Corruption Is World’s Most Talked About Problem Corruption is the world’s most frequently discussed global problem, according to a new BBC poll surveying more than 13,000 people across 26 countries. The findings show that more than one in five (21%) of those polled said they had discussed corruption and greed with friends and family over the past month, making it the most talked about global problem, ahead of climate change (20%), extreme poverty and hunger (18%), unemployment (16%), and the rising cost of food and energy (15%). Issued on UN International Anti-Corruption Day, the BBC World Speaks poll, conducted by GlobeScan on behalf of BBC World Service, showed corruption was particularly likely to have been discussed by developing-world citizens, including respondents in Kenya (63%), Nigeria (49%), Indonesia (45%), and India (30%). But significant numbers in industrialised countries like Italy (14%), Spain (13%), and Canada (11%) had also discussed it. In a separate question, respondents were also asked to rate the seriousness of 14 global problems. As well as being the most talked about issue, corruption was also rated as the second most serious problem, with 68 per cent on average rating it as very serious. Only extreme poverty was rated as more serious (69%). Poverty thus emerged as the most serious perceived global problem for the second year in succession. Majorities in all but four of the countries polled rated corruption as a very serious problem, with Brazilians (96%), Egyptians (91%), Colombians (88%), Filipinos (87%) and Kenyans (86%) most likely to rate it as very serious, but it was also rated among the most serious issues in China (73%), the USA (68%), Russia (67%) and India (66%). In Europe, Italians were the most concerned about corruption (72%). After corruption, environmental pollution (64% very serious), terrorism (61%), human-rights abuses, and the rising cost of food and energy (both 59%) were rated as the next most serious issues. The results are drawn from a survey of 13,353 adult citizens across 26 countries and the poll was commissioned by the BBC to understand which global issues they consider most serious. It was conducted for BBC World Service by the international polling firm GlobeScan. GlobeScan coordinated fieldwork between June and September 2010. Results within countries are considered accurate within +/- 3.0 to 4.9 per cent 19 times out of 20.

In Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Turkey urban samples were used.

Further Findings Climate Change Concern Drops Climate change was rated as only the eighth most serious issue, with 56 per cent considering it a very serious global problem. The findings show that concern about climate change has diminished significantly in almost all of the world’s major industrialised nations since the perceived failure of the Copenhagen summit at the end of 2009 - but that more people than before in key emerging economies like China, Brazil, India, and Russia now see climate change as a very serious global problem. Compared to 2009, the proportions seeing climate change as very serious fell in countries including the UK (down 12 points), the USA (down 7 points), France (down 11 points), Canada (down 11 points), Germany (down 6 points), Spain (down 18 points), and Japan (down 12 points). However, the proportions seeing it as very serious climbed in developing nations including Brazil (up 7 points), China (up 9 points), Russia (up 10 points), and India (up 19 points). China vs US In China, 27 per cent said they had talked about climate change over the previous month, twice as many as the next most discussed issues (other environmental problems at 14%, corruption and the state of the global economy, both at 13%). In contrast, Americans were much more likely to have talked about the state of the global economy (33%), with 15 per cent saying they had discussed climate change with their friends and family over the previous month, 15 per cent mentioning terrorism, and another 15 per cent mentioning other environmental problems. In total 13,353 citizens in 26 countries were interviewed face-to-face, online (for Japan only), or by telephone between June 24 and September 18, 2010. Polling was conducted for BBC World Service by the international polling firm GlobeScan and its research partners in each country. In nine of the 26 countries, the sample was limited to major urban areas. The margin of error per country ranges from +/- 3.0 to 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20. For more details, please visit www.GlobeScan.com as well as the GlobeScan Insights blog at http://globescaninsights.blogspot.com.

