MUMBAI: People across the world believe that terrorism can destroy democracy. This is one of the core findings of a survey commissioned by BBC World to international market research company Synovate.

The survey was carried on 12,000 people across 15 countries on five continents. The survey was commissioned as part of a wider exploration of global attitudes to democracy to be aired during BBC World's Why Democracy?.

58 per cent of the respondents believe that terrorism can destroy democracy. The country with the highest seeming concern is France with 76 per cent agreeing, closely followed by Denmark with 75 per cent, Dubai with 72 per cent and the United States with 70 per cent. 37 per cent in Italy and 31 per cent in India strongly oppose that terrorism can destroy democracy.

USA with 57 per cent votes is the best equipped country to combat climate change, while China could manage 22 per cent votes. But only 40 per cent of India's respondents believe that United States' ability to combat climate change.

On the other hand, 84 per cent of the total respondents feel that it is important to vote. France with 82 per cent is the most convinced country on the importance of voting. Other countries sharing similar strength of opinion include Denmark, South Africa, the USA and India. In Russia, however, just 34 per cent believe that voting is important.

BBC World editorial director Sian Kevill said, "There are many fascinating national variations to come out of this survey, but I was particularly struck by how people in some of the world's longest established democracies, seem to have an element of fear over how fragile that could prove in the face of terrorism."

Synovate global head of media research Steve Garton said, "We set out to reflect people's feelings across the world about how important role democratic process played in their lives. The answers may surprise some, showing a diversity of opinion. Interestingly, it is precisely this diversity of opinion that underpins democratic principles."