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Institute of Economic Affairs@iealondon · Apr 15, 2026

🇬🇧 We asked Brits where the UK ranks vs US states in income per person. Average answer: 7th. Wealthier than 43…

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Summary

A survey found that British respondents vastly overestimate the UK's income per capita, believing it ranks 7th globally when it actually ranks 51st—below every US state including Mississippi. The findings reveal widespread misunderstanding of Britain's economic position and a national mood of decline, with 67% believing the country is heading in the wrong direction.

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  1. #1

    🇬🇧 We asked Brits where the UK ranks vs US states in income per person. Average answer: 7th. Wealthier than 43 states. The reality: 51st. Dead last. Below Mississippi. Below Arkansas. Below every single US state. 🧵

  2. #2

    😱 When people find out the truth, the reaction speaks for itself. 27% shocked. 22% concerned. 15% disappointed or embarrassed. 14% motivated for change. That emotional jolt is exactly why this data matters — it opens the door to reform.

  3. #3

    🇨🇭 Most Brits think they are as wealthy or wealthier than the average American, Swiss, Singaporean and German. They are wrong on every single one. The UK is poorer than all of them — and most people had no idea.

  4. #4

    💪 When asked unprompted what the main strengths of the UK economy are — 40% of Brits said there are none. Rising to 55% among those who rate the economy as poor. That is a devastating verdict on fifteen years of stagnation.

  5. #5

    📉 67% of Brits say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Just 21% say right direction. The national mood is one of decline. People feel it every day — in their bills, their wages, their prospects.

  6. #6

    ⛔️ We're not coasting at the top. We're falling behind — and most of us had no idea. The first step to fixing a problem is understanding how serious it is. Read the full report at iea.org.uk/attitudes-to-e…