The Figure of the Month: International Survey
– A Review of 2024

The year 2024 was marked by landmark events: the 33rd Summer Olympics and Paralympics drew global attention, while dramatic moments such as the dissolution of the French National Assembly and severe flooding in Spain's Valencia region left lasting impacts. 

In this context, MIS Group conducted an online quantitative survey, involving over 5,000 participants across France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Germany, to assess their year. The findings reveal intriguing contrasts between countries and provide insights into societal sentiments as the year ended.

The survey paints a varied picture, with respondents in the UK viewing the year relatively positively. A significant 45% rated their year as "good" or "very good," a sentiment shared more often by men (46%) than women (33%). On the other hand, respondents in Germany were less upbeat, with 28% describing their year as "bad" or "very bad." While over a third of respondents described 2024 as "neutral," suggesting a year of mixed experiences, the overall sentiment was largely shaped by professional stability. A striking 85% across all countries rated their professional year as neutral to good.

However, financial concerns remained prevalent, with 28% of the sample—rising to 32% in France and Germany—describing 2024 as a challenging year in terms of purchasing power and the ability to save. Interestingly, leisure and family time offered a welcome reprieve. Half the respondents reported a "good" or "very good" year in these areas, with France leading the way: 60% rated their leisure time positively, a higher proportion than in any other country.

Fortunately, the events that shaped the year did not prevent respondents from enjoying themselves. Half of the sample reported having a good year in terms of leisure activities (with a peak – unsurprisingly – in France, where 60% of respondents rated it as "Good" (44%) to "Very Good" (16%)), and more than 50% of respondents in each country reported a good year in terms of family life and related events. Even in Germany, where economic anxieties were prominent, more than half rated family life positively.

Health concerns were not a significant issue for most respondents. In countries like France and Spain, over 50% described their year as "good" in this regard. However, political and global events took a toll, particularly in France and Germany, where 70% of respondents rated the political climate negatively. The ongoing instability in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as domestic challenges, coloured public perception of the news cycle as overwhelmingly negative.

As people reflect on 2024 and turn their gaze to the future, caution appears to dominate their outlook. Around a third of respondents across all countries expect 2025 to be similar to 2024. The Spanish, however, stand out as the most optimistic: nearly 60% anticipate a better or much better year ahead. Conversely, the French seem more resigned with 16% expecting the situation to worsen.

Optimism for 2025 is notably higher among women, with 52% anticipating a better year, compared to 44% of men. Yet challenges loom large: improving purchasing power, fostering political stability and addressing broader societal concerns will remain key priorities.

The survey results offer a snapshot of a year shaped by global and domestic turbulence but also moments of resilience and hope. Leisure, family and professional life emerged as stabilising forces, even as financial and political challenges cast shadows. As we prepare for 2025, the question remains: how can societies better navigate these complexities to create a more positive outlook?

METHODOLOGICAL NOTE:
Quantitative online study conducted from December 4 to 10, 2024, with 5,000 respondents aged 18 and over (1,000 respondents per country), representative in terms of gender and age for each country.