As wars multiply, climate pressures intensify and technology reshapes daily life, a new global study shows that people continue to judge national progress through a simple len: Can I live safely, afford basic needs and trust the systems meant to protect me?

A 2025 global survey by Gallup and the World Governments Summit presented in 2026, covering 107 countries, finds that while the economy dominates public concern, the underlying issues have clear and growing consequences for physical and mental health.

Economic strain is a public health issue

Across the world, people most often name the economy as their country’s biggest problem. This concern is strongest in lower-income nations, where food and shelter insecurity is common, but it is also prominent in wealthy countries struggling with housing affordability.

From a health perspective, this matters. Financial stress is closely linked to poorer mental health, delayed medical care and higher rates of chronic illness. Young adults and women — groups already at higher risk of anxiety and depression — are especially likely to cite economic pressures as their top concern.

Notably, people’s worries are shaped less by national economic growth and more by whether their household income feels sufficient. When people feel financially insecure, economic statistics offer little reassurance, and stress-related health risks rise.

Work problems go beyond unemployment

Work and employment rank as the second most common concern globally. While unemployment plays a role, the survey shows that people are equally worried about job quality, low pay, unsafe conditions and lack of dignity at work.

Health implications of these are significant. Poor working conditions are associated with higher injury rates, burnout and long-term illness. Even people who are employed and engaged in their jobs express concern about the broader state of work, suggesting widespread awareness of unhealthy labour environments.

Gallup’s workplace data show that global employee engagement has fallen sharply, a trend in line with stress, sleep problems and reduced wellbeing.

Political distrust affects wellbeing

In many high-income countries, politics and government are seen as a major national problem. This concern is strongly tied to low trust in institutions such as governments, courts and electoral systems.

From a health standpoint, institutional distrust can weaken public confidence in health systems, vaccination programmes and emergency responses. Where people believe institutions are unfair or ineffective, they are less likely to follow public health guidance or seek timely care.

Safety and conflict overshadow all other health needs

In countries affected by war, violence or severe instability, physical safety dominates public concern. In places such as Ukraine, Israel and parts of Africa and Latin America, security issues overwhelm economic and political worries.

This focus reflects reality. Conflict disrupts healthcare systems, limits access to medicines, increases injury and trauma, and drives long-term mental health crises.

Even in traditionally peaceful countries, sudden spikes in violent crime can rapidly shift public attention towards safety, with knock-on effects for stress and community wellbeing.

What this means for health leaders

The findings underline that public health does not exist in isolation. Economic security, decent work, trusted institutions and personal safety form the foundation of population health.

• Economic policies that reduce poverty and housing insecurity can lower stress-related illness.
• Better-quality jobs support both physical safety and mental wellbeing.
• Trustworthy institutions improve compliance with health guidance and confidence in care.
• Peace and security are essential for functioning health systems.

Listening remains essential

Nearly a century after George Gallup first asked people to name their country’s most important problem, the answers still point to the same truth: Our well-being is shaped by everyday lived experience.

People assess national success by whether they can live well, work with dignity, trust public systems and feel safe.

For health leaders and policymakers, listening to these concerns is not optional — it is a prerequisite for building healthy and progressive society.