GlobeScan Incorporated is an international opinion research consultancy. We provide global organisations with evidence-based insight to help them set strategy and shape their communications. Companies, multilateral institutions, governments, and NGOs trust GlobeScan for our unique expertise across reputation management, sustainability and stakeholder relations. GlobeScan conducts research in over 90 countries, is ISO 9001-2008 certified and a signatory to the UN Global Compact. Established in 1987, GlobeScan is an independent, management-owned company with offices in Toronto, London and San Francisco. www.GlobeScan.com BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster delivering 32 language and regional services, including: Albanian, Arabic, Azeri, Bengali, Burmese, Cantonese, English, English for Africa, English for the Caribbean, French for Africa, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Kinyarwanda/Kirundi, Kyrgyz, Macedonian, Mandarin, Nepali, Pashto, Persian, Portuguese for Africa, Portuguese for Brazil, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Somali, Spanish for Latin America, Swahili, Tamil, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, and Vietnamese. It uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of 180 million globally, including shortwave, AM, FM, digital satellite and cable channels. Its news sites, which received 7.1 million weekly visitors in September 2010, include audio and video content and offer opportunities to join the global debate. It has around 2,000 partner radio stations which take BBC content, and numerous partnerships supplying content to mobile phones and other wireless handheld devices. For more information, visit bbcworldservice.com. For a weekly alert about BBC World Service programmes, sign up for the BBC World Agenda e-guide at bbcworldservice.com/eguide.

Backgrounder: Country-by-Country Findings NORTH AMERICA CanadaClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Canada. Thirty-two per cent of Canadians said they discussed about it over the past month, significantly above the 20 per cent global average and twice the proportion in the US. Extreme poverty is ranked the most serious global problem and is rated as very serious by 72 per cent of Canadians, somewhat above the global average (69%). Corruption is comparatively less of a concern and is ranked the fourth most serious global problem with 54 per cent rating it as very serious, equal to the rating of human-rights abuses in the world, but behind environmental problems (65%) and armed conflicts (64%).

The United StatesThe state of the global economy is the most talked about global issue in the USA and was discussed by 33 per cent of Americans over the past month, almost three times more than the global average of 12 per cent. The state of the global economy is also ranked as the most serious global problem (72%, up 7 points since 2009). This is well above the 50 per cent global average and the second-highest ranking for this problem (behind only Mexico). Corruption is the second most important global problem in the US, rated as very serious by 68 per cent of Americans. This equals the global average, although only four per cent said they had discussed the topic in the past month. Terrorism ranks third among global problems, along with armed conflicts (both 67%) and has seen a 10-point increase since 2009. EUROPE

FranceThe most talked about issue in France is the state of the global economy, discussed by 28 per cent of French respondents. Climate change and other environmental problems are the second and third most discussed issues (26% and 25% respectively—significantly above global averages). Extreme poverty is the most serious global problem according to French respondents (77%, 8 points above the global average), above armed conflicts (72%) and human-rights abuses (69%, up 10 points since 2009). Although they reported talking about climate change and the environment quite frequently, those issues are less a concern to French respondents than they were in 2009 (49%, down 11 points, and 59%, down 5 points, respectively). GermanyEnvironmental problems are the most talked about global issue in Germany (discussed by 42% in the past month), while climate change specifically is also an important topic of discussion for 20 per cent of Germans (the same as the global average). Environmental problems are also considered the most serious global problem with over six in ten rating them as very serious (62%, up 5 points since 2009). Climate change in particular became less of a concern over the past year (48%, down 6 points). Extreme poverty is ranked second and rated as very serious by 60 per cent of Germans (9 points below the global average). Germans also exhibit notably less concern about corruption (44%) compared to the rest of the world, as it is one of the four countries out of 26 where a majority does not rate it as very serious. ItalyUnemployment is the most talked about global issue in Italy, discussed by 18 per cent of Italians in the past month. Corruption is also a frequent topic of discussion in Italy, with 14 per cent saying they talked about it. Although it is below the global average (21%), this is the highest proportion among all industrialised countries, as is the percentage of Italians rating corruption as very serious (72%). Extreme poverty is seen as the most serious global problem in Italy, rated as very serious by 84 per cent of Italians (well above the 69% global average). This is followed by armed conflicts (81%) and human-rights abuses (79%) both of which are also greatly above global averages. RussiaThe most talked about global issue in Russia is extreme poverty, discussed by 36 per cent

