Support for democracy is strong in Hong Kong and Taiwan
More than eight-in-ten adults in Hong Kong and Taiwan say democracy is a good way to govern.
Who likes authoritarianism, and how do they want to change their government?
The share of the public that supports authoritarian systems ranges from 85% in India to 8% in Sweden.
How the political typology groups compare
Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.
Facts on Foreign Students in the U.S.
The U.S. has more foreign students enrolled in its colleges and universities than any other country in the world. Explore data about foreign students in the U.S. higher education system.
How countries around the world view democracy, military rule and other political systems
Many around the world say representative democracy is a good way to run their country. Compare global views of political systems and read six key findings.
Globally, Broad Support for Representative and Direct Democracy
Across the world, a median of 78% say representative democracy is a good way to govern their country. Yet, pro-democracy views coexist with openness to nondemocratic forms of governance.
In Russia, nostalgia for Soviet Union and positive feelings about Stalin
Many Russians say the collapse of the Soviet Union has been a bad thing for their country. Nostalgia for the Soviet past also extends to views of Josef Stalin.
Tunisian Confidence in Democracy Wanes
With parliamentary elections approaching later this month, Tunisian support for democracy has declined steeply since the early days of the Arab Spring. Just 48% of Tunisians now say democracy is preferable to other kinds of government, down from 63% in a 2012 poll conducted only months after a popular uprising removed longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from office.
Chart of the Week: Many in the Americas say high joblessness can justify a coup
Significant minorities in several nations of the Americas say high unemployment would justify a military takeover of their country's government.
Study on twins suggests our political beliefs may be hard-wired
Everyone knows that our genes predispose us to be tall or short, blue-eyed blonds or brown-eyed brunettes, smart or not-so-smart. Now new research finds that, to a surprisingly large degree, our genes also shape our political beliefs and orientation.
