Revealed! The Countries Americans Like and Dislike Most

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Relations between countries are often discussed through trade, military alliances, or high-level diplomacy. However, another interesting indicator is how the public of one country views another. A recent Gallup survey conducted in February 2026 provides a snapshot of the countries most and least liked by citizens of the United States (US).

According to Gallup, the survey of 1,001 adult respondents in the US shows that Japan has the best image in the eyes of the American public. A total of 85% of respondents admitted to having a positive view of Japan, while only 9% expressed a negative opinion. Japan’s position even surpassed Canada and the United Kingdom, which have been known as Washington’s closest allies for decades.

Italy followed in second place with a favourability rating of 84%. Canada and Denmark each scored 80%, while France, the United Kingdom, and Germany were in the 75%-76% range. These seven countries are close partners of the US in the economic, security, and strategic cooperation fields that have been built over decades.

Gallup noted an interesting shift in 2026. Canada’s favourability rating of 80% was the lowest since the polling organisation began keeping records. The United Kingdom also experienced a similar condition, with its public acceptance level touching a record low. Meanwhile, Japan continued to see its image strengthen among the American public. In 1995, Japan’s favourability rating was around 65%, but that figure has now jumped to 85%.

Economic closeness appears to be one of the important factors shaping public perception. Mexico placed eighth with a favourability rating of 66%, even though the bilateral relationship is often marked by debates over immigration and border security. The large scale of trade, investment, and social interaction between the two countries keeps Mexico’s image relatively strong in the eyes of the American public.

Israel emerged as one of the most polarising countries in the survey. A total of 46% of respondents held a positive view of Israel, while 48% expressed a negative opinion. This razor-thin margin illustrates how Middle Eastern issues are increasingly dividing US public opinion.

According to Gallup, 2026 marks the first year in more than two decades that American sympathy for Palestinians has surpassed sympathy for Israelis. Although this indicator differs from the measurement of favourability towards a country, the shift in public opinion provides a picture of the dynamics of American views on the ongoing conflict in the region.

At the bottom of the list, countries with strained relations with Washington dominate. China received a favourability rating of 34%, while 61% of respondents expressed a negative view. Russia recorded an acceptance level of just 17%, and Iran and North Korea sat at the very bottom, each with a positive rating of only 13%.

North Korea was the country most disliked by Americans. A total of 82% of respondents stated they had a negative view of the country. Iran and Russia followed, with disapproval ratings reaching 79%. These figures emerged amid various geopolitical issues involving the three nations, ranging from nuclear programmes and military conflicts to strategic rivalry with the US.