not only that but a higher standard of living.
here are the top 10 countries in the world by standard of living (
source: u.n. hdi):
norway
australia
switzerland
denmark
netherlands
germany
ireland
united states
canada
new zealand
the top 6 are stable since the previous year. ireland and nz moved up. u.s.a. and canada moved down.
how can countries which might broadly be described as left-leaning/progressive/whatever
possibly have such a great standard of living, access to free, universal health care, focus on life/work balance with generous vacation allowances, relatively low unemployment, etc. because, if u.s. republican politicians (and certain 'logical' 'free-thinkers' online) are to be believed it's absolutely impossible.
except it's not. but don't let facts get in the way of the lies and nonsense.
pop quiz: what is the only developed country in the world without a single legally required paid vacation day or holiday? answer: [spoil]the u.s.a (source: that bastion of liberal, lefty socialism, forbes.com)[/spoil]
alasdair