As it turns out, not every country in the world feels the same way about America as... well, America does about America. You might be surprised by some of the countries that don't think very highly of the United States.
Austria
Since the end of World War II, the U.S. and Austria have had strong relations, especially since America played a central role in the country's reconstruction and the Austria State Treaty. The two countries have a prosperous partnership. Despite this, according to MarketWatch, Austria has a 55% disapproval rating of the U.S.
Slovenia
America has maintained a presence in Slovenia since the 1970s. Donald Trump's election in 2016 made Melania Trump, his Slovenian wife, the First Lady of the United States—but that didn't improve Slovenia's approval of the U.S. leadership, which is cited as only 26%.
Ireland
Ireland and the U.S. have many cultural ties, since Irish immigration to America has played a large role in the cultural landscape of the United States. About 10.5% of the population has reported some sort of Irish ancestry. However, the Irish public is not a fan of America's money-driven culture, as well as the prevalence of religious extremists.
The Netherlands
The majority of Dutch people (59%) view America negatively. Since the two countries have never been in a serious conflict or at war, President Ronald Reagan once called their connection "the longest unbroken, peaceful relationship that we have had with any other nation." Despite this, people from Holland do not hold very flattering opinions about Americans, believing them to be arrogant and overly patriotic.
Greece
According to a Pew Research survey, 63% of Grecians expressed unfavorable feelings toward America for one major (if unexpected) reason: Public drinking. Regardless of this opinion, the U.S. is the largest foreign investor in Greece, and the two countries have had a long-standing history of cultural and political ties based on shared democratic values and common western heritage.
Jordan
Jordan shares similar sentiments toward America as Egypt's neighbor. Since 2009, 85% of Jordanian residents have held an unfavorable view of the U.S. However, relations between the countries have been close for over four decades, and the U.S. has directly helped Jordan maintain its stability and prosperity.
Argentina
Argentina–U.S. relations were severely strained during the era of WWII when Argentina refused to declare war on Nazi Germany and became the only Latin American nation not to receive American aid. Relations have been strained a number of times since then, but they have improved since 2015 when President Mauricio Macri came to power. 57% of Argentinians have expressed unfavorable opinions on America.
Belarus
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, interstate relations soured when America accused Belarus of violating human rights. In response, Belarus accused the U.S. of interfering in its internal affairs. A 2012 survey found that only 20% of Belarusians approve of U.S. leadership, making it the fourth-lowest rating for any surveyed European country.
Germany
The relationship between Germany and U.S. is fairly complex given their past dealings. Nearly half of all Germans (47%) believe that Americans are lazy and messy. Germans also take issue with America's extreme sense of nationalism. However, the U.S. is one of Germany's closest allies and partners outside of the EU, despite disagreeing on some key policy issues.
Chile
The U.S. considers Chile its strongest partner in Latin America, but nearly 40% of Chileans view American influence negatively. Chile is one of the least corrupt and most vibrant democracies in South America; in 2014, the U.S. government enabled all Chilean citizens to travel to America without paying a fee, making Chile the only Latin American nation to possess this privilege.
Tajikistan
U.S. relations with Tajikistan have developed considerably since the September 11 terrorist attacks. The two nations have cooperated in a number of areas, and a U.S.-funded $36 million bridge connects Afghanistan to Tajikistan, allowing goods and people to cross between the nations with ease. Despite this, Tajikistan holds a 54% disapproval rating of America.
Spain
Diplomatic, social, economic, and cultural relations between the U.S. and Spain have been troubled throughout history, often referred to as one of "love and hate." A 2017 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of Spaniards had a negative view of the United States.
Turkey
Turkey has taken in a large number of Syrian refugees with little U.S. assistance, contributing to a high unfavorability rating of 73% as recently as 2019. At the time of the survey, only 11% of Turks had confidence in President Donald Trump's leadership abilities, with 84% having zero confidence in him.
Sweden
America's relationship with Sweden dates back to the American Revolutionary War when the Kingdom of Sweden was the first country not formally engaged in conflict to recognize the U.S. as a country before the Treaty of Paris. The two countries have strong economic ties, but 51% of Swedes hold unfavorable views of America.
