In the face of Western perceptions of a grief stricken Africa, torn apart by fighting, famine and disease, a BBC World Service (WS) survey shows that Africans have largely positive attitudes to their lives and the countries they live in and are proud of their continent.  Commissioned by BBC WS to better understand its 65 million listeners across the continent, The Pulse of Africa is believed to be the largest lifestyle and attitude survey ever carried on the continent, encompassing over 7,500 urban residents from 10 African countries. 
 
According to Jerry Timmins, Head of BBC WS Africa and Middle East Region, "the world is bombarded with images of war and want from Africa.  As broadcasters working with Africa every day, we know there are other important trends and issues that are not widely reported outside the continent and the confidence and creativity of so many people on the continent does not always come across.  This research expands our vision and informs the way we reach our African audiences."

The BBC's international news online site, www.bbcnews.com carries the survey details in full.