"The Measure Of America"

Many people around the world - especially those in developing countries - think that the USA is a country in which everyone enjoys a good standard of living and has a long and healthy life. Of course, compared to most other countries on the globe, most Americans are exceptionally privileged, but the wealth and health of the United States is very unevenly distributed and many Americans genuinely struggle. Consider these facts: While the United States has the second-highest income per head in the world, it ranks 42nd in terms of life expectancy. Despite spending $230m (£115m) an hour on health care, Americans live shorter lives than citizens of almost every other developed country. The Japanese can expect to outlive Americans, on average, by more than four years. Citizens of Israel, Greece, Singapore, Costa Rica, South Korea... [read full story]