Which nation/society is an example to the rest of us?

Question

I just wondered which, if any, nation in the world is the one that is a shining example to the rest of it, politically, ethically, socially and what not of how a nation should be.

Im talking about everything from the welfare state to foreign policy, to political freedoms and crime rates. All of the factors that one could possibly consider, with the exclusion of the weather.

I am British myself, but am the first to admit our nation has problems, if I had to guess, I would suggest possibly a Scandanavian country, maybe somewhere like Denmark or Sweden for top scores on all of the above. They're a bit too much of a welfare state perhaps, but a well established one that looks after all its citizens.

What do you think, and why? (and what the hell, tell us what coutnry you are from too)

Going to let this one go into voting so the community can decide. Seems the winner by nominations however is the Republic of Ireland, which I wouldnt have guessed.

Answer 1

Singapore is pretty good. I lived there for 5 years and things that were excellent:
crime levels - really low (they still have corporal punishment)
really clean - get fined for littering
care for family - they really look after each other
encouragement to business - loads of people have their own businesses (it's much easier to do than here)
pride - in their own country
polite & courteous
nice weather (I know that's not political but it helps)
good education
mulicultural - Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Taoist, Hindu & others all get along really peacefully
Low VAT (only 5%)

I'd love to go back for the above reasons + it was really refreshing not to have so much health & safety nonsense etc that we have here (having read in the paper this weekend that one shcool is banning the game of tag in case a child get's hurt). This country has lost entirely the idea of common sense.

Answer 2

I would agree that Denmark is too much of a welfare state (I am Danish). I've always thought Holland was the shining example all countries should strive to follow!

Answer 3

You are looking for heaven on earth. Every country has its problems. It is so easy to see a good picture when on a visit or holiday. Settling there and having to earn a living is different. A recent EU survey put the Maltese as the most contented in Europe. This is a surprise to me being one who left the Island and who lives in UK.

Answer 4

I wouldn't say that there is any Nation out there that is free of problems in one way or another - Human Nature as it is. Plus, no matter how good someone has it, they'll always find something to complain about.

Answer 5

Daleks - But seriously, it is an impossible question to answer, the grass\is always greener etc. It would be easier to decide which was the worst place to live.

Answer 6

USA, the land of the free.

No restriction on civil liberties.

USA is not afraid to tackle communism and terrorism at any level,despite criticism form the misinformed.

It is a society where evryone has the opportunity to be a master of their own destiny.

Im not saying it is the best place to live,people will always be people and nowhere is perfect.But the pivotal point is ,"opportunity"

The fact that this country is a superpower and migrants the world over clamber to get in is pretty much a demonstration that its methods are correct.

Mindless lefties who prefer to support terrorists,thumbs down here>>>>

Answer 7

Canada.

Answer 8

you cant look past the irish republic a shining example to the modern world

Answer 9

Tuvalu, and couple of other Pacific Island groups have very good government.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuvalu

Answer 10

i think the rep of ireland has good policies when it comes to these factors you have stated, they have recently become a very wealthy country and seem to have good family values and they seem to have the respect of other nationalities for their warmth and friendlyness to foreign visitors, im from manchester myself.