[alexjeffrey]

these figures are deceptive considering the UK's comparatively-socialist tax attitude. The biggest thing I would point out is that we have nationalised free healthcare for everyone, which takes a big bite out of PPP but also means that being poor isn't a health concern. We also have a pretty comprehensive benefits system which, although unpopular, provides a large safety net for the unemployed, disabled and otherwise non-working.

The UK isn't some pauper state where everyone's living on the breadline, we just take a different approach to the USA.

[edit] replaced GDP with PPP for better clarity/relevance.

[collyw]

Also we have more holidays, Americans get next to nothing.