Egypt
Egypt's issues with America go beyond a few too many drinks with dinner. Ties between the countries have soured since the overthrow of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. 85% of Egyptians harbor disdain for the U.S. due to President Obama's denunciation of Egyptian attempts to handle the Muslim Brotherhood and budget cuts in foreign aid.
Canada
Relations between Canada and the U.S. are extensive given that the two countries share the longest border in the world, as well as growing cultural and economic ties. Although their shared historical and cultural heritage has resulted in a stable relationship, 51% of Canadians have expressed unfavorable views toward America.
China
Ties between China and America are exceedingly complex, having seen tremendous highs and lows throughout history. Both countries perceive one another as a potential adversary but continue to maintain a strong economic partnership. China has essentially split down the middle in terms of how it views America, having plateaued at 49% approval for several years.
Brazil
Relations between Brazil and the U.S. have a long history. America was the first country to recognize Brazilian independence. Although the two countries have never been openly hostile toward one another, relations have been distant and occasionally tense. According to a global poll, only 65% of Brazilians view the U.S. favorably.
Indonesia
With the resolution of the Cold War and East Timor crisis, relations between the two countries have remained untroubled. In fact, Indonesians viewed the U.S. fairly positively until the Trump Administration, during which favorability drastically declined from 62% to 43%.
Mexico
Mexican-American relations have soured considerably since the term of President Donald Trump, who threatened to construct a border wall and force Mexico to fund its construction. A 2017 survey found that 65% of Mexicans harbored a negative perception of the U.S.—a significant drop from 2015 when 67% of Mexicans had a positive view of the country.
Denmark
Like its neighboring Holland, Denmark harbors a high disapproval rating of the U.S., which peaks at 65%. Denmark is perceived as one of the most peaceful nations in the world with an incredible quality of life. Danes do not dislike Americans inherently, but American politics are often poorly received by the Danish public.
Australia
The land down under is not very fond of the U.S. A 2016 Pew Research poll found that 69% of Australians associated Americans with arrogance and 68% associated them with violence. Even though both Australia and the U.S. were once British colonies, the love has long since been lost between these two countries.
South Korea
A 2021 Morning Consult poll found that 39% of South Koreans held an unfavorable view of the U.S. Although the majority of South Koreans support the American alliance, Katharine Moon noted that "anti-Americanism also represents the collective venting of accumulated grievances that in many instances have lain hidden for decades."
Belgium
The U.S. and Belgium have maintained a primarily friendly relationship for over 176 years. However, according to a 2012 poll, only 26% of Belgians approve of U.S. leadership. Belgium works closely with the U.S. to encourage economic and political cooperation, having welcomed hundreds of U.S. firms into its country.
Iran
The ever-deepening rift between Iran and the U.S. began back in 1979 with the Iranian Revolution and the Iran hostage crisis; the country has had no formal diplomatic relations with America since 1980. A BBC poll conducted in 2013 found that only 13% of Iranians have a favorable view of the United States, making it the country with the least favorable perception of America in the entire world.
Russia
Russia and the U.S. are two of the most powerful nations in the world, and they are on famously prickly terms. What was once a warm relationship began to deteriorate in 1999 after the NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; things only escalated during the past few decades' presidential elections. These days, according to a Pew survey, 71% of Russians have an unfavorable perception of Americans.
Japan
It may surprise you to learn that Japan is one of the most pro-American countries across the globe, with 67% of the Japanese public viewing the U.S. favorably. Compared to China's 7%, 75% of Japanese people claim to trust the United States. Currently, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga shares positive relations with U.S. President Joe Biden.
France
France and America have a longstanding cultural rivalry, which is only bolstered by Pew's data regarding their relationship. Over half of the French public has expressed unfavorable views toward the U.S. It was reported by Slate in 2003 that part of the French's "distaste for the United States" had to do with the Bush administration's policies before and after 9/11.
