No, it is a festering sh1t hole. But it is the greatest in the world.
And germany has had a slow growing economy for 20 years, what they have is a steady economy and among the fvcking stupid mess that is europe, that is pretty impressive.
Brazil has about tapped out its easy growth made possible from American inspired reforms and its growth is tapping out while still a third world country.
As far as higher standards of living, I had scandinavian au pairs for years. I remember when they used to be amazed that Americans had more than one TV, two car house holds, and spending money for random crap. But the standard of living ratings are written by progressives who are fvcking retarded, with priorities of whiny bitches, as far as I am concerned.