As the eight years of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's presidency draw to a close, Brazilians offer largely positive assessments of where their country stands. At a time when global publics are mostly glum about the way things are going in their countries, half of Brazilians say they are satisfied with national conditions, and 62% say their nation's economy is in good shape. Of the 21 other publics included in the 2010 Pew Global Attitudes survey, only the Chinese are more upbeat about their country's overall direction and economic conditions.
A solid majority of Brazilians believe the outgoing president and the national government are having a good influence on the country, and most give the government good ratings for its handling of the economy. Moreover, the Bolsa Família program, Lula's signature initiative, which provides cash incentives to the country's poorest families for keeping their children in school and getting them vaccinated, is popular with Brazilians among all demographic groups.
Lula is also praised for his performance on the world stage. Nearly eight-in-ten Brazilians express confidence in their president to do the right thing in world affairs, and about three-quarters say Brazil already is (24%) or will eventually be (53%) one of the most powerful nations in the world. A large majority believes their country is well-liked around the globe.
Read the full report, Brazilians Upbeat About Their Country, Despite Its Problems on the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project Web site.