World at 250: ‘Beautiful and terrible’ – How others see the US today

The United States turns 250 years old this year. But how does the world see it now? From Brazil to India to Egypt, the BBC asked people across the globe for their honest thoughts. The answers were mixed. Some described America as “beautiful” – a land of opportunity, innovation, and freedom. Others called it “terrible” – pointing to inequality, political division, and foreign policy. The survey did not focus on one region. It collected views from six continents, including voices in Africa, Asia, and South America. The result is a portrait of a nation admired and criticized at the same time. Many respondents praised American culture and technology. But they also expressed concern about its role in global conflicts and its domestic problems. No single opinion dominated. Instead, the responses showed a deep, complicated relationship with the United States – one that is both hopeful and wary. As the US marks its 250th anniversary, the world is watching – and thinking.