions.
The country also has a deep resentment for the fact that Americans failed to take action against the Muslim Brotherhood. The budget cuts in foreign aid are not helping the situation either.
Germany
The relationship between Germany and The United States is rather complex, which is not surprising considering their sordid past. While Germans are eager to be viewed positively by Americans, there is still some lingering bad blood. With a 47% unfavorable rating, Germans tend to think that Americans are lazy and messy. Ouch, Germany.
It’s hard to get on par with German perfectionism, so we suppose that they are alone there. They also take issue with their extreme sense of patriotism. Let’s not forget that Germans were pretty darn nationalistic, too, just a few decades ago.
Iran
The big rift between Iran and The United States happened as far back as 1979, so the love between these two extremely different nations has been lost for quite some time. A big reason for the change of heart has a lot to do with Iran’s political and cultural shift that has taken place over the years.
Iran has also been very quick to criticize America for any unrest it has been experiencing. Naturally, America doesn’t take kindly to that, especially since Iran has also been unstable themselves.
Jordan
As Egypt’s neighbor, Jordan shares a similar sentiment towards America. In fact, since 2009, the unfavorability ratings have dropped 13 points leaving the current rating at 85%. These numbers, however, can maybe be a little skewed. There is a pretty big gap between the citizens and the government.
There is a sense that the public is rather at odds with the government’s opinion because aside from Israel, Jordan is one of America’s closest allies.
Turkey
The sentiment towards America has changed drastically in Turkey in the last few years. The country has since taken in a large number of Syrian refugees without much U.S assistance. This has contributed to a rating of 73%.
Yep. It’s safe to say that the Turks feel a little annoyed at America right now.
Russia
Things have always been pretty iffy between Russia and The United States, and there are hoards of Hollywood movies to prove it. Probably every single action film during the 80s and 90s features some kind of slippery Russian spy, and of course, the American hero.
The Pew survey shows a 71% unfavorable rating. Though in the last few years, the winds of change have been blowing through, and Russian, and America are getting a little cozy.
Belarus
Belarus’s closeness with Russia automatically puts a little damper on the Belarus/American relations. But that’s just one factor. Studies have shown that countries that struggle economically tend to have more unfavorable opinions about America.
Their disapproval rating stands at a staggering 69%. Could it have anything to do with their economy?
Lebanon
Since 2007, various policy changes in aid and assistance to Lebanon have been made. This has led to a big drop in the unfavorability factor, which now stands at 57%. America should not feel too hurt by this, however (just in case they were. )
The country’s feeling towards most European countries and Germany, in particular, has dropped too.
Argentina
Aregenitianns have quite a hard time sharing a continent with the United States, especially when people from the USA insist on calling North Ameican simply America. For a South American, that is a little bit of a touchy subject.
Perhaps if Argentina was a little more dominant in that regard, there would be less of an issue. Unfortunately, because of this, the rating is 57%.
Austria
Austria has a 55% disapproval rating of the U.S. According to MarketWatch. Austrians seem to think that they have great taste in food, and Americans do not.
While they enjoy digging into Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz (boiled beef), they’re not fans of American fast food.
Slovenia
When it comes to Eastern Europe, the feelings toward The United States are always on the sour side. This is mostly due to the long-running issues between Americans and Russians.
The Slovenian rating stands at 54%. That’s pretty high. Hopefully, one day America will win over almost the other half of the nation.
Chile
Departing from Europe and making our way back into South America, Chile also has beef with the North Americans. Just a little under half the country disapprove of the U.S.
Oddly, the U.S considers Chile to be its strongest partner in Latin America. We fear some communication has gotten lost in the translation over the years.
Australia
When it comes to Australia, they have a 48% unfavorability rating. The isolated Ozzies tend to think that Americans are a little over-ambitious and have disagreed with some of their decisions over the years.
You can’t please everybody! Especially ones that live on the other side of the planet
Canada
This is not surprising. Canda’s always secretly been a little jealous of their bigger and more powerful brother. Canadians view themselves as culturally very different from Americans and not just in the way they pronounce “house” and “mouse.”
They also see themselves as a lot more polite and well-mannered. This explains a 51% disapproval rating. At least the other half of Canada feels just fine.
