#1 China
It's no secret why the Chinese feel optimistic about their economy, local or otherwise: The country is booming. During the 2009 survey period, the Chinese economy recorded 8.7 percent growth. While the recession derailed the country's torrid growth, a massive stimulus package appears to have set the Chinese economic locomotive back on track. But there's more to China's economic optimism than robust GDP growth, notes Nicole Naurath, Gallup's Regional Research Director for Asia, and it applies not only to China but to Asia's other optimist, Vietnam, as well: "In both countries, media are quite closely monitored and moderated by the government, which has a significant impact on people's perceptions and opinions." Global Top 5s is a monthly feature by RealClearWorld.com powered by Gallup's worldwide research. Learn more at Gallup.com.
