As one of the largest superpowers in the world, the United States has drawn a great deal of

criticism. But although they have a large number of enemies, there are many more countries

which support the US. So today we wanted to look at the other side of the spectrum: which

countries love the United States?

Well, according to a 2015 Pew report the most enthusiastic opinion of the US was held by

the Philippines, with 92% of respondents indicating an overall favorable view. They also held

the highest approval ratings of President Barack Obama. In fact, The Philippines used

to be a US colony in the late 1800s, and has remained one of their oldest allies in Southeast

Asia. Presently, the Philippines is the fourth largest source of immigrants to the US, behind

Mexico, China and India. In 2014, President Obama increased the US’s military presence

in the region, and helped defend the Philippines from Chinese territorial expansion.

The second highest opinion of the US, at 89%, comes from Ghana. The US and Ghana are strong

business partners and their mutual trade results in billions of dollars in profit annually.

This has helped Ghana accelerate their economic growth and reduce poverty levels by half.

Ghana was also the first nation to receive US-deployed peace corps volunteers in 1961,

who have since maintained a strong aid presence throughout the country.

One of the two countries tied for third highest opinion of the US is Kenya. Both Kenya and

Ghana have received millions of dollars in aid and have had American support in the development

of their democratic governments.

In Kenya, terrorist attacks like the one on the Nairobi shopping mall in 2013, have led

to increased US counterterrorism assistance. President Obama’s visit to Kenya in 2015

has also been said to contribute to the current high approval rating.

In Asia, many nations, like Japan and Vietnam benefit from US financial support and military

protection. However, it is South Korea who ties with Kenya for the third friendliest

pro-US country, and has likely benefited the most from its relationship with the United

States. The US was instrumental in its creation. Since the Korean War, the US continues to

defend South Korea against their unstable neighbor, North Korea.

Notably coming in at fourth, is the US itself. Perhaps surprisingly, many Americans don’t

approve of Obama’s leadership as do other Asian or African countries. Warrantless wiretapping

and other violations of civil liberties have lowered many American citizen’s opinions

of their own government.

Despite the widespread criticism of the US’s foreign policy, many countries are grateful

for American military defense and financial support. Still, many nations believe that

the US heavily overcompensates in its international duties.

Now you know who loves the United States. What about the countries who really don’t

like the country at all? Learn more by watching this video. Thanks for watching! Don’t forget

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