by Keren Gottfried

What happens when you put the Queen, Mr. Bean, 007, David Beckham, Paul McCartney and 10,000 of the world’s finest athletes all on the same stage? Clearly, you have the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London. As we pass the mid-point of the 2012 Games, no doubt, you‘ve been watching intently. The Olympics have long been a viewing and brand-building bonanza. But who’s watching, what are they watching and how are they following the action in London? That depends on where you are in the world.

Prior to the opening of the Games, a poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Reuters News indicated that almost three quarters (72%) of residents of 24 countries had planned to watch at least some part of the events this year. The poll of 18,623 respondents in 24 countries found that interest in the Games is high, with six in ten (62%) reporting they are interested in the Games. And many of them have planned on employing new technologies to help them follow the competitions.

The World Will Be Watching

Seven in ten (72%) global citizens said they “plan to watch any part of the 2012 Summer Olympics this year” – and at least half of the respondents in each country surveyed – while 13% had not decided when asked and 15% did not plan to watch. Those from China (92%), South Korea (91%), India (90%), Mexico (86%) and Brazil (84%) were most likely to say they will watch the Olympics, while those from Belgium (50%), Germany (54%), France (54%), Great Britain (61%), Hungary (66%), Canada (66%) and Sweden (66%) were least likely.

Here is the survey taken before the games on the question; Will you be watching the Olympics?

Photo: Contributed - Ipsos.com

Look who's watching