NationStates Jolt Archive

What Country do you think is the best? Choose Well! :confused:

Puts up notice:

[HERE BE FLAMES]

I had no idea that Africa finally became a country!

:rolleyes:

UK, no reason, I'm just biased! :D

God Bless the USA!

Either Belgium or Holland. What a kickass place to live.

I had no idea that Africa finally became a country!

:rolleyes:
They just gained sovereignety. The funny thing about the Republic of Africa is that it is actually located in Europe... [/sarcasm]

I had no idea that Africa finally became a country!

:rolleyes:
Neither is Jerusalem.



Or Iraq any more I suppose.

God Bless the USA!


Yes the US of A is definatly the best!

Canada has the nicest place to live. But because of our stupid french-canadien culture and our even worse french-canadien government, were screwed. But we have the hottest chicks! ;)

other - Mars

other. because, lets face it, in one way or another they all have a massive problem. or many massive problems i guess.

Neither is Jerusalem.
Or Iraq any more I suppose.

Why is Iraq no longer a country?

Canada has the nicest place to live. But because of our stupid french-canadien culture and our even worse french-canadien government, were screwed. But we have the hottest chicks! ;)

........last time i was in canada, i dont recall any hot chicks whatsoever, maybe it was because of where i was, but truly, i dont know, all i remember as far as "hot chicks" goes was a fat girl with piercings all over her face.....which can be hot, if its in one or two places, and youre not fat, which she was, so it wasnt hot...but anyway i voted the U.S. because i live here and also because this place truly kicks ass

Iraq is still a country, just not a dictatorship anymore...Its government is in the making

Norway is the best country, simply because it is the best place to live according to the UN development report, and has been for the last three years.

Canada has the nicest place to live. But because of our stupid french-canadien culture and our even worse french-canadien government, were screwed. But we have the hottest chicks! ;)


No, that would be Switzerland. :D

Truely I think the USA is just because this is the country I live in and this country could blow any other country out of the earth...but i do also like the UK and japan

God Bless the USA!
Today 5:38 PM


Truely god bless the USA! :)

:fluffle: :sniper:

The USA is a shit place to live unless you're rich.

There was a study done recently which said that Norway, Swedan and Australia are the best places to live in the world.
http://hdr.undp.org/aboutus/

Africa? A country :headbang:

http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article828724.ece
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/07/16/norway.best/
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1089906805255_85316005/?hub=TopStories

Also our illustrius (I can't spell) patron (the author of a fine book by the way) also lives in Australia.

New Zealand! No doubt about it.

Canada! Free like america, but with free health care, a lower drinking age, a lower crime rate, a lower gambling age and a smaller divide between the rich and the poor!

I still think the US is the bomb...
.

No, that would be Switzerland. :D

Na, switzerland is defenetely not as good as usa

Canada! Free like america, but with free health care, a lower drinking age, a lower crime rate, a lower gambling age and a smaller divide between the rich and the poor!
WOOHOO!!
Another one with great common sense. ;) but of course... you are Canadian, so it comes with birth.

WOOHOO!!
Another one with great common sense. ;) but of course... you are Canadian, so it comes with birth.
Microevil
Member

Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 338

Actually, no, no I'm not. I am just one of the very few and the very proud very sane americans :D

IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN ROOTING FOR CANADA YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET YOUR ASS OUT OF THE US! :sniper: :sniper:

IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN ROOTING FOR CANADA YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET YOUR ASS OUT OF THE US! :sniper: :sniper:
And what exactly is wrong with Canada?

...ok, so most of the north is a vast empty frozen waste land...

Microevil
Member

Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 338

Actually, no, no I'm not. I am just one of the very few and the very proud very sane americans :D
Opps, but oh well. You're still cool because... YOU'RE SANE!!

I gotta admit, despite being a United States citizen, Canada is a very beautiful and friendly country. I'm sure it's a great place to live really.

But I'll stick with my cozy home in the state of Colorado, thanks. It's equally as beautiful there, I think.

China! China! China! China!...

No one loves Africa. *tear* Oh well, I'm Filipino/Spanish, I'm not located on that "country".

I vote the UK because Parliament is infinately more interesting than congress. And it gave birth to Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles, Dire Straits, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, and Jethro Tull.

But the U.S. is pretty cool still. I like it here, besides the government. Cuba's neat, again besides the government.

http://www.stephaniesworld.com/Canadarocks.gif

duh
THE DIXIE CHICKS

Japan because it is in general kick ass.

when did Jeruselum seperate from Israel???

I should have picked Africa just for shits and giggles.

IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN ROOTING FOR CANADA YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET YOUR ASS OUT OF THE US! :sniper: :sniper:

You see that is the beauty of the US, I have the right to favor canada :D :o wait I can favor the US if I'm a canadian too! O_o The quandary continues. Seriously, the only thing the US has going for it is a seemingly lower unemployment rate and lower taxes other than that canada has it in the bag.

Well even if you would root for canada, my side stays with the USA

Canada. Definitely. We are the greatest country in the world!

Other, followed by Canada and anything in scandanavia.

Neither is Jerusalem.



Or Iraq any more I suppose.

iraq is a country. they are simply in the process of rebuilding their government. this is why i picked them. i'm a polisci major so i'm all hot and bothered to see what happens. there is so much potential...

Why is Iraq no longer a country?

Are you kidding me?! It has no real government, no infrastructure, no unity, no justice system, no national economy, no stability, no security,... But hey, Saddam is gone, so this war was a great succes right?!

