The world 'largely likes' the US: study

A global survey of 40 countries by the Pew Research Center finds that large numbers of people have a favourable opinion of the United States, its economy and the US-led fight against the Islamic State.

Overall, the US is largely seen in a positive light, with a global median of 69% of people saying they viewed the US favourably. That's up from 65% in 2013 and 2014, says Pew.

While the recent global downturn stoked fears that the US was losing ground to China economically, there has actually been a rise in the number of people who think the US is still on top.

Of the 40 countries polled, a majority in 30 of them view the US as the world's biggest economic power. However, it's important to note that majorities in 27 countries believe that China will eventually replace the US as the world's top superpower. The European Union is the most convinced of China's inevitable supremacy.

WORLD BACKS PRESIDENT OBAMA

The US president, however, enjoys widespread support that, in many places, has been growing - except for in one country.

Obama's popularity in Israel has taken a nosedive in Israel over the past 12 months. Last year, he had the backing of 71% of Israelis. But this year, only 49% gave him the thumbs-up. However in India the opposite is true. Over the past year, his popularity in that country jumped from 48% to 71%. He's seen his popularity grow in 14 of the surveyed countries.

Considering people in all 40 countries around the world, Obama has the backing of a median of 69% of people (much higher than his approval rating in the US).