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Aussies happy - UK rates high

AUSTRALIANS may rubbish the UK but it's one of their favourite countries, with 86 per cent having positive feelings towards Britain.

Only New Zealand on 94 per cent was more popular, in a recent poll. The US reached just 58 per cent.

Australians are generally optimistic about the country's economic future and feel safe in the age of global terrorism, despite concerns about, nuclear proliferation.

Although "unfriendly countries developing nuclear weapons" tops the list of potential threats to Australia, only 62 per cent of respondents to the Lowy Institute poll feel Australian troops should be deployed to combat that risk.

Two-thirds of respondents are optimistic about Australia's economic outlook over the next five years, and Australians feel confident about their homeland's place in the world, with 82 per cent agreeing that the nation is a "good international citizen" and "important in Asia".

However, more than 75 per cent of respondents believe Australia is "vulnerable to external threats".

Global warming is the second-most vexing issue for Australians, according to the poll, with 46 per cent saying they are very worried about the environment.

More than 40 per cent of respondents are "very worried" about international terrorism, ahead of disease epidemics and Islamic fundamentalism. The poll portrays Australians as engaged in the world but still motivated by self-interest. Bolstering the domestic economy and protecting jobs at home rank alongside improving the global environment as the top goals of Australian foreign policy.

Combating terrorism is considered very important by 72 per cent of respondents, ahead of helping prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, promoting human rights and stopping illegal immigration.

Spreading the gospel of democracy abroad is considered very important by 34 per cent of respondents. On foreign aid, 34 per cent believe that giving to poorer nations will make the world safer, while 31 per cent think that Australia should share some of its wealth.