Any Scandanavian country is a great country.

As for Iraq, it's not a country.. It's the 51st state. :biggrin:

Are you kidding me?! It has no real government, no infrastructure, no unity, no justice system, no national economy, no stability, no security,... But hey, Saddam is gone, so this war was a great succes right?!

Apparently so... as long as a dictator is deposed the people don't care.. The Iraqi people can go to hell..

OMFG someone voted Australia :eek: he is Max Barry!!!1111

United States. We do the most to help the world with money and support.

Japan. It has a low crime rate and its citizens have the longest life expectancy in the world.

Uk only because I live there.

Are you kidding me?! It has no real government, no infrastructure, no unity, no justice system, no national economy, no stability, no security,... But hey, Saddam is gone, so this war was a great succes right?!


no, but it is building those things and it has a chance to be something amazing. it had no stability from 1920 on anyways...

United States. We do the most to help the world with money and support.

Yup... and it does the most to speed up Armageddon..

By virtue of living here all of my life, I'd have to say the US. However, there are certain parts of the US I'd hate to be in. Like Texas. Its summers are the steamiest, hottest seasons God could've created on Earth. Did you know that, before I was born, my mom was this close to moving to Houstan? And that's supposed to be the hottest city in America, too.

By virtue of living here all of my life, I'd have to say the US. However, there are certain parts of the US I'd hate to be in. Like Texas. Its summers are the steamiest, hottest seasons God could've created on Earth. Did you know that, before I was born, my mom was this close to moving to Houstan? And that's supposed to be the hottest city in America, too.

I thought Pheonix was the hottest city.

Either Belgium or Holland. What a kickass place to live.


damn right it is

belgium is better for taxes and so

but in the netherlands you got more freedom in softdrugs

altough
belgiums just go to the netherlands to buy :)

it's not that far :p

and for those who want to know
us doesn't even come near the best country in the world :)

Best Places to Live

Rank Country
1 Norway
2 Sweden
3 Canada
4 Belgium
5 Australia
6 United States
7 Iceland
8 Netherlands
9 Japan
10 Finland
11 Switzerland
12 France
13 UK
14 Denmark
15 Austria

I thought Pheonix was the hottest city.
Might be. But at least Pheonix doesn't get humid. Dry heat I can handle, but not humidity.
My personal paradise would be on the Tug Hill Plateau in Upstate New York, especially in the winter. It's the snowiest region on earth, averaging more than 100 in. of snow every winter.

Truely I think the USA is just because this is the country I live in and this country could blow any other country out of the earth...but i do also like the UK and japan


wow

if my country could blow up any country it would be the best in the world

wait
isn't russia a better country then us?
they can blow up anyone to right?
or france?

wow

if my country could blow up any country it would be the best in the world

wait
isn't russia a better country then us?
they can blow up anyone to right?
or france?
damn right!

I put U.S. because I live here...

and well...I mean....why would I vote for any other country?

damn right!

I put U.S. because I live here...

and well...I mean....why would I vote for any other country?


because the question is what is the best country in the world
and not what country do you live in

maybe you don't know anything about the rest of the world?

damn right it is

belgium is better for taxes and so

but in the netherlands you got more freedom in softdrugs

altough
belgiums just go to the netherlands to buy :)

it's not that far :p

and for those who want to know
us doesn't even come near the best country in the world :)

Best Places to Live

Rank Country
1 Norway
2 Sweden
3 Canada
4 Belgium
5 Australia
6 United States
7 Iceland
8 Netherlands
9 Japan
10 Finland
11 Switzerland
12 France
13 UK
14 Denmark
15 Austria
Sixth isn't that bad. After all, I thought the US would lag behind Switzerland and Japan.
Interestingly enough, with the exception of Australia and Belgium, the top five are northern countries. I wonder if there's a correlation between temperature and living standards.

because the question is what is the best country in the world
and not what country do you live in

maybe you don't know anything about the rest of the world?
or maybe...

just like any other human being...

I'm biased?

Is it so hard to understand? Do you think I wouldn't admit such a thing?

Sixth isn't that bad. After all, I thought the US would lag behind Switzerland and Japan.
Interestingly enough, with the exception of Australia and Belgium, the top five are northern countries. I wonder if there's a correlation between temperature and living standards.


i think they just keep their heads cool
unlike some ppl (look across the atlantic to us)

btw
belgium is allready 50degree north

so it located closer to the northpole then to the equator :p

Japan... I would've said Finland at first, but hell... I ain't that patriotic.... And besides, I like japanese food...

i think they just keep their heads cool
unlike some ppl (look across the atlantic to us)

btw
belgium is allready 50degree north

so it located closer to the northpole then to the equator :p
Still, we're ahead of Switzerland and Japan. That's pretty damn impressive. A few years ago, they were the world leaders in living standards and economies.

i think japan has a tohigh 'stress' level

i think if you live in the big cities it really works in to you

they also have a very high suicide rate...

i think japan has a tohigh 'stress' level

i think if you live in the big cities it really works in to you

they also have a very high suicide rate...
I've heard that Japan is starting to struggle socially. Their crime rate, nonexistant twenty years ago, is rather frightening today. Prostitution and drug usage are up. Japan, however, has seen its essentially flat economy boom over the past year. If this is the much anticipated recovery, it'd be interesting to see how it effects Japan's standard of living.