Netherlands
With a disapproval rating of 59%, the majority of the Dutch people view Americans as ignorant and overweight extremists. Yep, that’s pretty harsh. It’s clear that many people in the Netherlands buy into negative American stereotypes.
That being said, the two countries are completely civil with each other. At least we can all keep the peace!
Mexico
People in Mexico are not very fond of their neighbors north of the border. Their issues go back as far as the 1800s when they were battling over territories. Mexico obviously still feels a sore over their loss of Texas. That certainly sheds some light on a 65% unfavorability rating.
Originally part of Mexico, the state was annexed by the United States in 1845. That was a pretty big win for the U.S, so it seems pretty reasonable that there has been animosity ever since.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan has a 54% disapproval rating. Not great, but at least not as high as Mexico. The United States can, however, take comfort in the fact that this tiny country doesn’t feel particularly favorable to many other countries.
Adding to the list of countries Tajikistan doesn’t like, China and pretty much every nation in Europe aren’t favorites of this Middle Eastern nation.
Sweden
Swedes don’t take too kindly to Americans, 51% to be exact. The reasons, however, are a little more complicated than you think. Sweden fears that the U.S fetishizes them too much. Perhaps Sweden can’t take the pressure of being everyone’s idea of an idyllic liberal paradise.
While Sweden does look lovely, we are sure, like every nation, they have their flaws too.
Spain
With a 60% disapproval rating, the relationship between Spain and America does not look great. The Spanish public view Americans as unadventurous. We can chalk it down to cultural differences.
People in the Mediterranean and have a very different way of life. People in that part of the world are extremely laid back.
China
Ties between America and China have witnessed their fair share of highs and lows. Over the past several years, it seems to have plateaued at 49%.
Trade between China and America will always be crucial, so let’s see that number not go any higher. At least we can keep it business-friendly.
Brazil
Ever since Americans watched the award-winning film “City of God,” they have had a fascination with wild Brazilian life, particularly in Rio De Janeiro, where the film took place. They have an influx of Americans coming to witness poverty and crime as if it’s a safari.
This understandably has upset many Brazilians, leading them to feel that Americans are turning their social issues into frivolous sightseeing.
Italy
This might sound like a minor issue to some, but for Italy, the most annoying habit Americans possess is the “hand gesture,” as in the thumb to forefinger gesture that we see in every Hollywood film about Italians.
We are sure the feeling is mutual, seeing as there is just an endless amount of films on mobsters.
Indonesia
Like many exotic nations in the east, Indonesia is filled with gorgeous nature and beaches, and because it’s cheap, it attracts tons of American travelers. Unfortunately, Indonesians aren’t too fond of these American tourists. According to them, travelers from the U.S have the bad habit of “beg packing.”
This is when tourists beg for money in order to continue with their travels instead of working. With over 31 million people living in poverty, Indonesians don’t’ take kindly to this.
Thailand
Thailand, home of the tigers. Tourists go crazy for these beautiful beastly cats, but that comes with a heavy price. Many of these cats are sedated. Tourists wouldn’t be able to pet them so freely if it wasn’t the case. While this does bring in a lot of money for the tourism industry, the Thai public is heavily the sedation of their precious tigers.
On the other hand, it’s the Thai people that seem to be doing it. While it is a cruel industry, we can’t really blame Americans for it.
India
Indians have a major problem with Americans coming into their country to find themselves. No doubt the nation is dripping in history and spirituality, but they don’t particularly want Americans (or any westerners for that matter) flying in and treating their land as if it’s some sort of a spiritual playground.
According to Mumbai-based blogger Prachi Vaity, “India is a country, not a self-help book!”
Ireland
Many Americans feel an undeniable connection to Ireland. And rightly so, a lot of their ancestors did come from there after all. Unfortunately, the feelings aren’t completely returned.
The fact that Americans have the drink “The Irish Car Bomb” might be a little hurtful for some Irish. They have had a rough past.
Scotland
Hearing a Scottish accent makes you realize just how diverse the English language. One tends to forget about this, Americans especially. People from the United States can’t really understand what most Scots are actually saying.
Scottish folks don’t like how Americans make fun of their accent, and on top of that, they barely understand it! Of course, everyone can understand American English. That seems to be enough of a reason to dislike an entire country.
