- Adults in 20 countries hold Canada in high regard, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies for Maclean's. 31 per cent of respondents believe the quality of life is the most appealing thing about Canada.

Geography and environment are second on the list with 30 per cent, followed by social services and a good system of government with 10 per cent, and a good economy with nine per cent.

When asked what the least appealing thing about Canada is, 39 per cent of respondents mention geography and environment, 12 per cent think the country is U.S. oriented, 11 per cent cite French-English tensions, and eight per cent believe taxes are too high. More than one-in-five respondents cannot think of anything unappealing about Canada.

At least half of Israeli, Mexican and Canadian respondents said Canada's quality of life is an appealing trait. A quarter of all Americans could not think of any positive features about their northern neighbour. Canada's geography and environment were particularly unappealing to more than half of South African, Israeli, Turkish, Lebanese and French respondents.

Canada, which held the top position in the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index from 1992 to 2001, has fallen to sixth place in this year's report. Norway has topped the index as the best country to live in every year since 2001.

Polling Data

When you think of Canada, what is the most appealing thing that comes to mind?

When you think of Canada, what is the least appealing thing that comes to mind?

Methodology Details (PDF)

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