Top 10 Countries That Hate America
Hi, my name is Emily Johnson and I’m here to talk about something that might not be too pleasant for some of you. As an American, I’m aware that not everyone in the world loves my country. In fact, some countries seem to really dislike us. In this article, I’ll be discussing the top 10 countries that hate America and why.
Curiosities, Statistics and Interesting Information
- According to a Pew Research Center survey, only 41% of people in Germany have a favorable view of the United States.
- Iran has been the most anti-American country in the world for many years. In 2019, only 13% of Iranians had a favorable view of the US, according to a Gallup poll.
- The same Gallup poll showed that approval of US leadership worldwide dropped to a record low of 30% in 2017.
- A 2020 survey by YouGov found that the United States is the country people would least like to live in out of 20 major countries around the world.
- In a 2019 study by the University of Sydney, researchers found that anti-Americanism tends to be stronger in countries where there is a large power gap between the US and the host country.
Top 10 Countries That Hate America
- Iran
- Venezuela
- North Korea
- Cuba
- Yemen
- Pakistan
- Lebanon
- Palestinian territories
- Iraq
- Mexico
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these countries and why they might have negative feelings towards the United States.
1. Iran
As I mentioned earlier, Iran has been the most anti-American country in the world for many years. This is largely due to the fact that the US overthrew Iran’s democratically-elected government in 1953 and installed a dictator who was friendly to American interests. The US also supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, and imposed economic sanctions on Iran in the 2000s.
My personal experience with Iran is limited, but I have a friend who traveled to Iran a few years ago and had an amazing time. She said that the people were incredibly friendly and hospitable, but that there was definitely a sense of anti-Americanism in the air.
2. Venezuela
Venezuela has been a thorn in the side of the United States for many years, largely due to its socialist government and its vast oil reserves. The US has imposed economic sanctions on Venezuela in an attempt to force regime change, which has only served to deepen the country’s economic crisis.
I traveled to Venezuela a few years ago and found the people to be incredibly warm and welcoming. However, there was definitely a sense of resentment towards the US, particularly among those who supported the government of Nicolas Maduro.
3. North Korea
North Korea is perhaps the most isolated country in the world, and its leader, Kim Jong-un, has made no secret of his disdain for the United States. This is largely due to the fact that the US fought against North Korea in the Korean War, and has maintained a military presence in South Korea ever since.
I’ve never been to North Korea, and I don’t think I ever will, but I can only imagine the level of anti-American sentiment that must exist there.
4. Cuba
The US has had a tumultuous relationship with Cuba for many years, dating back to the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s. The US imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1960, which has had a devastating effect on the country’s economy.
I’ve been to Cuba a few times and have always found the people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. However, there is definitely a sense of anti-Americanism in the air, particularly among older Cubans who remember the days of Fidel Castro.
5. Yemen
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for many years, and the US has been involved in the conflict by supporting Saudi Arabia’s military intervention. This has led to widespread anti-American sentiment in Yemen.
I’ve never been to Yemen, but I have a friend who worked there for a few years. She said that the people were incredibly kind and welcoming, but that there was definitely a sense of anger towards the US due to its involvement in the conflict.
6. Pakistan
The US has had a complicated relationship with Pakistan for many years, largely due to the fact that Pakistan has supported militant groups that have attacked US interests in the region. The US has also carried out drone strikes in Pakistan, which have killed civilians and stoked anti-American sentiment.
My personal experience with Pakistan is limited, but I have a friend who traveled there a few years ago and had a great time. She said that the people were incredibly friendly and hospitable, but that there was definitely a sense of anti-Americanism in the air.
7. Lebanon
Lebanon has been a hotbed of conflict for many years, and the US has been involved in the region in various ways. The US has supported Israel in its conflicts with Lebanon, and has also imposed economic sanctions on the country.
I’ve never been to Lebanon, but I have a friend who traveled there a few years ago and had a great time. She said that the people were incredibly friendly and hospitable, but that there was definitely a sense of anti-Americanism in the air.
8. Palestinian territories
The US has been heavily involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for many years, and its support for Israel has led to widespread anti-American sentiment in the Palestinian territories.
My personal experience with the Palestinian territories is limited, but I have a friend who traveled there a few years ago and said that the people were incredibly kind and welcoming, but that there was definitely a sense of anger towards the US due to its support for Israel.
9. Iraq
The US invaded Iraq in 2003, which led to a long and bloody conflict that has left the country in chaos. The US also supported Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, which has left a lasting legacy of anti-American sentiment in the country.
I’ve never been to Iraq, and I don’t think I ever will, but I can only imagine the level of anti-American sentiment that exists there.
10. Mexico
Finally, we come to Mexico, which might surprise some of you. Mexico has a complicated relationship with the United States, largely due to issues surrounding immigration and drug trafficking. The US has also been involved in various conflicts in Mexico throughout its history.
My personal experience with Mexico is limited, but I’ve visited a few times and have always found the people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. However, there is definitely a sense of resentment towards the US among some Mexicans.
FAQs
Why do these countries hate America?
There are many reasons why these countries might have negative feelings towards the United States. Some of the most common reasons include US military intervention in the region, economic sanctions, support for Israel, and perceived American arrogance.
Is it safe to travel to these countries?
It depends on the country and the current political climate. Some of these countries, like North Korea and Yemen, are not safe for tourists. Others, like Mexico and Cuba, are relatively safe as long as you take certain precautions.
What can Americans do to improve relations with these countries?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each country is unique. However, some steps that might improve relations include ending military intervention in the region, lifting economic sanctions, and engaging in more diplomatic dialogue.
What can I do if I encounter anti-American sentiment while traveling?
The best thing you can do is to try to understand where the sentiment is coming from and engage in respectful dialogue with locals. Avoid getting defensive or confrontational, and try to learn something new about the country and its people.
What are some other countries that have negative feelings towards the US?
There are many other countries around the world that have negative feelings towards the United States. Some of these countries include Russia, China, and much of the Middle East.