Belgium
Apparently, Belgian tourists traveling in the United States have encountered many geographically confused Americans as they tend to think Belgium is a city in Germany.
We’re not sure what kind of Americans these Belgians keeps running into, but we do hope Americans know that Belgium is its own country.
England
The Brits love their Queen and will not take kindly to Americans coming in and making fun of their beloved royals. Disturbing the Queen’s Guard, according to the people of England, is simply crossing the line and will no the tolerated.
While the guards are usually quite composed, touching them can elicit an aggressive response. Don’t try it.
Czech Republic
Czechoslovakians are a little tired of Americans referring to them as Russians. We get that it’s a little hurtful. Especially seeing as Americans and Russians have their own set of issues. And mostly because the Czech Republic is quite simply not Russia,
Let’s just all pay attention to geography lessons, and maybe we’ll all get along.
Cambodia
Just like in America, Cambodia has its own customs and traditions, especially with regard to religion. On entering temples, women are expected to be dressed modestly. Of course, in the U.S., there are no modesty laws, and this is completely overlooked.
Cambodians do not like it when American tourists, especially women, walk into their sacred temples wearing tank tops and shorts.
Norway
Norwegians, and possibly Scandivanians in general, are rather serious and stern people. While they do enjoy the odd indulgence like good chocolate or Nordic bath, they don’t necessarily spoil themselves.
And that is precisely what they dislike Americans. Norwegians seem to think that people in the U.S. turn everything into entertainment self-gratification. Yikes. Maybe Norwegians need to spend more time unwinding than worrying about how other people enjoy themselves.
Peru
There are many countries in South America, and sometimes Peru gets a little overlooked by Americans. For Peruvians, that can be a little upsetting. While Argentina, Chile, and Brazil are tourist hotspots, Peru can be a little left out sometimes.
In case you didn’t know, Machu Pichu is simply a must! Not all countries hate America, however. There are actually many that adore the great nation. Check out these countries that have a special place for the U.S. in their hearts.
South Africa
South Africans are very vocal about their love for America. American media dominates South Africa (as it does in many places), so the people certainly know a lot about American culture.
That may not necessarily be true the other way around.
Kenya
In Kenya, 54% of poll respondents gave the United States a positive rating. According to The Huffington Post, Kenya appreciates the amount of health aid that American has given over the years and its investment in various industries.
They also have a burgeoning tourism industry thanks to American assistance, as well as projects related to trade, energy, and agriculture all in the pipeline.
Senegal
Turns out 55% of Senegalese have a positive view of the United States. The little West African nation agreed to enter into a joint U.S. military operation in the event of a security or humanitarian crisis.
It’s always good to have strong ties and a strong defense force.
Japan
Only recently has American favorability dropped in Japan. Only by just a little bit. Still, 57% of survey respondents have expressed a positive sentiment for the U.S.
Not only do Japanese people respect American culture, but they are also confident that in times of conflicts between China or North Korea that America will gladly stand by them.
Tanzania
Tanzania ranks number 10 in the list of countries that love America the most. With a favorability rating of 78%, Tanzania is fully on board the America train.
They love the music, the culture and completely welcome the American influence.
Ghana
Ghana’s favorability rating is 89%. Like Tanzania, Ghana is crazy about American pop culture and definitely seeks to absorb it into their own culture.
Having said that, the Ghanian government has expressed some anti -American sentiment over certain policies. Overall, there is no doubt that the United States has a good friend in West Africa.
Hungary
Hungarians respondents had a 63% rating in the favorability survey. They just love the culture, their policies, and the American Dream. Should Hungary be doing America’s PR against all haters out there?
It’s always nice to be on America’s good side.
Nigeria
Next, we have Nigeria, where you can find a whopping 69% of the population with a favorable opinion of America. That works out perfectly, seeing that Nigeria is a perfect economic partner for America.
These days Nigeria is officially the world’s fourth-largest democracy. That’s great news for its population of almost 200 million people. It’s also growing its very own film industry, Nollywood. Who knows, maybe one day it will rival Hollywood.
Poland
This central European nation has a favorability rating of 73%. According to a CNN report, Poland has a real affinity for the United States. This fondness dates back to the early 90s when America helped gently lead the nation out of the Soviet bloc.
That’s more than a good enough reason for Poland and the U.S. to be on chummy terms.