Venezuela
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela reached a boiling point in the past few years. After an incident in which the country expelled the U.S. ambassador, strain lessened under President Barack Obama, only to decline once again. In 2019, Venezuela announced that it was breaking ties with the U.S. According to Pew data, 35% of Venezuelans have an unfavorable view of America.
Colombia
Colombia–U.S. relations evolved into a partnership due to key issues that linked the two governments, including the War on Drugs and threats of terrorism. Recent Pew data says that 38% of Colombians think poorly of the United States, but 78% of Colombians had a favorable view of President Barack Obama in 2015.
Tunisia
According to Pew, 61% of the population of Tunisia has unfavorable views toward the U.S. A few factors contribute to this standing, such as the political upheaval that occurred when mass demonstrations in Tunisia set the tone for the Arab Spring.
Peru
The relationship between Peru and the U.S. reached a low point in 1989 during the United States Invasion of Panama, but relations were restored in the following years. According to global opinion polls, the Peruvian has a very positive perception of the U.S., with 70% of the population viewing the U.S. favorably in 2015.
India
Indo-American relations are somewhat positive—56% of Indians claim to have favorable views of America, including 30% who strongly support America—but ultimately India has mixed sentiments toward the U.S. Regardless of this, India has a longstanding strategic partnership with America.
Senegal
Senegal is one of the most pro-U.S. nations in the world. 69% of the Senegalese public views the U.S. favorably, which increased to 81% in 2013 and went down to 79% in recent years—still considerably higher than most other countries. About 300 Senegalese students come to the U.S. each year for schooling.
Cambodia
Although relations between America and Cambodia were strained throughout the Cold War, their ties have strengthened considerably over the past few decades. According to a 2012 poll, 62% of Cambodians now approve of U.S. leadership.
Poland
Poland's relationship with the U.S. is largely positive. In addition to close historical ties, Poland has always been one of the most pro-U.S. nations in not only Europe, but the world, with 79% of Poles harboring favorable views of the U.S. 55% of Poles think of U.S. influence in positive terms, which is the highest rating for any European country serveyed.
Tanzania
The U.S.'s relationship with Tanzania has mostly been defined by the Cold War as well as American policies toward Africa and development. Relations were once tense, but things have cooled off between the two nations, and in recent years, Tanzania has established a growing partnership with the U.S. 57% of Tanzanians harbor a favorable view of America.
Ghana
Both Ghana and the U.S. have had friendly relations since Ghana's independence with the exception of later years during the Nkrumah regime. In 1961, Ghana became the first country to which America sent U.S. Peace Corps volunteers. According to Pew, 82% of Ghanaians view U.S. influence positively, which is the highest rating for any African country surveyed.
Israel
The U.S. has always been a strong proponent of Israel. Since the 1960s, relations between the two countries have played an essential role in the U.S. government's overall foreign policy in the Middle East. The nature of their relationship has led to 83% of Israelis perceiving the U.S. favorably.
United Kingdom
British-American relations have been strong since 1940 when the two countries were wartime allies and NATO partners. The nations are bound by shared history, religion, language, and legal systems. Both England and the U.S. have had a significant impact on the cultures of other countries around the world.
Kenya
Kenya and the U.S. have enjoyed cordial relations since Kenya claimed independence, and the two nations grew even closer after Kenya's democratic transition of 2002, as well as the subsequent improvements in human rights. According to a World Service poll, a meager 11% of Kenyans have unfavorable views of the U.S.
Italy
Americans may love Italy, but do they love the U.S. back? The answer is... yes! Compared to other nations, Italy is one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with 78% of Italians viewing the U.S. favorably. Italy and the U.S. enjoy warm relations to this day.
Thailand
Thailand is one of America's biggest fans. According to a 2014 poll, 73% of Thai people have a favorable view of the U.S. compared to 15% unfavorable. However, because two-thirds of Thailand's population are rice farmers, U.S. farm subsidies for rice have constituted a number of major problems in the U.S.-Thai trade ties.
Wales
The U.S. has established a caucus to build direct relations with Wales called the Friends of Wales Caucus, which is made up of legislators with Welsh heritage and interests in Wales. A mere 0.6% of Americans have Welsh ancestry.
