American optimism prevails

Those most optimistic about the country in the coming year include the younger generation between 18-29 years of age (76%), and lower-income Americans (67%). Least optimistic are the middle aged (54%). Similarly, younger people are particularly likely to say they are optimistic about 2012’s prospects for themselves and their family (86%), as well as the college educated (83%).

In contrast, their assessment of 2011 is less upbeat. Only three in ten Americans (29%) agree it has been a "good” year, and most (68%) think it was a bad year for the country. Most likely to say it has been a bad year are married Americans (73%) and those reporting household incomes of at least $50,000.

In many ways, Americans remain unhappy about the condition of the country. Most think the economy is in poor shape (80%), most think the economy has not improved over the past month (64%), and few (24%) think unemployment will decrease over the next year.

"True to form, Americans remain optimistic about their future,” said Debra A. Pruent, Chief Operating Officer of the GfK Group with responsibility for the Custom Research sector, which conducted the poll in partnership with the Associated Press. "It has been a tough year for not only Europe, but for America as well, with unemployment hovering near 10% for much of the year, a very high number historically. But Americans, realistic about the woes of 2011, have not lost their resilient optimism about the future, despite no solid indications 2012 will bring a brightening economy.”