I've heard that Japan is starting to struggle socially. Their crime rate, nonexistant twenty years ago, is rather frightening today. Prostitution and drug usage are up. Japan, however, has seen its essentially flat economy boom over the past year. If this is the much anticipated recovery, it'd be interesting to see how it effects Japan's standard of living.

Agreed!

Japan is by far the cleanest nation in the world. And I love sashimi. But Japanese society puts an enormous pressure on the individual to conform, hence the Japanese saying "the nail that sticks out always gets pounded back in". A lot of the stress and suicides could probably be attributed to this... And year after year everyone in Japan keeps voting for the LDP, which is the closest the world has to a neo-Nazi party in power.

Oh yeah, USA #1

Japan is by far the cleanest nation in the world. And I love sashimi. But Japanese society puts an enormous pressure on the individual to conform, hence the Japanese saying "the nail that sticks out always gets pounded back in". A lot of the stress and suicides could probably be attributed to this... And year after year everyone in Japan keeps voting for the LDP, which is the closest the world has to a neo-Nazi party in power.

Oh yeah, USA #1
Many Asian societies have pressures to work harder. I find it noble, don't get me wrong, but it comes with a host of problems. Besides, the philosophy of the Edo Shogunate doesn't have the desired results for Japan in the 21st Century.
And I do agree they are clean. Far cleaner than any one else in the world.

12 France :sniper:
13 UK

What the hell are you talking about. Im acctualy being completely serious and not stupidly patriotic here. France has some of the stupidest laws ever. You cannot publicly show your faith, so if your holy book says there is a rule such as the muslim way of women being completely covered if they are married then the french just say sod you, just because we are atheist that means you cannot be faithful to your faith.

Now on a lighter note, id have to say canada and all the scandinavian countries and belgium and switzerland are all kinda the top of the chart for me. No real order cause they all have different redeeming features. Also too many damn americans being patriotic and not thinking that any country can be better than theirs[jk, kindof]

Finally, also to purly euclid id have to say singapore is the most tidy place on earth. Its stupidly tidy. Ive been to both Japan and Singapore, and singapore by far is more cleanlier.

The Humand Development Report of the United Nations in 2004 found that the countries with the highest living standards are:

1. Norway
2. Sweden
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Netherlands

Of course, that does not necissarily make them the "best". If you're a concrete minded Islamist, you might find Iran attractive.

I think it depends on your living situation, you should have a job/task you like, a nice home and friends/family. It's safe to say you can find the first two in any country of the Western world. We, who are living there, should be grateful for that and not develop pride over this. We have done nothing to achieve it, we were glad to be born here. We shouldn't look down on people, whose place of birth has been less fortunate.

But then again, the people in the 3rd world, especially in Africa, are often found to be happier than us capitalism victims in the 1st world. Because after all, money won't buy you happiness.

Many Asian societies have pressures to work harder. I find it noble, don't get me wrong, but it comes with a host of problems.
I agree... the "everybody should work hard" part is great, and the extremely rapid modernization of the three East Asian powers (China, Japan, South Korea) are amazing testimony to their work ethic, but in that part of the world there is also a pressure for everyone to think the exact same way about everything. Fringe lifestyles and minority social opinions are severely frowned upon. For example homosexuality is considered hideous in China or Japan... openly gay people are outcasts, their family members disown them, and they are considered non-humans and non-entities.

I agree... the "everybody should work hard" part is great, and the extremely rapid modernization of the three East Asian powers (China, Japan, South Korea) are amazing testimony to their work ethic, but in that part of the world there is also a pressure for everyone to think the exact same way about everything. Fringe lifestyles and minority social opinions are severely frowned upon. For example homosexuality is considered hideous in China or Japan... openly gay people are outcasts, their family members disown them, and they are considered non-humans and non-entities.
It'd also be interesting to see if these Asian nations can hold on to these aspects of their society. However, I wouldn't think so, especially with Japan. Two hundred years ago, it was considered honorable for a samurai to kill himself to regain his lost honor. Now, if that were done on such a massive level, Japan would have one of the world's worst human rights records. Japan has changed a lot, and there's nothing telling me that Japan won't change again. The question is if it's gonna change for the better.

Just sayin this so that the thread will get refreshed w/ the forum

Its true! :cool:

Depends on what you mean by 'best.' Most peaceful is Switzerland (hasn't fought a war since 1815!). Least corrupt is Denmark (Canada is second or third least corrupt). However, I'd be lying if I said my favorite country wasn't the U.S.A., because that's where I live. I sincerely hope that everyone's favorite country is the one they are from.

Africa and Jerusalem are NO countries.

I think the best countries around are:

- Norway
- Sweden and
- Finland

Althought I´m quite good here in Spain (now that we got our troops out of Irak) ;)

Just refreshing the thread AGAIN

What i said above:):):)

Brennique and Dragon's Bay can now be officially classified as "dumbasses". I'm sorry...there's no excuse for voting that way. I invite both of those two to live in the nations they voted for.

Some scandinavian country. I live in Finland but I wouldn't mind living in Sweden, Norway, Denmark or even Iceland :)

Just Here To RefreshThe Listing!

You forgot European nations. I live in Germany and while its not the best country in the world, I prefer it over the US anyday. I cant say much about Canada, never been there, but I think Canada is better than the US simply because they dont oppress other nations and brag with their status like the US constantly do, harping that they are the strongest and best yadda yadda yadda. Apparently the US are not the strongest, because 9/11 showed how vulnerable the US are. More of that is needed to really make you see that you are a nation like all others on the planet, made of human beings with no special place in the world.

