American citizens rank Israel 6th on list of favorite countries

Survey indicates that American citizens' most favorable countries are Canada, UK. Saudi Arabia marked at bottom of list. Some 61% expressed fondness of Israel

Yitzhak Benhorin |Published: 01.01.14 , 00:45

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that American's citizens' affection of Israel is only sixth, after Canada, the UK, Japan, Germany, and Brazil.

The survey asked citizens on their perception of various nations. Two countries the United States was fighting against during WWII marked a rise in Americans' inclination – Japan came in third with 70% finding it favorable, and Germany came in fourth, with 67%.

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Some 61% noted to have liked Israel, and 26% of Americans see the Jewish State unfavorably.

In keeping with US tradition, the survey indicates that Republicans hold a more favorable view of Israel than do Democrats. Some 74% of Republicans see Israel in a positive light, compared to 55% of Democrats.

Though considered the most prominent Arab ally of the US, Saudi Arabia was marked at the bottom of the list, garnering 27% favorable views and 57% unfavorable views.

Coming in after Israel was France, as 59% reported to view France favorably.

The complete ranking list named Canada in first place (81% favorable views versus 9% unfavorable); UK second (79% vs. 9%); then Japan (70% vs. 20%); Germany (67% vs. 16%); Brazil (61% vs. 15%); Israel (61% vs. 26%); France (59% vs. 24%); India (46% vs. 33%), Mexico (39% vs. 52%); China (33% vs. 55%); Russia (32% vs. 54%); and Saudi Arabia coming in last (27% vs. 57%).