of Russians, more than terrorism (33%). Both these issues are more frequent topics of discussion than they are globally (18% and 14%, respectively). While corruption is not talked about very often by Russians (2%), it is seen as the most serious global problem (67%, similar to the global average). Terrorism is ranked second (66%), having increased by 14 per cent since 2009. Environment problems come third, and are rated as very serious by 63 per cent of Russians. Concerns about climate change increased significantly over the past year (46%, up 10 points) but remain lower than the global average (56%).

SpainClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Spain: over one in five (22%) said they discussed it in the past month, close to the global average (20%). Unemployment is the second most frequently discussed topic, mentioned by 21 per cent of Spaniards. Extreme poverty is considered the most serious global problem in Spain, with 81 per cent rating it as very serious, well above the global average (69%). Human-rights abuses rank second (73%). This is significantly above the global average (59%) although the perceived seriousness of the problem has dropped 17 points since 2009. Concern about environmental problems (62% very serious, down 16 points) and climate change (59%, down 18 points) have both decreased dramatically since last year, and are now close to global averages (64% and 56%, respectively). United KingdomThe UK’s most discussed global issue is the state of the global economy, mentioned by 31 per cent of Britons. This is the highest proportion after that of the US, and well above the global average (12%). The perceived seriousness of this problem also increased, by 11 points since 2009 (67% very serious, above the 50% global average). Climate change is the second most discussed topic (26%, above the 20% global average), but concern about the issue has decreased since 2009, and less than one in two now rates it as very serious (49%, down 12 points). Extreme poverty is considered the most serious global problem (70%, similar to the global average). Like Germany, the UK shows relatively little concern about corruption (50%) compared to other countries surveyed. TurkeyTerrorism is the most discussed topic in Turkey, mentioned by more than half of Turks (54%, tied for the highest proportion worldwide with Pakistan). This is almost four times the global average (14%). Unemployment follows, with 33 per cent of Turks saying they discussed the issue in the past month. Terrorism is also the most serious global problem according to Turkish respondents, and is rated as very serious by 73 per cent of them. Corruption ranks second in perceived seriousness as a global problem (67%, similar to the global average). Armed conflicts and extreme poverty both come third with 64 per cent. These ratings have both dropped significantly since 2009, with the seriousness of war diminishing by 11 points, and that of poverty by 12 points. AFRICA EgyptThe rising cost of food and energy is the most talked about global issue in Egypt, discussed by 58 per cent of Egyptians in the past month, considerably higher than the global average (14%). The spread of human diseases and extreme poverty are the second and third most discussed topics (38% and 34%, respectively). Corruption is considered the most serious global problem in Egypt, rated as very serious by 91 per cent of Egyptians—the highest proportion overall after Brazil. The rising cost of food and energy is the second most serious

