Russia’s image abroad soars: poll

The way people across the world view Russia has grown significantly more positive over the past year, according to a survey published on the BBC web-site.

The poll, part of a regular survey of world opinion, interviewed more than 17,000 people in 34 countries.

Among countries polled in both 2007 and 2008, positive views of Russia have risen from 29% to 37% and negative views have fallen from 40% to 34%.