The poll found that only a tiny fraction of Democrats consider the United States to be the greatest country in the world, a result that is certain to fuel debate about patriotism, national identity, and how Americans view their own nation.
The findings have also revived memories of a controversy that once dominated headlines during the 2008 presidential campaign, when former First Lady Michelle Obama faced intense criticism for comments many Americans viewed as dismissive of the country.
According to an Economist/YouGov survey conducted from June 19 through June 22, 2026, Americans were asked how the United States compares with other countries around the globe.