Nigeria
Nigeria and the U.S. have been close longtime allies for many years. The U.S. is Nigeria's primary trading partner and its most important diplomatic partner. According to a Global Leadership Report, 77% of Nigerians approve of U.S. leadership.
Belize
Relations between Belize and the U.S. have always been close and cordial; the U.S. is Belize's number one trading partner and a major source of investment funds, not to mention the fact that America is home to the largest population of Belizeans outside of the country. Despite this, Belize is the only country in Central America that has never received a visit from an American president.
Pakistan
Pakistan's disapproval rating of U.S. leadership was greater than all but 4 other countries surveyed. America's lasting military presence in the country after the 9/11 attacks led many Pakistani civilians to harbor unfavorable views of the country.
South Africa
The U.S. and South Africa have been economically linked for hundreds of years, but the two nations faced periods of strain throughout the 20th century due to segregationist rule in South Africa. America and South Africa currently enjoy "cordial relations" despite "occasional strains," with 57% of South Africans viewing the U.S. favorably.
Panama
Part of the reason Panama was able to gain independence in 1901 was due to American interest in building the Panama Canal, and relations have been generally strong since then, with 25,000 U.S. citizens living in Panama and a mutual healthcare program.
Georgia
The U.S. established strong diplomatic relations with Georgia after its independence from the USSR in 1991; since that time, the two nations have cooperated on trade and security. Relations are so strong between these countries that tourists can actually stay in Georgia without a visa for up to a year.
Philippines
Relations between the U.S. and the Philippines have always been quite strong. In 2013, 92% of Filipinos perceived the U.S. favorably, and 94% had confidence in then-U.S. president Barack Obama. In 2018, the number had been curved to 83%, which is still considerably high.
Hungary
Relations between Hungary and the U.S. are generally favorable, with 68% of the Hungarian public feeling positively toward the country. Hungary has formally been an ally of the U.S. since April 1999 when it acceded to NATO.
Iceland
Both Iceland and the U.S. are NATO allies, and the U.S. has maintained an interest in Iceland since the mid-1800s. The countries have had a relationship of mutual cooperation and support in the past few decades. However, according to a Global Leadership Report in 2012, only 17% of Icelanders approved of U.S. leadership.
Morocco
Morocco was the first sovereign nation to recognize the U.S. in 1777, and relations between the two countries were formalized in a 1786 treaty which is still enforced to this day, meaning that it is the oldest unbroken bilateral treaty in U.S. history. Morocco is one of the few African countries to extend visa-free travel for U.S. citizens.
Sudan
U.S. relations with Sudan were rocky for quite a while, due to the U.S. government's open criticism of Sudan's human rights record. However, after the Trump administration, relations between the nations have improved considerably.
Honduras
Honduras and the U.S. have had formal relations since 1830. The two countries have cooperated in a number of areas, especially the War on Drugs. According to a global poll, 81% of Hondurans viewed the U.S. positively in 2002, but that number dropped considerably to only 56% by 2016.
Ukraine
Ukrainians have a generally favorable view of the U.S. with 80% having expressed positive feelings toward the country in 2002, and 60% in 2011. The U.S. has maintained an embassy in Kyiv and Ukraine maintains an embassy in Washington, D.C.
Kosovo
Kosovo and the U.S. have an excellent relationship, with the U.S. having been one of the first nations to recognize Kosovo as a country. According to polls, 87% of Kosovars approve of U.S. leadership, which is the highest for any survey conducted in Europe.
Cuba
After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, relations between the U.S. and Cuba declined substantially and were marked by tension until very recently. The U.S. initiated an embargo on Cuban goods, but friendly relations between the two countries were formally reestablished in 2015 with the opening of embassies in both Havan and Washington, D.C.
Lebanon
Pew surveys have found that, on average, 44% of Lebanese people expressed a positive opinion of the United States, while 55% expressed unfavorable views toward the country. Relations between the countries became compromised due to accusations of double standards regarding American aid to Israel against Hezbollah during the 2006 war.