World’s Most Pessimistic Nation

Gloomy Greeks Remain the World’s Most Pessimistic Nation

According to a Gallup poll, the people of Greece remained the most pessimistic in the world about the direction of their lives in 2012. With an austerity ravaged economy, mass public sector layoffs and a 27 percent unemployment rate, Greek doubts about the future come as little surprise.


Interestingly, the highest levels of pessimism worldwide can be found in Europe. Apart from Greece, Czechia has the world’s second most pessimistic population at 33 percent while Slovenia rounds off the top three with a 32 percent pessimism rate.


Hungary came fourth on the list of doom and gloom while Haiti and Taiwan were in fifth and sixth place respectively. The prevalence of pessimism in Europe can be attributed primarily to the choking economic crisis where many people say no end to depressing and harsh austerity measures.

Description

This chart shows that high percentages in Europe remained skeptical about their future in 2012.

Download Chart
Premium statistics
Share of respondents indicating they are very optimistic, fairly optimistic, fairly pessimistic or very pessimistic about the future of the EU in 2024, by member state
Premium statistics
Prefectures with the most pessimistic residents in Japan as of November 2020
Premium statistics
Share of people concerned about their financial future in 53 countries & territories worldwide, as of January 2025
Premium statistics
Would you say that you are optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the EU?*
Premium statistics
Would you say that you are optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the EU?*
Premium statistics
Share of people disappointed by health system in 53 countries & territories worldwide, as of January 2025

Any more questions?

Get in touch with us quickly and easily.
We are happy to help!

Do you still have questions?

Feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form or visit our FAQ page.

Statista Content & Design

Need infographics, animated videos, presentations, data research or social media charts?

More Information