A "zero hour" mentality is said to make Afghans upbeat Iraqis and Afghans are among the most optimistic people in the world when it comes to their economic future, a new survey for the BBC suggests. Italians join people in Zimbabwe and DR Congo as the most downcast about their future, according to the poll of 37,500 people in 32 nations.
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In Afghanistan, 70% say their own circumstances are improving, and 57% believe that the country overall is on the way up.
In Iraq, 65% believe their personal life is getting better, and 56% are upbeat about the country's economy.
Other countries feeling good about themselves are India, Finland, South Africa, Australia, Senegal and the UK.
