The findings of the 2000 survey reinforce what we found in 13 different countries in 1999.

Young people see the UK as an influential, stable and well administered country, with strong traditions and a well developed sense of our heritage and identity. UK products and services have a good reputation for quality and reliability, though our image as creators and innovators is weak.

More so than last year, the biggest criticism we draw relates to our personal qualities. We are seen as cold, condescending and unwelcoming to outsiders.

Familiarity

Of the countries tested young people think they know the USA best and the UK second best. The UK is better known than France and Germany in almost every country surveyed. (Find out more)

Favourability

The UK, USA, Japan and France enjoy roughly equal standing in terms of favourability. Among the countries surveyed the UK's reputation is best in Nigeria, worst in Greece. (Find out more)

Main strengths and weaknesses

The UK's main strengths are seen to lie in our economy and institutions, our main weaknesses in our human qualities and social relations. Tradition emerges as both a major asset and as our principal liability. (Find out more)

Modernity and tradition

In general young people in developed countries tend to see UK society as traditional while young people in the developing world see it as modern. In all more people see our society as traditional than modern. (Find out more)

Education

UK higher education has a strongly positive image; we British are seen as well educated and the UK emerges as a clear world leader (second only to the USA) in the provision of educational services. (Find out more)

Science and technology

UK science is well regarded, but young professionals rank the UK behind the USA, Japan and Germany for innovation. There is a low level of awareness of major recent UK advances in science and technology. (Find out more)

Business

UK business receives good scores for its managers, products and trade in financial services, though the verdict is more favourable in the developing than in the developed world. On balance a 'Made in the UK' label predisposes young people to buy British. (Find out more)

Arts and design

Only half the audience identifies the UK as a centre of artistic creativity and innovation. The UK's reputation in the arts is seen to lie more in past than present achievements. (Find out more)

Society

Our democracy, legal systems and health service are well regarded, as is our commitment to the protection of the environment and treatment of women. British society is seen as multicultural but not racially tolerant. It is also seen as divided by class and unwelcoming to foreigners. (Find out more)

Images of the UK

There is clear recognition of the four constituent countries of the UK. Moreover these countries enjoy distinct - if, for the most part, traditional - identifiers: The Queen/Royal Family for England, kilts for Scotland, the late Princess of Wales for Wales and conflict for Northern Ireland. (Find out more)

Knowledge and use of English

Nine-out-of-ten young people interviewed claim to speak at least some English. A knowledge of English is regarded as crucial or very important for international business, education and travel abroad. (Find out more)

Sources of information

The local media - especially the press and television news - are the most influential sources of information for young people in forming their opinions about the UK. (Find out more)

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