Per capita, Germany is by far the world's largest exporter. While the total goods (agricultural plus manufactured) exported by Germany and the US are comparable (~1.4 trillion/Yr versus ~1.8 trillion per year for the US) the German population is only one-fifth that of the US. In spite of this large population difference, Germany is the world's largest exporter of manufactured goods. Germany has been running a trade surplus of 0.24 Trillion/ Yr. The US has a trade deficit of about 0.70 Trillion/Yr.
EMR makes a great point. To clarify/summarize: Germany's strength is not attributable to the structure of the German government, but rather to the basic nature of the German people: <b>They love to follow the rules.</b> Instead of looking for ways to scam the system, they engage in productive work. Instead of putting their efforts into identity theft, violent crime, meth labs, shady new structured financial products or mortgage fraud, German people prefer to engage in productive activities instead. It's not the nature of government in Germany that makes them strong and productive- it's the nature of the people.
No they don't (regarding the class comment). Invading Iraq and causing the death of ~ 600,000 to 1,000,000 civilians is not very classy either. For what? So some US corporations can get a few contracts? What if that was you and your family living there?
With regard to health care there are two issues, one is access to a reasonable level of care. (although technically everyone in the US has access, having to go to an emergency room for routine care is probably not a reasonable level of care.) The other issue is cost. The cost of care in the EU is significantly lower than in the US.
US total tax burden is 28% of GDP, Germany is 36%, according to the OECD. So it looks like you are wrong.
Depends on your situation. Your EU choices are high tax and a generous welfare system, but lots of bureaucracy and anti-business attitudes and laws, or low tax, no welfare system, and a bit more ease of doing business (E Europe is still incredibly bureaucratic though). Czech Republic, like a lot of E Europe, has introduced a flat tax, and has a small welfare state. Taxes are much lower on self-employed people and business profits than the USA. It's a pretty civilised, safe country, although amenities are still below 1st world standards. So it is a fairly decent place. However, wages are low so if you are an employee then forget it. And there's the language issue, which may or may not be a problem for you. Personally I like to do extra-curricular activities and it's hard to do that when you don't speak the language fluently. Another issue is that if you are a US citizen, income over $80k will be taxed at US rates, so eliminating a lot of the benefit of a low tax system there. You can probably game it legally but that's more expense and hassle. For W Europe - fat benefits but high taxes, so if you earn peanuts and have no moral problem with scrounging off other people's money, or are in poor health and have little savings, it could be worthwhile. If you earn a good income then forget about it unless you like paying 50-65% of your total annual profit in taxes of some kind. My advice is stay in the USA unless you are an underpaid working joe with a European 2nd language and can't afford your health insurance.
Vacationed in Germany a couple of years ago. Loved it. Stayed at a 4-star hotel just in (formerly) east Berlin for peanuts. Was greeted with "Guten Morgen" each day by all the pretty chambermaids. Sat to drink at every corner cafe I could find. Maybe I'll retire there some day.