The Reykjavik Grapevine

Icelanders and Romanians Most Pessimistic

According to the results of a recent Capacent Gallup poll, Icelanders and Romanians are the most pessimistic people in the countries they polled, with regards to how they see their economic futures.
VĂ­sir reports that 24 nations were polled in all, and asked to express how optimistic or pessimistic they were about their country’s economic forecast for the next three months. 59% of Icelanders believe their economic situation will worsen over the next three months, while only 7% believe it will improve. It should be noted, however, that the level of pessimism has dropped from its high of 71% in July.
Romanians were as pessimistic as Icelanders, followed by Mexicans, French, Bulgarians, and Argentinians. All 24 countries – with the exception of Iceland – have confidence that their current government will hold. Also, while every nation polled feels more stress as a result of the economic downturn, Icelanders are the most stressed.
On the bright side, Icelanders sleep better than the other nations polled.