Poll: Finns cautiously optimistic at beginning of new year
Expectations lower than last year
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One in four Finns believe that their lives will go in a more positive direction during the present year, and 56 per cent do not expect any changes. Harder times are expected by 17 per cent of Finns, whereas the average for negative expectations in Western Europe is 30 per cent.
On a global level optimism has fallen back from a year ago. According to an annual study by Gallup International, one in three people in the countries surveyed are beginning the new year with a sense of hope. A year ago, 43 per cent were optimists.
Traditionally, North America and Western Europe have been the most pessimistic regions in the study. Finns are looking at the future with greater optimism than West Europeans do on average.
Pessimism is more prevalent in Finland than it was a year ago, with the number of those expecting worse times ahead doubling from last year.
Swedes have the most positive outlook among West Europeans. Optimism is also high in Norway, Ireland, and Britain.
Finns expect continued economic stability in this country, although the confidence has decreased slightly. Eleven per cent expect better economic prospects, while 22 per cent see difficulties on the horizon.
People in many other West European countries see darker times ahead, with residents of Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Belgium among the most pessimistic.
In Sweden, 35 per cent expect their country's economy to develop positively, whereas the average for Western Europe is 14 per cent.
Economic confidence is high in Hong Kong and India. In the United States, 45 per cent of consumers expect difficulties.
Increased unrest and deepening crises are expected by half of US and Canadian citizens.
Those living in the Middle East and Western Europe are next on the pessimism scale. Pessimism in Pakistan surged to about 50 per cent during the time that the study was taken. In Iraq there is more faith in peace.
More than one in five Finns predict increased discord around the world, but optimism in that regard is higher in Finland than in most West European countries.
Information for the survey was taken in 54 countries around the world
The information for Finland was taken by TNS Gallup at the end of November.
More than 50,000 people in all of the countries were interviewed for the poll, including 1,113 in Finland.
Helsingin Sanomat