South Korea
This is pretty impressive. South Korea has a 75% favorability rating. It should be not so surprising, however, as these two nations have been allies for about 70 years.
With North Korea as a neighbor, that’s a good ally to have!
Philippines
The Philippines falls at number 3 in the top 10 countries that love America, giving them a 78% favorability rating. While there have been some issues in the past, the resilience in the relationship is strong and has always bounced back after rockier periods.
That’s a comforting piece of information. Let’s hope it stays like that down the line.
Israel
Some nations just adore The United States. With an 81% favorability rating, Israel is number two in the list of countries that love America. That’s some solid love right there!
The countries share a lot of common interests. American pop culture, music, and entertainment are soaked up by Israelis, making them big admirers of the American way of life.
Vietnam
We have our number one here, and it happens to be Vietnam. It turns out this southeast Asian nation loves The United States the very most out of everyone. With a favorability rating of 84%, Vietnam is supposedly in a “new phase ” of a strategic and economic relationship with America.
Despite their painful history, today’s Vietamenese media holds the United States in high regard.
Pakistan
According to the U.S. State Department, Pakistan has received well over four billion dollars in civilian assistance from the U.S. between the years of 2009 and 2013. They’ve also received about thirteen billion in military aid over the past thirteen years. So why the bad blood?
Thanks to harboring Osama Bin Laden, the U.S. has focused a lot of its military presence on the country, leading to more disapproval. The Pakistani disapproval of U.S. leadership is one of the lowest at 65%.
Palestinian Territories
A 72% disapproval rating is pretty bad, but the number of people who think well of the United States has actually improved among Palestinians. Back in 2013, it was up at eighty percent, the worst rating at the time.
The biggest problem here is that the United States continues to support Israel and favors a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Relations are not likely to improve quickly, thanks to the long and sordid history of the relationship.
France
It’s a pretty common stereotype that French people can’t stand Americans, and a recent Pew research has approved that as a fact. According to their data, 52% of French citizens have an unfavorable view of the United States. They weren’t a fan of some of the policies that Bush put in place, though they were more receptive to Barack Obama, thanks in no small part to the loving media coverage.
Trump was a step back, and in fact, many French people have said they dislike Trump. They even hate him more than Angela Merkel!
Tunisia
Not familiar with this small North African country? You’re not alone. Political upheaval in the country has led to a low favorability rating of the United States. The Arab Spring was a big event that many hoped would bring political reform but actually brought more war and violence.
Tunisia was actually a relative success story since they have put a new constitution in place. But, you may ask, why the unfavorable rating for America? Well, as is the case with a lot of these countries, they needed a scapegoat, and America is a common one.
Denmark
Thankfully, Denmark isn’t an opponent on the worldwide stage or militarily, but people who travel from the United States to this European country tend to leave a bad taste in the mouths of locals.
One computer technology student in Denmark explained what Danes actually think of Americans — the U.S. feels like it’s better than the rest of the world, but there are just as good as any other country. The Danes think it’s unjustified that Americans don’t see them as equals.
Belize
Why do people from Belize like Americans? It’s a common answer: money. The dollar has been better in the past, sure, but it’s still a force compared to a lot of other currencies. Plus, we aren’t the British, the empire that took over Belize. We’re here for you, brothers.
There’s a certain feeling American tourists get from Belize, almost like an even more laid-back version of southern California. It’s diverse, it’s chill, and there is tons of great food. If you need to visit somewhere that is always groovy and will welcome you with open arms; there’s nowhere like Belize.
Wales
Wales, as part of the United Kingdom and Great Britain, is a strong ally with America. Strangely, people who live in England consider it a bit of a backwater area, and there’s a number of noses being turned up from within the nations. Wales tends to side with America when it comes to the division between England and America (that’s what we’re told, at least).
Our off-and-on antagonism for England (which has, of course, been off for quite a while now) is something Wales enjoys a little bit. English and Welsh still eye each other warily, but Americans are welcome.
The United Kingdom
The U.K and the U.S. are like two brothers that fought a ton as kids but are now close. Or like friends that feuded before putting old things aside and joining together. Neither nation is perfect, but since the strains of World War II, the two countries have been fast friends and incredible allies.
