Yeah... It is likely the last place Id consider to run too. Far too restrictive imo. Not sure either where Id go though. I like my country...
For all its problems, South Africa is one of the freest places on the planet.
Yes. Mostly because of incompetence, but most of us do get to run around doing mostly whatever we want. We have a strong court system and a very progressive constitution (I'd argue too liberal, but damn good). Everyone seems mystified by my choice of the USA, so I'll elaborate:
1. Freedom: Forget about most of Europe and Eastern Europe, the middle east, Australia, China. No nanny states for me thanks.
2. Security: Forget about most of Africa and South America.
3. Opportunity: It's called the land of opportunity because it is.
4. Quality of Living: You could argue the likes of France, Sweden, Iceland or Denmark beat the USA. But see #1.
IMHO The states is not perfect on any one thing, but is the
most perfect conglomeration of a lot of very good things.
Unemployment is a rarity in the states, even today. Law enforcement, if anything, is a bit too zealous. Their economy, although regulation creeps forward as it does everywhere, is mostly a huge free-for-all unhampered by overbearing Labour legislation. If not the best, then amongst the best educational facilities in the world.
IMHO If you are at all in the least way capable of making it ANYWHERE in life, you will do so in the USA, and you'll do so autonomously and mostly on your own terms whilst living in safety and not wanting for any basic necessities.
Also, the USA's name is a clue: It is a number of states, from which you can pick-and-choose any climate, economic condition, lifestyle, and world outlook you desire. You can go live in the bible belt and sing to jesus or you can go live in LA and be a godless sodomite. It's all up to you.
Finally ... I deal with American companies all the time, their levels of service are stratospheric. The competition present and the fickle nature of their clientele means they pull out all the stops all the time. When I have to deal with an American operation one moment and an SA one the next the difference is ... there are no words: In the USA shit works, 24/7. In SA shit stops breaking at 5pm and continues to break at 8am.