I'd say Norway is nice aswell, it got a high rating inthe recent UN report. Japan is nice too although I dont like their capitalism which seems even worse than in the US... Over all this poll is too biased to be considered representative and most americans are too uneducated to know anything about the world outside the U$ anyway.

Brennique and Dragon's Bay can now be officially classified as "dumbasses". I'm sorry...there's no excuse for voting that way. I invite both of those two to live in the nations they voted for.
Doesn't Dragon's Bay live in China?

You forgot European nations. I live in Germany and while its not the best country in the world, I prefer it over the US anyday. I cant say much about Canada, never been there, but I think Canada is better than the US simply because they dont oppress other nations and brag with their status like the US constantly do, harping that they are the strongest and best yadda yadda yadda. Apparently the US are not the strongest, because 9/11 showed how vulnerable the US are. More of that is needed to really make you see that you are a nation like all others on the planet, made of human beings with no special place in the world.

I'd say Norway is nice aswell, it got a high rating inthe recent UN report. Japan is nice too although I dont like their capitalism which seems even worse than in the US... Over all this poll is too biased to be considered representative and most americans are too uneducated to know anything about the world outside the U$ anyway.

Of course it is, at least they are basing their argument on what they see as their country's merits. Your entire voting system seems based on "compared to the US".

Of course it is, at least they are basing their argument on what they see as their country's merits. Your entire voting system seems based on "compared to the US".
Because the entire poll is biased towards the US, my arguments are "compared against the US".

Doesn't Dragon's Bay live in China?

Hong Kong I believe. Which as he'll tell you, is part of China.

Besides my own country, Ireland, I'll say Italy, for many reasons, including the one below.

But we have the hottest chicks! ;)
Finland

My empire (my appartment is a free state) is by far the best place to live.

We have no taxes, and lot's of political freedoms and the largest videogame per person stats in the world!

Hehe, nah seriously, any scandinavian country, Germany, Austria or Switzerland is the place to be.

The United States is Japans bitch. They’re using us to try to control the rest of the world. And if for some reason we get taken out, they’ll just find themselves another bitch. I would say probably Germany or England are next in line or maybe Canada.

The USA of America

1. Freedom.
2. Economic , Political and Social Freedom.
3. I work with Vietnamese Americans and koreans , one Vietnamese lady
told me , what I like about America the most is the Freedom and that
we are all Americans , in my country there is no Freedom and if you
are Vietnamese or Chinese etc that is what you are.

The Republic of Santa-nita.

P.S. I know my grammar and punctuation is awful , I place commas
in between words because I thin it looks nicer and and clearly
I hate those pesky commas after the word.

The Republic of Santa- Nita

The USA of America

1. Freedom.
2. Economic , Political and Social Freedom.
3. I work with Vietnamese Americans and koreans , one Vietnamese lady
told me , what I like about America the most is the Freedom and that
we are all Americans , in my country there is no Freedom and if you
are Vietnamese or Chinese etc that is what you are.

The Republic of Santa-nita.

P.S. I know my grammar and punctuation is awful , I place commas
in between words because I think it looks nicer and and clearly
I hate those pesky commas after the word

The Republic of Santa- Nita

Africa is a continent. I vote UK. Rulle Brittania and all that!

The USA of America

1. Freedom.
2. Economic , Political and Social Freedom.
3. I work with Vietnamese Americans and koreans , one Vietnamese lady
told me , what I like about America the most is the Freedom and that
we are all Americans , in my country there is no Freedom and if you
are Vietnamese or Chinese etc that is what you are.

Yeah really free, esspecially with the patriot act and your total disregard for the law (Guantanimo Bay). [/rant]

America is pretty good, not the best.

which country has saved more lives than america?
which country has more money?
which country invented more things?
which country has so many people leading such free lives?
which country has given freedom to more people?
which country gives the most to charity around the world?
which country exepts more responsibility for the world's well being?
which country has an economy that is growing faster?
THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THE ABOVE IS NONE.

The United States is Japans bitch. They’re using us to try to control the rest of the world. And if for some reason we get taken out, they’ll just find themselves another bitch.
Three cheers for the United States of Japan.

The one offering the best front places to watch some asteroid blowing out the world. I'm preserving a bottle of Champagne for that...

which country has saved more lives than america?
which country has more money?
which country invented more things?
which country has so many people leading such free lives?
which country has given freedom to more people?
which country gives the most to charity around the world?
which country exepts more responsibility for the world's well being?
which country has an economy that is growing faster?
THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THE ABOVE IS NONE.

Depends on what you mean by saving. Saved thousends and thousends of american soldiers when they droped 2 nuclear bombs on 2 cities in Japan. However, it prolly killed and wonded more then an invation would have done(both sides included). So it's pretty relative.

I was under the impretion that the government of USA spend more money then they have atm...

If I don't remember correctly Sweden and USA are pretty tied every year over most patents. And remember that USA has like 250 million people while sweden have 8,9 million.

I guess one could claim India since that's a free country. Also, there is alot of contries with lower population where the people is more free(atleast if you ask me).

Prolly the US. But they still have really poor people within thier country. Also, I wouldn't be supriced at all if they gave less then 1% of thier yearly budget to chareties. Then one could argue that other contries give more then the US(in relation to what they have).

There the US is not a leadning nation if you ask me. By refusing signing the Koyoto deal etc.