problem in Egypt (88%, the highest percentage globally). Egypt also shows the second-highest level of concern, after Brazil, about the spread of human diseases, with 86 per cent of Egyptians rating it as a very serious problem. GhanaThe most talked about global issue in Ghana is unemployment, mentioned three times more frequently by Ghanaians than the global average (49% vs 16%). Corruption is the second most discussed issue (42%, twice as many as the global average) and is also the most serious global problem, rated as very serious by 77 per cent of respondents. Extreme poverty (65%) and the spread of human diseases (58%) are ranked second and third respectively, and are rated comparably with the global averages (69% and 55%, respectively). KenyaThe most discussed global issue in Kenya is corruption. This is a topic of discussion for 63 per cent of Kenyans, the highest proportion among all countries surveyed, and three times the global average. Unemployment follows as the next most talked about global issue (38%). Corruption is also seen as a very serious global problem by 86 per cent of the population, well above the 68 per cent global average. Extreme poverty emerges as the second most serious problem (82% very serious), well above the global average (69%), and ahead of the rest of Africa. The rising cost of food and energy (77%), and the spread of human diseases (67%) are ranked third and fourth, respectively. NigeriaCorruption is the most talked about global issue in Nigeria, mentioned by 49 per cent of Nigerians. Unemployment is the second most discussed topic (29%). Corruption is also considered the most serious global problem in Nigeria, with 43 per cent of Nigerians rating it as very serious; as with concern about other issues in Nigeria, this is lower the global average (68%). The rising cost of food and energy is ranked as the second most important global problem, with 38 per cent considering it very serious, while extreme poverty (37%) is ranked third with 37 per cent. ASIA-PACIFIC AustraliaClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Australia. Almost three in ten (29%) Australians said they discussed about it over the past month, significantly above the 20 per cent global average. Interestingly, transnational migration comes as the second most discussed global issue by Australians, mentioned by one in five people (21%), much more than in any other country (5% globally). Extreme poverty and environmental problems emerge as the most serious global problem, with 72 per cent rating them as very serious, with a six-point increase for environmental problems since 2009. Concerns for climate change have slipped a bit over the same period of time (53%, down 4 points and similar to the global average). ChinaClimate change is the most talked about global issue in China. Twenty-seven per cent of Chinese said they had discussed this topic over the past month, above the global average (20%). Other environmental problems are the second most discussed issue (14%, similar to the global average). Corruption comes as the third most talked about topic (13%), and is

also the most serious global problem for Chinese respondents, with 73 per cent rating it as very serious, which is somewhat above the global average (68%). Environmental problems are ranked second (70%), while climate change is third (62%, up 9 points since 2009). China has the lowest level of concern about the state of the global economy (27%, down 6 points since 2009). IndiaThe most talked about global issue in India is corruption, mentioned by 30 per cent of Indians. It is also considered to be a very serious global problem by 66 per cent of the Indian population, which is similar to the global average (68%). Terrorism comes after corruption, with 25 per cent of Indian respondents saying they discussed it in the past month—significantly higher than the global average (14%). Terrorism is also the most serious global problem, with two-thirds of Indians rating it as very serious (up 10 points since 2009). Perceived seriousness of climate change has increased dramatically since 2009 (52%, up 19 points), and has also been a recent topic of discussion for 17 per cent of Indians. IndonesiaCorruption is also the most talked about global issue in Indonesia, as in India. Close to half of Indonesians (45%) said they discussed the topic in the past month, more than twice the global average of 21 per cent. The rising cost of food and energy is the second most discussed topic, mentioned by 34 per cent of respondent. This is much higher than the global average (15%). This is also seen as the most serious global problem in Indonesia, rated as very serious by 85 per cent of Indonesians. Corruption (81%) and extreme poverty (78%) are second and third respectively. Both of these ratings greatly exceed the global averages of 68% and 69%, respectively. The perceived seriousness of the state of the global economy has increased since 2009 (72% very serious, up 8 points). JapanClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Japan (26%), and is also ranked as the most serious global problem (55%), although it dropped 12 points since 2009, and is now perceived to be less serious than in China. Armed conflicts emerge as the second most serious problem—rated as very serious by 52 per cent of Japanese—and concern about this issue has increased seven points since 2009. Japan exhibits by far the lowest level of concern about corruption worldwide, with less than three in ten (26%) rating it as very serious, and the Japanese do not report having discussed corruption in the past month at all. The perceived seriousness of the state of the global economy decreased a lot since 2009 (38%, down 16 points). PakistanTerrorism is the most talked about global issue in Pakistan, with 54 per cent mentioning the topic—tied with Turkey for the highest proportion worldwide. It also emerges as the most serious perceived global problem in Pakistan (61%), although the issue receives a lower rating than in India and Turkey—where it is also a serious concern and topic of discussion—and where its perceived seriousness has somewhat decreased since 2009 (down 5 points). Corruption is the third most discussed global issue (30%), after the rising cost of food and energy (47%), but is a less serious problem in Pakistan than it is globally (54% vs 68%). Extreme poverty is ranked second, with six in ten people rating it as very serious, while the perceived seriousness of climate change increased a little since 2009, although it remains at a low level compared to other countries (35%, up 6 points). Philippines

