Environment: China and Canada are both very large, geographically, so it's hard to say. Eastern China is genearlly overdeveloped and poluted, but there are plently of nice places in the west. If you were to compare the best of what the two countries had to offer, I couldn't make a decision.

Culture: The food is great. However, Canada offers a wide variety of international food, so I'm going to say a tie. China's musuems surpass Canada's. I'm not much of a night owl so that doesn't matter to me. It would be nice if China had one well-stocked academic library so China is certainly the big looser in that respect.

Society: The fact that I can't say anything about this in China without a batpoop crazy reprisal makes Canada the obvious winner.

People: Some are great, some are bad, most are in between. In both countries. China looses because I'm shoved in more tightly with them.

Life satisfaction: hyper-subjective. My opinion on this changes constantly, and to each their own, etc etc

One thing I love about China is the landscape... all the trees and mountains and rivers and that... so, for me, it scores higher than Australia - although, obviously, Australia has some awesome territory (but I like trees and mountains, not plains). We also have a far better coastline, so perhaps those 2 even themselves out?? If we take into account the places hard to get to (like Kakadu and the Olgas), then it's really hard to say.

Culture - sure. China has a much longer history than Australia, and some of its remnants I really like. Its food is also great (well, when it's freshly cooked). But, Australia has variety. I can only eat so much Chinese food, and when I'm over that, then what? It all gets so same-same-y. Lifestyle - I definitely give the points to Australia, but I'd suggest that most people would prefer their own. Entertainment and activities - again, Australia has it for variety - hands down!!!

Society - forget it! China has no chance!!! I trust (most) of the police to do their job with integrity and honesty. I expect most people will obey (follow) the law. Most people will act with honesty and integrity because it's just a built in response. If I have an accident, I'm 100% assured that people will stop and try to help me - and they do so because they are almost 100% assured that I won't try to sue their arse off for trying to help me. If I buy something that is faulty, I know I can take it back to a store and have it replaced, or get a refund. If not, I know I have avenues which will help me. I know I can speak out about any topic I choose to, without ending up in jail (well, unless I talk about blowing up buildings and the like...). People in Australia are more concernced with doing the job right the first time, than about their face.

People - actually, in many ways, about the same... on a personal level. But then, I'm not a very personable person I think, because of what I just said above, Australia still wins easily! We are a very laid-back people, and value integrity over face. We take things at face value, and aren't always looking to improve our lot in life through someone else - or someone else's fall. We value a fair fight - though we tend to barrack for the underdog. And, unless you've actually done us wrong, we'll consider you a mate - from stranger, to prime minister, we're all equals!! And, we don't give 2 hoots how much money you have! It does not buy you 'respect'. We have yobbos, and wankers, and bogans - but racism isn't tolerated, and they're generally looked down upon - rather than a natural trait.

Life satisfaction - again, Australia has it hands down... the opportunities are just there, waiting for you to take them up!! Along with all the variety to be had. Quality of education is (generally) second to (almost) none, and what's more, for university, I think we've got the best payment system in the world. I also know my degree is accepted anywhere in the world without question. I get large freedoms for travelling to most places, both domestic and international.

Sure, it's having some economic issues, but in the grand scheme of things, that's not really an issue when happiness comes from so many other things in life!