Sorry, but the US economy is no longer the fastest growing economy. Infact, it hasn't been for quite a while now.

The USA of America

1. Freedom.
2. Economic , Political and Social Freedom.
3. I work with Vietnamese Americans and koreans , one Vietnamese lady
told me , what I like about America the most is the Freedom and that
we are all Americans , in my country there is no Freedom and if you
are Vietnamese or Chinese etc that is what you are.

The Republic of Santa-nita.

P.S. I know my grammar and punctuation is awful , I place commas
in between words because I think it looks nicer and and clearly
I hate those pesky commas after the word

The Republic of Santa- Nita
That's not three reasons. It's the same reason restated three times, so why the numbered list? Also, despite what some people seem to think, the United States is not the only "free" country in the world. A fairly large number of those countries listed are, indeed, free. But then, "freedom" is such a vague term. Maybe you meant "Freedom to launch unprovoked invasions of other nations based on faulty intelligence." Or perhaps "Freedom to detain people in Guantanomo Bay WITHOUT CHARGE. (I'm sure those people are grateful for how free the United States is)." Finally, yes, the United States has also done plenty of good things for other countries, but that doesn't amount to a great deal in my book when people die in your own backyard if they can't afford a service (healthcare) that should be publicly funded for all citizens. After all, "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" doesn't mean a great deal if you aren't willing to take some tax dollars out of killing people halfway across the world and put it into protecting life in your own home.
Finally "Political Freedom" is kind of relative, eh? Sure you can vote for who you want, but how many parties have formed government in your country? Don't you just have two? Other countries on the list, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have parliaments with four or more parties holding seats, and with Canada's present minority government, each of these parties has a fair amount of power. Also, somewhere back in this discussion someone said Canada was probably #2 or 3 as far as uncorrupt governments go. This isn't necessarily as true as you might think. One of the main reasons we HAVE a minority government is that the Liberal Party lost many seats in the last election (Particularly in Quebec), after a massive Sponsorship Scandal. Maybe I shouldn't have brought that up, in my own nation's best interest, but I'm beginning to think I should have voted for Australia. The girls are lovely, and Paul Hogan made sure we all know just what a knife really is.... but then again, they DO have John Howard as Prime Minister. Oh well, an election's on the way, right?

Hmm. I vote Australia. Canada's too cold. Brrrrr.

Plus, Australia got the dole system. And their reasonably not bad. Not much racism (Everywhere has got theirs), and it's reasonably safe from terrorism or mad people with WMD's. (Like North Korea).

Either that, probably Sweden or some European country.

My only complaint with UK and Australia or commonwealth countries is ther education system. Too exam based!!

http://www.stephaniesworld.com/Canadarocks.gif

Shhhhhhhhhhh!!! You are not supposed to tell everyone. Let's keep it the world's best unknown secret?

1) which country has saved more lives than america?
2) which country has more money?
3) which country invented more things?
4) which country has so many people leading such free lives?
5) which country has given freedom to more people?
6) which country gives the most to charity around the world?
7) which country exepts more responsibility for the world's well being?
8) which country has an economy that is growing faster?
THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THE ABOVE IS NONE.

1) Well that depends what you mean by saved more lives, but since America hasnt existed all that long I'd have to say most of the European countries
2) Per Capita, Japan, various lowland European countries
3) The UK
4) Put most of Europe together... really being 'big' doesnt make a country good.
5) Russia, when it became Democratic
6) I dont know, I havent got the figures in front of me.
7) Err... do you really want me to answer that?
8) China

No, sorry, you're wrong.

Iraq is still a country, just not a dictatorship anymore...Its government is in the making It's a failed state like Afghanistan in the making...

1) Why is Switzerland not on the list?
2) When did Africa become a country?

1) Why is Switzerland not on the list?
2) When did Africa become a country?
Neither is Jerusalem (which is the capital of Israel but not a state of its own): There are too many countries to be put on the lists. I mean there are almost 200 countries. So: for a poll it would be better to ask which continent is best.

This poll just highlights the lack of geographic knowledge of most Americans (sorry, if the the person who posted this isn't American!). But, what do you expect from a country where less than a third of the population has a passport!

I would have to say the I think the Scandinavian countries are probably the best places to live, in my opinion. They are all strong democracies with strong welfare states and human rights.

a country where less than a third of the population has a passport!
You don't need a passport to travel to Mexico from the United States.
You don't need a passport to travel to Canada from the United States.
You don't need a passport to travel from one state to another within the United States
Anywhere else you go means a long trip or a ride on a plane.
If American were like European countries and were smaller and had many bordering countries that you could drive to, many more Americans would need passports. Plus, there is a lot to see in the United States without having to travel outside of the United States. Afterall, the United States is bigger than the entire European continent.

Citizens of Schengen countries in Europe (at least 15 countries in Europe) don't need passports to travel between these countries.
If you ever watch American television news or read an American newspaper, you would think that all other countries are merely fictional, with the exception of the latest country that the USA has invaded, non American news is hardly covered. Your television channels show hardly any non-American televsion programmes, so it is not really the fault of your population that many Americans grow up completely ignorant of the rest of the world and therefore just assume that their country is best.