Extreme poverty is the most talked about global issue among Filipinos, with 53 per cent saying they discussed it in the past month. Among other topics more frequently discussed than globally are the rising cost of food and energy (47%), climate change (43%), and corruption (42%). Corruption is perceived as the most serious global problem, rated as very serious by 87 per cent of Filipinos—the third highest proportion after Brazil and Egypt, and far above the global average (68%). Extreme poverty and the rising cost of food and energy rank second and third (85% and 84%, respectively). The perceived seriousness of the state of the global economy is now similar to the global average, following a 20-point drop since 2009 (54%).

LATIN AMERICA MexicoMexico is the only country in this study to have ranked education as the most talked about global issue. Over three in ten (31%) said they had discussed it in the past month, compared to 9 per cent globally. Corruption is the second most discussed issue with 24 per cent and is followed by talks about the energy supply crisis (23%), an issue barely discussed in most other countries. The rising cost of food and energy is considered the most serious global problem in Mexico (86%). The state of the global economy is ranked second, rated as very serious by 84 per cent, which is the highest proportion globally. Climate change (83%) and other environmental problems (78%) follow, with ratings significantly higher than the global averages. BrazilThe most talked about global issue in Brazil is climate change, discussed by 23 per cent of Brazilians. It is followed by crime and violence (22%) and corruption (20%). Brazil shows notably high rankings for the seriousness of most global issues. Extreme poverty (97% very serious) is seen as the most serious, followed by corruption (96%), and human rights (93%), all of which are far above global averages. Concern about climate change has increased seven points since 2009 (89%). ChileClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Chile. Thirty per cent of Chileans said they discussed the issue in the past month, compared to one in five globally. Other environmental problems are the second most discussed topic (27%). Extreme poverty and environmental problems are the most serious global problems in Chile with eight in ten (81%) rating both issues as very serious. The perceived seriousness of climate change remains high and stable since 2009 (80%) and is well above the global average of 56 per cent. The level of concern about corruption (75%), while above the global average, is lower than in other South American countries. ColombiaThe most talked about global issue in Colombia is unemployment, mentioned by 41 per cent of Colombians—three times more than it is globally. Corruption is also talked about frequently, with almost a quarter of Colombians saying they discussed it in the past month. This topic is also considered the most serious global problem by Colombians, equally with extreme poverty (both 88%). This is significantly above the global averages, as is the perceived seriousness of environmental problems (86%) and climate change (80%). EcuadorEcuador is the only country where crime and violence is the most talked about global issue, with 28 per cent saying they discussed it in the past month, compared to 10 per cent globally. The topic of corruption comes second with 21 per cent, which equals the global average. Ecuadorians also consider corruption to be the most serious global problem, with 82 per cent rating it as very serious. Extreme poverty and environmental problems (both 72%) follow as second most serious problems. The perceived seriousness of climate change (68%) is considerably above the 56 per cent global average.

PeruClimate change is the most talked about global issue in Peru, mentioned by 29 per cent of respondents, which is significantly above the global average (20%). Corruption emerges as the second most discussed topic (27%), and is also considered the most serious global problem according to Peruvians (79%). Extreme poverty (78%) is ranked second. The third most serious global concern is environmental problems (76% very serious), followed by climate change (71%), both of which are rated higher than their global averages (64% and 56%, respectively).

