NationStates Jolt Archive

Which of these places better takes care of its people?
which is more democratic? Which enjoys a better standard of living?

1. Europe is not a homogenous entity. You know, we actually have different countries with different governments.
2. 'Better takes care', 'democratic' and 'standard of living' are too vague.

Liechtenstein.

lurk moar

As mentioned above, there are differences between the European countries.
I'd say from my limited experience that countries like Latvia are worse than US in most of the mentioned areas. Oh course, most of the west-European countries are better than US (in my humble opinion) in those fields, especially the Scandinavian countries.

which is more democratic? Which enjoys a better standard of living?

The answer to the first question is Sweden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index). The answer to the second question is Iceland. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index)

I guess that settles it, then.

The answer to the first question is Sweden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index). The answer to the second question is Iceland. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index)

I guess that settles it, then.Reread the OP, and you'll notice you answered questions 2 and 3, not 1 and 2.

Which of these places better takes care of its people?
Seeing as most of Europe has Universal Healthcare, and the US doesn't (yet), I'd say us here in Europe.
which is more democratic?
Europe, because we have proper voting and none of this Electoral College shite that you Yanks insist on.
Which enjoys a better standard of living?
Depends what class you're in. The super rich in America probably live slightly better than the super rich of Europe. The poorer elements in Europe probably live slightly better than those in America.

Bit sweeping, mind.

Reread the OP, and you'll notice you answered questions 2 and 3, not 1 and 2.

Reread my post - not in my quote.

The answer to the first question is Sweden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index). The answer to the second question is Iceland. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index)

I guess that settles it, then.
Why isn't the US on those lists? :confused:

Oh there it is, waayy down, ranked 17th and 11th, respectively. My mistake. :cool:

Europe is a collection of nations, all of which are different - and the USA is a collection of states all of which aren't the same either.

Why isn't the US on those lists? :confused:

Oh there it is, waayy down, ranked 17th and 11th, respectively. My mistake. :cool:

12th actually, and it dropped from 8th.

European countries of course.

Depends on what European countries we're talking about.
Me, I feel very well in Ireland, thank you.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

first read, then choose.

(my choice is EU, of course)

1. Iceland
2. Iceland

btw... ICELAND!!!!!!

Sealand, obviously.

As mentioned above, there are differences between the European countries.
I'd say from my limited experience that countries like Latvia are worse than US in most of the mentioned areas. Oh course, most of the west-European countries are better than US (in my humble opinion) in those fields, especially the Scandinavian countries.

As a guy from Latvia, I would mostly agree with you (though i don't know too much about usa). However, even poor Latvia maybe arguably cares more about its people than USA. While retirement pensions are laughable and public workers are often paid also too little, labour law guarantees me at least 4 week vacation time per year (i think it's twice than in USA), i have quite a bit protections against employer, and even if i'm poor and unemployed and get sick, i will be treated to health again (more or less) for free.