Citizens of Schengen countries in Europe (at least 15 countries in Europe) don't need passports to travel between these countries.
If you ever watch American television news or read an American newspaper, you would think that all other countries are merely fictional, with the exception of the latest country that the USA has invaded, non American news is hardly covered. Your television channels show hardly any non-American televsion programmes, so it is not really the fault of your population that many Americans grow up completely ignorant of the rest of the world and therefore just assume that their country is best.
15 countries...out of how many? You see, citizens of 50 states (Alaska and Texas and California are all bigger than any European country, excluding Russia, but that's only if you count the non-European part of Russia) can travel to any of those 50 states plus two other countries. And like I said, there is a lot to see in America (not that there isn't in Europe).

Yes, you are right, it is only 15 or so countries for now, but that's about 300 million people, so it's a significant proportion of Europeans. Incidentally, Europe is around the same size as the USA (a little smaller), but we have a larger population than USA. But that's not really relevant to this discussion.

Anyway, I think you're over emphasising my comment vis-a-vis passports, I was just using it as an example of how few Americans have actually travelled outside of the USA, Canada and Mexico (and most of the Caribbean). It's strikes me as arrogance when a country with such a population that lacks much knowledge of other countries can claim to be the best in the world.

Additionally, I don't really see how a country that abuses human rights, eg state-sponsered murder in the form of the death penalty, lack of support for the extreme poor etc, can claim to unreservedly be the best in the world.

Apologies, if my argument isn't so well made, English is not my mother tongue!

I've never travelled outside the United States. In fact...I've only been too...(hang on let me count...) about twelve or so states (out of 50). I've lived in 4 different states though...
However, travelling does not necessarily teach you a lot about geography. I'd consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the area of geography. Especially compared to the average American. And as long as you're not making stereotypes, I'm fine.

I've never travelled outside the United States. In fact...I've only been too...(hang on let me count...) about twelve or so states (out of 50). I've lived in 4 different states though...
However, travelling does not necessarily teach you a lot about geography. I'd consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the area of geography. Especially compared to the average American. And as long as you're not making stereotypes, I'm fine.
I see you are from Clintons home state where he had been governor.
So, you are a Southener.
You miss some thing when you compare US with Europe. The US is a federal state consistent of 50 sub-units. It is one nation, one country. The EU consistent of 25 countries and nations with - I think - 22 different languages (if I remeber right). Almost every country has its own language (except Irelan, Belgium or Austria). Those countries are democracies but have differences in their state structure. The UK and France are pretty centralised, although some decentralisation took place. Germany for example is a federal state. The official name says that: Federal Republic of Germany which consists of 16 states. And those states have the responsibilty for education, police and other things. And the state governments participate on the legislation of federal matters via our second chamber: the Bundesrat.
Germany alone has 82 million citizens livin on a territory which fits thirty times into the US. Europe is heavily populated and the EU countries together have much more than 450 million people. That is a bit more than the US though (285 million people).

United States. We do the most to help the world with money and support.

According to the information of the OECD for 2003, Japan actually gave the most aid as a monetary amount. The USA, with a population of 200 million plus, was second. It gave 6,9 billion US$. It's worth noting that France, with 58 million people, was third, giving 6,3 billion US$.
Looking at the per capita aid given, the USA comes in only at 20th place. The top 11 aid donating countries per capita (ie dollars per member of population) are all European. In fact, 15 out of the top 20 are European. The USA gives 23,76 US$ per citizen, which is measly compared to the 300+ US$ per citizen given by Denmark, Norway and Luxemburg.
In fact, out of the top 100 aid giving countries, the average is 52,32 US$ per person, over double of what the USA gives.

Surely the USA could afford to give more to the less fortunate in the world?

I see you are from Clintons home state where he had been governor.
So, you are a Southener.
You miss some thing when you compare US with Europe. The US is a federal state consistent of 50 sub-units. It is one nation, one country. The EU consistent of 25 countries and nations with - I think - 22 different languages (if I remeber right). Almost every country has its own language (except Irelan, Belgium or Austria). Those countries are democracies but have differences in their state structure. The UK and France are pretty centralised, although some decentralisation took place. Germany for example is a federal state. The official name says that: Federal Republic of Germany which consists of 16 states. And those states have the responsibilty for education, police and other things. And the state governments participate on the legislation of federal matters via our second chamber: the Bundesrat.
Germany alone has 82 million citizens livin on a territory which fits thirty times into the US. Europe is heavily populated and the EU countries together have much more than 450 million people. That is a bit more than the US though (285 million people).
Actually, latest estimates are saying 290 million Americans...however, I don't see what that matters? One third of 290 million people travel outside America? The other two thirds stay inside because it's so huge and there is lots to see. Two thirds of 290 million is less than 200 million. How many Europeans don't have passports?

By the way, you miss something when you talk about the United States as well. All those 50 sub-sections all have their own governments too. And divide that further and you have counties with their own governments, then city governments...also, there are a ton of languages spoken in the United States. English, Spanish, French are printed on all of our products. And that's not to mention all of the people on the West Coast that speak some sort of Asian language...and there are HUNDREDS of Indian languages that are spoken...

The 22 languages are just the official ones, there are loads more if one counts all the non-official languages (Catalan, Basque, Welsh, Sami, Romany, etc etc etc). And that's just the 25 members of the EU.

I'm afraid that if one looks at the statistics, many more Europeans can speak more than just their mother tongue (maybe the British are the big exception!) than Americans. However, the US hispanic population is a notable exception to this.

I think my passport comment has been taken out of context; I said it to emphasise that Americans aren't as widely travelled as most Europeans. I didn't really mean it to discriminate for or against the actual type of travel document, be it passport, birth certificate or national identity card, used by anybody! Sorry.