Questionnaire Q8Bt. For each of the following possible global problems, please tell me if you see it as a very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious or not at all serious problem. READ AND ROTATE STATEMENTS. CODE ONLY ONE EACH.

at) Human rights abuses in the world01 Very serious 02 Somewhat serious 03 Not very serious 04 Not at all serious VOLUNTEERED (DO NOT READ) 05 Depends 06 Not familiar with the issue 98 Other (Do Not Specify) 99 DK/NA

bt) Pollution and environmental problems in the worldct) The spread of human diseasesdt) Extreme poverty in the worldet) Terrorismft) The migration of people between countriesgt) War and armed conflictsht) The state of the global economyit) Religious fundamentalismjt) Violation of workers’ rights in the worldkt) Climate change or global warminglt) The rising cost of food and energymt) The growing power of global companiesn) Corruption

Q9Bt. Which, if any, of the global issues that we've been talking about have you discussed with your friends or family during the past month? IF RESPONDENT SAYS ‘ALL OF THEM’ THEN SAY ‘Which have you been talking about most during the past month?’DO NOT PROMPT. CODE UP TO FOUR MENTIONS

Methodology In total 13,353 citizens in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States were interviewed face-to-face, online (for Japan only), or by telephone between June 24 and September 18, 2010. Polling was conducted for BBC World Service by GlobeScan and its research partners in each country. In Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Turkey urban samples were used. The margin of error per country ranges from +/- 3.0 to 4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Country Sample Size (unweighted) Field dates Sample

frameSurvey

methodologyType of sample

Australia 500 July 9–24, 2010 18+ Telephone National

Brazil 400 August 3–15, 2010 18-69 Telephone Urban1

Canada 493 July 6–19, 2010 18+ Telephone National

Chile 600 September 3–18, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

China 500 July 13–30, 2010 18+ Telephone Urban2

Colombia 400 July 22–30, 2010 18+ Face-to-face Urban3

Ecuador 396 August 4–21, 2010 18+ Face-to-face Urban4

Egypt 500 June 28–July 12, 2010 18+ Face-to-face Urban5

France 500 June 24–29, 2010 15+ Telephone National

Germany 502 July 2–30, 2010 16-70 Telephone National

Ghana 501 August 13–26, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

India 547 July 18–29, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

Indonesia 500 July 27–August 12, 2010 18+ Face-to-face Urban6

Italy 504 September 1–11, 2010 18+ Telephone National

Japan 500 August 4–9, 2010 20-69 Online National

Kenya 520 July 13–August 6, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

Mexico 500 July 5–23, 2010 18+ Telephone Urban7

Nigeria 500 July 14–26, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

Pakistan 1084 July 4–25, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

Peru 601 August 6–19, 2010 18-69 Face-to-face National

Philippines 400 July 2–17, 2010 18+ Face-to-face Urban8

Russia 505 July 12–August 2, 2010 18+ Face-to-face National

Spain 400 July 28–August 2, 2010 18+ Telephone National

Turkey 500 July 6–22, 2010 15+ Face-to-face Urban9

United Kingdom 500 June 28–July 5, 2010 18+ Telephone National

USA 500 July 8–22, 2010 18+ Telephone National

1 In Brazil the survey was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Curitiba, Goiânia, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo, representing 18% of the total national adult population. 2 In China the survey was conducted in Beijing, Beiliu, Chengdu, Fenyang, Fuyang, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Manzhouli, Quanzhou, Qujing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shuangcheng, Wuhan, Xi'an, Xining, and Zhengzhou, representing 45% of the total national adult population. 3 In Colombia the survey was conducted in Barranquilla, Bogota D.C., Cali, and Medellin, representing 33% of the total national adult population. 4 In Ecuador the survey was conducted in Ambato, Cuenca, Duràn, Guayaquil, Loja, Machala, Manta, Portoviejo, Quito, Riobamba, and Santo Domingo, representing 64% of the total urban adult population. 5 In Egypt the survey was conducted in Shubra El-Kheima, Alexandria, Cairo, and Giza, representing 24% of the total national adult population. 6 In Indonesia the survey was conducted in Bandung, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan, and Surabaya, representing 27% of the total national adult population. 7 In Mexico the survey was conducted in the 16 largest cities and media market regions, constituting 40% of the national adult population and 80% of the residential telephone landlines. 8 In the Philippines the survey was conducted in the National Capital Region, representing 27% of the total urban adult population. 9 In Turkey the survey was conducted in Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, Samsun, and Zonguldak, representing 56% of the total national adult population.