Canada, United States, or Mexico?

Which country is "better"? I've heard people here say that Canada is the greatest country in the world.

But I've got it figured that the people who say this probably haven't traveled very much.

In comparing countries, you can't bring up the "beautiful geography" argument, because EVERY country I've been to has geographical areas that are beautiful.

So what other comparisons can you make? Well, you can compare living standards, which would include wages, prices, and taxes. You could try to compare politics, but it would probably be a draw because all 3 countries are such a mess in that regard. You can compare the weather. There are distinct differences in each countries weather conditions. And you can compare the cultural differences. And somebody is bound to bring up the comparisons between each countries health care systems, although that could definitely fall under living standards given that health care is directly related to wages, prices, and taxes.

I can't come up with anything else that you could compare in order to come to a decision about which country would be the best to live in.

The majority of people in the United States have a higher standard of living than people in Canada. That is, they make more money, (or have the opportunity to make more money), and have overall lower prices and taxes.

People in Mexico probably have the lowest average standard of living, although it is mostly the rural people who we would consider to be in toughest part of that category. We have met many "middle class" people in Mexico who are doing just fine.

United States wins in the "standard of living" category. Canada second. Mexico third. (I believe that this will change drastically over the next 20 years. It will take a long time, but I think that both Canada and Mexico will eventually overtake the United States.)

The weather. Well, Canada places a distant third. Why do you think sooooo many Canadians head south in the winter. It's because our weather is TERRIBLE. This country is truely not suitable for human habitation. And we have nowhere to go, except to another country. Canada's weather sucks!

Americans can go all over the United States and have the option to experience whatever weather they happen to enjoy. Although using this past winter as an example, even the United States can't compare to Mexico during the winter.

Mexicans also can enjoy a wide variance of weather conditions, you can head to the higher elevations during summer, or head to the beaches during winter.

Mexico wins in the weather category, with the United States placing a close second. Canada is dead last.

And the last category is cultural, and day to day life. I find this category very interesting. We have met wonderful people in all three countries, however the Mexican people in general are more welcoming. They have higher family values, and they are very generous with their hospitality and kindness. They also have a great festive spirit, and they love to celebrate special occasions.

In general, Canada and the United States are very similar in this category, although some items stand out that I want to mention.

The United States has far too many rules and far too many lawyers. Everyone is worried about who is going to sue whom and you can't park here and get off my property. Okay, maybe not everyone, but that is the general attitude that comes across.

Canada no longer has an identity. We've let so many people into the country who don't share the same values or language that it's become a mish mash of multiculturalism. And in typically complacent Canadian fashion, we just say "oh well, that's okay...".

Mexico finishes way out in first place on this one, with Canada and the United States tied for a distant second and third, but for different reasons.

So, adding everything up, I come up with Mexico as the best place to live, United States second, and Canada third.