The 22 languages are just the official ones, there are loads more if one counts all the non-official languages (Catalan, Basque, Welsh, Sami, Romany, etc etc etc). And that's just the 25 members of the EU.

I'm afraid that if one looks at the statistics, many more Europeans can speak more than just their mother tongue (maybe the British are the big exception!) than Americans. However, the US hispanic population is a notable exception to this.

I think my passport comment has been taken out of context; I said it to emphasise that Americans aren't as widely travelled as most Europeans. I didn't really mean it to discriminate for or against the actual type of travel document, be it passport, birth certificate or national identity card, used by anybody! Sorry.
In the 18th century...the language of the world was French and there were French speakers across the globe. In the 20th century, the language of the world became English and so now most everyone knows English. I know that in a lot of Europe, English is taught in grade school. As soon as another language takes over, that language will probably be taught in grade school in America and Americans will be more billingual. After all, why should I learn another language when the rest of the world is taking an initiative and teaching English to grade-schoolers?

Actually, latest estimates are saying 290 million Americans...however, I don't see what that matters? One third of 290 million people travel outside America? The other two thirds stay inside because it's so huge and there is lots to see. Two thirds of 290 million is less than 200 million. How many Europeans don't have passports?.
Don´t know. I don´t think that there are many Germans who don´t have one: you don´t need them for travelling to Shengen states but for others you still though. And Shengen is not so old - it only dates back to the 1990s. Britain for example is not part of it. So, most people still have in difference to the US:.

By the way, you miss something when you talk about the United States as well. All those 50 sub-sections all have their own governments too. And divide that further and you have counties with their own governments, then city governments...also, there are a ton of languages spoken in the United States. English, Spanish, French are printed on all of our products. And that's not to mention all of the people on the West Coast that speak some sort of Asian language...and there are HUNDREDS of Indian languages that are spoken..
There are federal states in Europe to. Swiss cantons, Austrian or German states have also their own governments who have authority in many areas (mainly police or schooling). And of course they are city governments as well.
But you miss the fact that English is spoken everywhere in the US. It is the official language in all states. In public administration and before courts it is spoken. In Europe every country has its own official language though. And of course: every country has its own foreign policy, its own military, e.g.
The states in the US are part of the US and there is just one US policy and military of course. The US is one nation. There is after all a high amount of patriotism in the US. There is nothing compareable in Europe.
So if we speak about diversity and division Europe is indeed "leading". But it isn´t a nation, it is an union of nations and patriotism goes to once country not to Europe.
That would be the same like you would have patriotism for NAFTA and not your country.

In the 18th century...the language of the world was French and there were French speakers across the globe. In the 20th century, the language of the world became English and so now most everyone knows English. I know that in a lot of Europe, English is taught in grade school. As soon as another language takes over, that language will probably be taught in grade school in America and Americans will be more billingual. After all, why should I learn another language when the rest of the world is taking an initiative and teaching English to grade-schoolers?
In Europe French was actually the leading language (lingua franca) from the second half of the 17 th century till about the middle of the 19 th century (then declining). Reason: after the 30-year-war (1618-48) France became the leading power on the European continent. The Holy Roman Empire (800-1806) lost relevance and more or less only existed on paper. The emperor of it (Habsburg dynasty) where in fact only controlling their kingdom but not the rest of it.
Thus lead to the replacement of Lation by French.
Since at least 1945 the US is the leading power in the western world, today it is it from the hole world. That and the results of British colonialism makes English to the lingua franca of our time.

In the 18th century...the language of the world was French and there were French speakers across the globe. In the 20th century, the language of the world became English and so now most everyone knows English. I know that in a lot of Europe, English is taught in grade school. As soon as another language takes over, that language will probably be taught in grade school in America and Americans will be more billingual. After all, why should I learn another language when the rest of the world is taking an initiative and teaching English to grade-schoolers?

You just summed part of my argument! it's entirely that arrogant attitude that is why many Americans have such little knowledge of other cultures and countries!!!

Sweden The Motherland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You just summed part of my argument! it's entirely that arrogant attitude that is why many Americans have such little knowledge of other cultures and countries!!!

How is that arrogant? The world is speaking English becuase it has become the dominant language, so there is little reason to learn another language if those speakers speak yours. It's efficiency.

According to the information of the OECD for 2003, Japan actually gave the most aid as a monetary amount. The USA, with a population of 200 million plus, was second. It gave 6,9 billion US$. It's worth noting that France, with 58 million people, was third, giving 6,3 billion US$.
Looking at the per capita aid given, the USA comes in only at 20th place. The top 11 aid donating countries per capita (ie dollars per member of population) are all European. In fact, 15 out of the top 20 are European. The USA gives 23,76 US$ per citizen, which is measly compared to the 300+ US$ per citizen given by Denmark, Norway and Luxemburg.
In fact, out of the top 100 aid giving countries, the average is 52,32 US$ per person, over double of what the USA gives.

Surely the USA could afford to give more to the less fortunate in the world?

Curious,how much does sweden give per capita? and what place does that place them on?

In the 18th century...the language of the world was French and there were French speakers across the globe. In the 20th century, the language of the world became English and so now most everyone knows English. I know that in a lot of Europe, English is taught in grade school. As soon as another language takes over, that language will probably be taught in grade school in America and Americans will be more billingual. After all, why should I learn another language when the rest of the world is taking an initiative and teaching English to grade-schoolers?

