The number of U.S. adults who are "extremely proud" to be American has dropped to a 16 year low, a survey has revealed.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 52% answered "extremely proud" when asked how proud they were of their nationality, a figure which peaked at 70% following 9/11.
An additional 29% of the surveyed population said they were "very proud" while 13% were "moderately proud," indicating that the vast majority of U.S, adults are patriotic.
Five percent voted "only a little proud" and 1% "not at all proud."
The decline is most probably due to a low level of satisfaction with the country's direction, Gallup said, noting that back in 2004 when 69% were extremely proud to be an American, 55% were satisfied with how the country was going.
Since then, satisfaction figures have declined and mostly remained below 30% as of 2007.
Furthermore, the largest decline was seen among young adults, who are significantly less likely to be patriotic than in 2001 when the Twin Towers collapsed. Nobody between the ages of 18 to 29 today are in the same age group as that time, the American research company pointed out.
The findings come as America begins its parties and firework displays to celebrate Independence Day.