A huge number of Americans have flown to London, Belfast, and elsewhere, while plenty of English have done the reverse and joined the United States. Despite how the countries sometimes take shots at each other, there’s plenty of love to go around both between governments and the citizens.
Russia
Yeah, guess what? People in Russia love America and Americans. It’s a surprise to us, too! Tensions have frozen and thawed over and over just in the last few decades, and when America is shut out, people from the immense country start to take an interest in it.
It’s like the forbidden fruit – when mom and dad say no, the kids just get more interested. On the other side of the coin, Americans love to rebel, so when they’re told they aren’t allowed to visit, it just makes the country more interesting. If you’re able to get one of the notoriously stingy visas, there are endless things to see and do in Russia.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is an entirely separate country. It’s part of the United Kingdom but NOT part of Great Britain. It’s a common joke that people from America have a hard time with geography, but can you really blame us when you give us stuff like this? It’s like it’s designed to be confusing!
For reference, Great Britain is Scotland, Wales, and England. The United Kingdom is those three and Northern Ireland. The Irish might be nice to American tourists as long as they don’t mention local politics; they hate it when Americans think they understand what’s going on in the rest of the world.
The Dominican Republic
With hundreds of thousands of people visiting America from the Dominican Republic coming every year, and nearly two million Dominicans living in the United States, relations are good. The island country is the largest Caribbean economy and has a large amount of mutual trade with the U.S.
An estimated one hundred thousand U.S. citizens live in the Dominican Republic, and most of them have dual nationalities. There are also strong ties between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, a neighboring territory that has many cultural and historical ties with America.
Iceland
Like many other European countries, stereotypes abound about America in Iceland. However, most understand those to be exactly that – stereotypes. America is actually one of Iceland’s strongest allies on the geopolitical stage, and those that have visited the small island nation report friendly locals.
The United States maintains a military presence on the island, started before World War II to avoid Germany controlling the island. Locals are said to be friendly and welcoming, though there are big differences in culture. While trade from Iceland dwarfs compared to other places, the two nations still enjoy a bilateral trade agreement.
Italy
It turns out Italy actually does like the United States a little more than we first thought. Yes, plenty of people from this European country look down on visiting tourists, but more than 60% of Italians have a favorable view of America and Americans in general.
There are a few things that perplex them – such as the clothes we wear on vacation and the foods that we call Italian – but there’s still an overall positive opinion. Just like a lot of things, opinions differ from person to person.
El Salvador
According to a recent Global Leadership Report, 55% of Salvadorans approve of U.S. leadership, while 19% disapprove and 26% are uncertain. It’s one of the highest ratings from countries in the Americas.
In addition, a Paw Research Center’s report said that about 80% of Salvadorans viewed the United States positively – revealing this nation to be one of the most pro-American nations in the entire world. Relations are strong and growing, with more than nineteen thousand American citizens living and working in El Salvador full-time.
Uganda
Things were strained during the reign of terror under Idi Amin, but they have consistently improved after Amin’s departure. When Yoweri Museveni took power in 1986, relations took a big step forward. He is currently still in power after a January 2021 election, though there are many who have alleged election fraud.
Surprisingly, relations improved even more under the Trump presidency thanks to contributions to health care, nutrition, education, park systems, and more. Expatriates from Uganda living in the United States have promoted strong links between the two countries. The United States has also brought a large amount of humanitarian assistance due to conflict, drought, or other factors.
Brazil
While you still shouldn’t travel to Brazil’s cities and gawk at the poverty you find there, it turns out that plenty of Brazilians do still have positive opinions of America. It’s a huge developing nation, and the United States has taken care to maintain good relations with the South American powerhouse.
The United States was one of the first countries to support Brazil’s bid for independence, and Brazil was the only South American nation to send troops to fight for the allies in World War II. Like all relationships, there have been shaky periods, but the link is currently strong.
Liechtenstein
Hard to get smaller than Liechtenstein. This tiny country – it’s defined as a microstate – is just 160 square kilometers and doesn’t even crack 40k as far as the population goes. It’s right next to Germany, and the two nations have had a stable relationship.
In 2002 they signed a mutual legal assistance treaty, though it has focused largely on money laundering and illegal banking. The people there are just as friendly with Americans as people from their neighboring countries, Austria and Switzerland. Here’s a fun fact: Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly-landlocked countries in the world. A doubly landlocked country is surrounded by landlocked countries.
