During the Fourth of July weekend, it’s easy to get caught up in the fervor of festivities and celebrations honoring our country. But, the truth is, America is not the greatest country in the world, and we can’t let our nationalism take precedent over the facts. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, but the truth is, America is not number one.
1. Literacy
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 32 million adults in the United States are illiterate, which is approximately 14 percent of our population. As for the adults who can read, 21 percent read at a 5th grade level, which is to say that they have probably never picked up a novel in their life. They might not even be able to read this article.
2. Education
Out of 40 eligible countries, the U.S. ranks 14th in education, meaning that an education is more readily available in 13 countries across the globe.
3. Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not only to keep yourself from developing severe illnesses, they also protect everyone else around you. When someone isn’t vaccinated, they are putting everyone they come in contact with at risk, including themselves. According to the World Health Organization, we are 89th on the list of percentage of children who have been vaccinated.
4. Life Expectancy
If you want to live a long life, don’t live in the United States. According to the CIA, our life expectancy averages at 79.68 years, beat out by 42 other countries.
5. Health Care Efficiency
Out of the 51 countries ranked, the U.S. is number 44 in health care efficiency, which includes life expectancy and health care costs. Bloomberg.com has only 7 countries below us in this category.
6. Unemployment
In another study done by the CIA, the U.S. ranks at #54 for unemployment rates. 5.2 percent of our population is currently without work.
7. Press Freedom
We are the home of the brave, land of the 47th in press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders. I guess we don’treallyhave freedom of the press.
8. Economic Freedom
Coming in at 11th in economic freedom, the U.S. is in the “Mostly Free” category by The Heritage Foundation.
9. Happiness
The next time you feel happy, remember that there are 10 other countries happier than the United States. Columbia University’s Earth Institute can back that up.
10. Peace
Nothing like some peace and quiet, but not if you live in the United States. We are 101 out of 162 countries on the 2014 Global Peace Index.
But no need to worry because the U.S. is #1 at three things: number of incarcerated citizens per capita, number of adults who believe angels are real, and defense spending. Actually, I might worry if I were you.
