The Voice of the People Survey

Every day, the media confront us with countries of which we know little or nothing. Maybe it is a cliché, but the world is really getting smaller and smaller! The terrible news of September 11th 2001 is still fresh in our minds and makes us realise how vulnerable our societies are. What are the thoughts of different cultures when thinking about social issues, the environment, politics and governments? All fascinating ingredients for an open discussion about globalisation.

"The right to speak out vigorously on governmental and corporate policies is one of the most staunchly defended freedoms of the Western World. The advent of modern public opinion polls, dealing as they do with important political, social and economic issues of the day help to provide an opportunity to let government officials, public and private institutions, and the public itself know where the people stand on these issues.

The usefulness of this mode of public expression is attested to by the fact that every important democracy in the world has now one or more competent public opinion research organisation."

Dr. George H. Gallup
February 1981

What the Voice of the People has to offer? Giving the world a voice has always been a fundamental part of the Gallup International mission that surveys are an integral part of democracy. In 2002 Gallup International decided to take advantage of its unique global network in more than 60 countries around the world and to conduct a worldwide survey on an annual basis which has proudly been called The Voice of the People. Unequalled in scale, the survey interviews citizens all around the world and will help you to understand the opinion of today's worldpopulation on issues like the environment, terrorism, global issues, governance and democracy. In 2003 this survey has been conducted again.

The Voice of the People actually gives the world a voice! For this worldwide survey several thousands citizens are interviewed. It not only covers Western Europe, the USA and Canada but also provides the opinion of people in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. It is our intention to conduct this survey on an annual basis. The valuable results of this year's VoP are available at low cost. Gallup International even offers the opportunity to participate in next years survey and to add your own questions to our questionnaire. The Voice of the People, an unique opportunity.