Taiwan
If you’re familiar with what’s been happening over there, it should come as no surprise that the Taiwanese people like America. The United States has supported their bids for independence from China, and the island likes America more than China with a two-to-one margin.
They support both closer political ties and economic ties with America by a huge amount, thanks not only to trade and current economic relations but also what America has done to support and defend Taiwan against China, which is steamrolling it despite protests and riots as citizens demand their freedom. Most people in Taiwan see themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese, so they aren’t going to stop fighting.
Australia
This huge island-continent is right on the cusp of being both favorable and unfavorable. However, there are so many Americans that love to visit it’s hard for the locals not to appreciate them a little bit. Some Aussies apparently love the Yanks. They, too, bailed on English rule, and there are plenty of spirited discussions to have over the merits of American Football versus Australian-rules football.
Hospitality is the name of the game for a lot of Australians, and you might end up making a lot of friends. A trusting, festive spirit lingers everywhere, so if you want to have some fun on an epic road trip, there’s no better place.
Georgia
After this small Asian country won its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it and the United States have enjoyed strong relations. The two countries have cooperated on trade and security. If you happen to visit, check out George W. Bush Street in the capital city of Tbilisi, or raise a glass with the locals of the country that calls itself the birthplace of wine.
Strong diplomatic ties with the country make it possible for Americans to stay in the country for up to a year without a visa, and you might need that much time to take in all the stunning sights.
Ireland
Yes, rude Americans have made a bad name among some residents of the Emerald Isle, but there are still many political and social ties to unpack here.
Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. In fact, a certain former president has an ancestral home in the Irish village of Moneygall in County Offaly. Drive into town, and you’ll find the highway rest stop “Barack Obama Plaza.” A great deal of Americans have at least a little bit of Irish in their blood, so many feel the urge to visit at least once during their lifetimes.
India
Here’s another country that sits on the fence as far as public opinion of the United States goes. No, India should not be your big personal self-help book, but there are still lots of reasons to visit and lots of reasons why the sub-continent appreciates tourists.
Locals are incredibly friendly, offering advice and directions, and often have a fine knowledge of English. They are often curious about life on the other side of the world. The growing middle class seems to enjoy being exposed to new ideas and new American products. Take a visit to this beautiful country to share your culture while learning about the colorful mixture of people from India.
Cuba
Once one of the biggest geopolitical foes that the United States had, the island country in the Gulf of Mexico now welcomes visitors with open arms. While any American that went before 2016 risked federal charges, those who snuck in were asked what it was like in America.
One of the biggest reasons Cuba is so open to tourists now is that the state of the dollar compared to Cuban money. For many, the country is lodged in a weird mixture of the fifties and the future, with classic cars roaming the streets. Visitors love being able to get away from American tech and businesses and explore a country that is still growing.
Canada
We’re talking about the other half of Canada now, the half that appreciates their big brother to the south. The two countries share plenty of common ground – we do have that northern U.S., southern Canada border, the longest in the world at almost nine thousand kilometers.
There’s an easy foundation for friendship despite differences in pronunciation. There’s plenty of good-natured teasing that goes on between the two nations. Plus, travel between the two nations is a breeze, compared to most other situations. Depending on where you live, you might not even have to take a plane.
Thailand
There was a certain conflict that took place back in the sixties and seventies that left Thailand struggling, and while America’s record in that certain conflict wasn’t spotless, they formed a partnership with Thailand that continues to this day. The country had never been colonized, so it was really their first introduction to the western world.
Get this – one of Bangkok’s biggest figures is a Delaware-born businessman named Jim Thompson. He revitalized the country’s silk industry. He’s so famous his former home is now a museum and one of the city’s biggest attractions. Tourists love the country thanks to its natural beauty, such as ocean views and misty mountains.
Ethiopia
Arguably the United States’ closest ally in Africa, it can be strange to learn just how close the two countries are. Ethiopia was never colonized, so the two nations were able to start a direct, formal relationship back in 1903. The Ethiopian diaspora is the second-largest community in America after Nigerians.
