Canada and the United States have enjoyed a friendly rivalry spiked with occasional bouts of outright fighting since the founding of both nations. To say the least, both nations are competitive, and their citizens are quick to point out the merits of their particular society. And Canadians have plenty to brag about: - Canada is projected to escape the grip of the current recession and get back to full swing by 2013 to 2015; Americans must wait a couple years more until 2017 - A Canadian's net worth is over 32,000 higher than that of his or her U.S. counterpart, and we have half their personal debt - Our citizens have a higher "well-being" rating than our southern neighbours--when purchasing power, life expectancy, education levels and literacy are combined, Canada ranks third while the U.S. comes in 15th - Although Canadians average six more paid vacation days than Americans, we boast a longer work week, with Albertans coming in at the top - The murder rate in Canada is one-third that of the U.S.

-- understandably, considering only 31% of Canadians own firearms, compared with 90% of Americans -While we share the same high literacy rate as the U.S., more Canadians are enrolled in post-secondary education. And many more examples of our national advantage.