The economy is the world's most important problem, but not America's

"How it works: Gallup polled a nationally representative sample of about 1,000 people age 15 and older in each of 107 countries from March - October 2025. It asked: "According to you, what is the most important problem your country is facing currently?" Respondents wrote in answers, and Gallup grouped them into buckets. By the numbers: The answer was nearly the same everywhere: The economy was identified by a median of 23% of adults across these countries."

"Those under 35 were more likely to identify the economy as a top concern - a sign that younger generations even in high-income countries feel the economy is failing them. The big picture: Separate polling from Gallup finds that Americans have been more likely to name government as the country's top problem for the past decade. But it's not clear exactly what problem with politics or government all Americans are worried about."

"For Democrats, concerns are largely centered around President Trump. Republicans are more focused on distrust of Democrats, anger at corruption and anxiety about the country's place in the world. Yes, but: People in highly democratic countries are more comfortable criticizing their governments, says Benedict Vigers, senior global news writer at Gallup. Zoom out: WhileGallup has been asking Americans some version of this question since 1948, this is the first time it has surveyed global respondents on the issue."

Gallup polled about 1,000 people aged 15 and older in each of 107 countries from March to October 2025, asking respondents to name their country's most important problem and grouping write-in answers into categories. The economy emerged as the leading concern worldwide, cited by a median 23% of adults—more than double the shares naming work, politics or safety. People under 35 were more likely to prioritize the economy, indicating younger generations often feel economic conditions are failing them. Taiwan showed a higher share naming politics amid pressure from China. In the U.S., government or politics has been the top problem for a decade, with Democrats focused on President Trump and Republicans focused on distrust of Democrats, corruption and anxiety about the nation's global standing. The question has historically predicted which party wins the presidency based on perceived effectiveness at addressing the top problem.

Read at Axios