Tumult in Ethiopia has created a wave of immigrants that have flocked to America, but those that remain in Africa have high thoughts of their ally, thanks to the billions of dollars of aid America sends every year. Certain groups in Ethiopia are ready to make their country closer to America, while others are more hesitant.
Ecuador
Though relations have recently become strained between these two American countries thanks to one Edward Snowden, the nations have close ties. With the asylum the country offered Snowden now revoked, we’re back on track to good times. Ecuador and the United States are both part of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, which was the Western Hemisphere’s mutual security treaty.
Relations have even improved since Ecuador elected president Lenin Moreno, and his visit to Washington was the first meeting between an Ecuadorian and U.S. president in almost twenty years. The countries often work together to combat illegal narcotics and human trafficking.
Iraq
Want to take a wild guess about what Iraq thinks about America? Their long history of conflicts began in 1991 and lasted until 2011. The country is still dangerous thanks to kidnappings, civil unrest, and terrorist attacks, and there are lots of people inside the country that blame America for the upheaval.
Many citizens disapprove of the regime of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was elected in a free election in 2010 while overseen by the United States. Just thirty percent of people living in the country thought the elections were fair – one of the lowest in the region. The disapproval rating for America in Iraq is all the way up at 67%.
Yemen
At 69% disapproval rating, there’s no love between Yemen and the United States. More than a hundred Yemeni citizens have been detained in Guantanamo Bay over the years, thanks to the States’ worry of terrorism from the country.
Just nine percent of study respondents approved of U.S. leadership, the lowest percentage of any country reviewed by Gallup. The poor economy is another big issue. Americans are advised not to travel to Yemen due to the high-security threat level.
Switzerland
Once the Napoleonic Wars concluded, Switzerland sought a more peaceful and prosperous relationship with America, and many of the Swiss decided to try and create new lives in the growing country across the Atlantic Ocean. While most Swiss people don’t know many Americans, they see them as open and friendly, which is sometimes a refreshing change.
However, since America is so big, people from there often have no idea what is going on outside the world. Relations are good, and people who visit either country always come back with positive words.
Venezuela
There is a certain amount of anti-American sentiment in this South American country, but it’s toward the corporations and the government. Americans themselves are more than welcome.
The economy is one of the poorest in the world, and a great deal of financial assistance has come from the northern country. American companies used to supply jobs and benefits to Venezuela. But today, with propaganda flying hard and fast, many are coming to think America is the enemy of the people, but many others understand it for what it is – propaganda.
Japan
The Empire of the Rising Sun has a pretty bad love/hate relationship with the United States. On the one hand, the two nations have enjoyed a good political climate, with Japan being a driving technological force. Video games, watches, cell phones, and much more have flowed out of the country once the tech boom began in the eighties.
However, the political and racial division of 2020 has made the far east a little wary of the United States. Currently, the nation has an average 54% disapproval score. Certainly not enough to be impolite about it.
The People’s Republic of North Korea
No surprise here. The People’s Republic of North Korea has good relations with one, maybe two countries in the entire world and wants the rest of them wiped off the map. North Korea’s aggressive military maneuvering, while not exactly frightening, has a lot of people looking their way. It only gets people to realize how impoverished and hungry the nation is as a whole.
The country is pretty closed off to almost everyone, so getting an accurate reading of what they think of America is kind of tough. There’s no doubt the government isn’t a fan, at least. The people probably have a better opinion.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a rather small West African country. A recent Global Leadership Report tells us that 82% of people from the nation approve of U.S. leadership, and only 17% disapprove.
However, trade between the two countries is currently limited due to strained relationships. It’s all thanks to the Burkina Faso government’s past involvement in arms trading and other sanctions-breaking activity. Additionally, things haven’t gone well for the country as of late – an unfolding humanitarian crisis has produced difficulties. America’s foreign aid is one of the reasons the people are such fans.
Malaysia
Thoughts on the United States are a mixed bag in the southeast Asian country of Malaysia. The history of the relationship is long and storied – sometimes not all that great. In 2007 only 27% of citizens viewed the U.S. favorably, most likely due to US foreign policy against fellow Islamic nations. As of 2013, however, approval had grown to 55%.
Those Malaysians that have traveled to America have been surprised by how friendly, and multicultural Americans are. The sheer size of the nation compared to Malaysia, however, makes the two areas very different.
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