Good point. However that chinese language(mandarin?) is the language that is the the language who most people talk. And I think in Asia it's about to become THE buissness language above all. So maybe in 50 years or so americans and europeans have chinese as second language?

Curious,how much does sweden give per capita? and what place does that place them on?

hej la la land.
Sweden is the 7th biggest aid donor, giving 1,7 billion US dollars. Not bad for 9 million people! That's 191,48 dollars per person, which is 5th in the world per capita.

Here's the whole top 10:
1. Luxembourg $352.30 per person
2. Norway $307.95 per person
3. Denmark $302.72 per person
4. Netherlands $216.71 per person
5. Sweden $191.48 per person
6. Switzerland $150.30 per person
7. France $104.68 per person
8. United Kingdom $74.88 per person
9. Belgium $74.25 per person
10. Finland $73.01 per person

All of Norden (except Iceland) are in the top 10!

hej la la land.
Sweden is the 7th biggest aid donor, giving 1,7 billion US dollars. Not bad for 9 million people! That's 191,48 dollars per person, which is 5th in the world per capita.

Here's the whole top 10:
1. Luxembourg $352.30 per person
2. Norway $307.95 per person
3. Denmark $302.72 per person
4. Netherlands $216.71 per person
5. Sweden $191.48 per person
6. Switzerland $150.30 per person
7. France $104.68 per person
8. United Kingdom $74.88 per person
9. Belgium $74.25 per person
10. Finland $73.01 per person

All of Norden (except Iceland) are in the top 10!

Mm, we have a policy to always give away 1% of our annual budget.

Mm, we have a policy to always give away 1% of our annual budget.

But the Norwegians are beating us!!! Time to give more ;)

But the Norwegians are beating us!!! Time to give more ;)

Invade and take back what was once ours. Then turn east, and again claim what was once ours. Then cross the belts and make a new better Roskilde peacetreaty! Uhm, my Nordic Union is created! ;)

You just summed part of my argument! it's entirely that arrogant attitude that is why many Americans have such little knowledge of other cultures and countries!!!
The French are no different though. But due to the rise of the English language globaly they are more and more forced to accept English as "lingua franca" of Europe and the world as well and are more and more forced to learn it.
Generally spoken it are small countries where people are more eager to learn foreign languages and often several foreign languages. Not because you are better but because you have to. I know that scandinavian countries are very good at that. The same is the case for the Netherlands or mulit-lingual countries like Belgium (French, Dutch), Luxemburg(French, Luxemburgian) or Switzerland (Swiss German, French, Italian).

hej la la land.
Sweden is the 7th biggest aid donor, giving 1,7 billion US dollars. Not bad for 9 million people! That's 191,48 dollars per person, which is 5th in the world per capita.
.
.
.
All of Norden (except Iceland) are in the top 10!
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Meanwhile, the third world coutries complain about the high toll rates making it almost impossible to do trade with the richer countries, and they're saying this is the main problem holding back their development. And they're complaining more about Europe and EU than the US.

UK is da best!
Magna Carta, Jury system. Common law. Industrialisation! YEah!
Also had minority leaders (unlike some of the other countries listed)

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Meanwhile, the third world coutries complain about the high toll rates making it almost impossible to do trade with the richer countries, and they're saying this is the main problem holding back their development. And they're complaining more about Europe and EU than the US.

Oh, he was refering to chareties. and for chareties... donating old clothes to poor 3rd world countries makes it really hard for the countries to start thier own clothindustry. So, with that logic, the US would hold back thier industry more then any other nation, wich holds thier development back.

The Armed Republic of Kanjhe Turra

I just came from a very pleasent holiday from there and it was a trip that... well, I'll never forget. :sniper: :mp5: :gundge: :headbang: :mad: :sniper: :mp5: :gundge:

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Meanwhile, the third world coutries complain about the high toll rates making it almost impossible to do trade with the richer countries, and they're saying this is the main problem holding back their development. And they're complaining more about Europe and EU than the US.

In the case of the so-called Banana War, I think you will find it was poor African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that suffered at the USA's insistance.

But in a lot of respects, the EU and USA are as bad as each other in this area. Especially in the realm of farming subsidise, where both USA and EU subsidise their farmers to a very high degree and often dump their excess produce at extremely low prices on the poorer countries stifling their own farmers.

The French are no different though. But due to the rise of the English language globaly they are more and more forced to accept English as "lingua franca" of Europe and the world as well and are more and more forced to learn it.
Generally spoken it are small countries where people are more eager to learn foreign languages and often several foreign languages. Not because you are better but because you have to. I know that scandinavian countries are very good at that. The same is the case for the Netherlands or mulit-lingual countries like Belgium (French, Dutch), Luxemburg(French, Luxemburgian) or Switzerland (Swiss German, French, Italian).

I agree, speaking more than 1 language does not make anyone better than anyone else per say. However, it's an example of the wider cultural knowledge of a country if it has a higher knowledge of foreign languages.

I have never had a problem with the French not speaking English to me when they realise that I can not speak French and that they can not speak Swedish. But I know they take great pride in their language.

Ummm Jerusalem is a city not a country.

1.Italy
2.Swiss-New Zealand
3.Siberia
4.Norway
5.Alaska (Ok part of US but I see it appart forits mountains)
6.France
7.aso lots of EU states

115.Kirgizistan
116.Mongolia
117.Bangladesh
118.US
119.Laos
120.Kazakhstan

Strange to see the US at its right place. :p