Western world

This article deals with Western world as it relates to NationStates. For more general information, see the Wikipedia article on this subject.

The term Western world can have multiple meanings depending on its context. It is not so much a geographical definition as it is a cultural and economic one. People differ in their definitions of the West, and different definitions overlap only partly.

The term "Western" usually refers to NS societies based on Europe and its North American and Australian descendants. Non-human and non-white societies of wealthy, developed nations may also consider themselves "Western" or "Westernized." This definition stands opposed to poor, unindustrialized societies of developing nations comprising the "Third World."

Western life and thought

Common traits of Western countries and societies may include relatively high standards of living, mostly democratic and secular governments, legal systems affirming the rule of law and human rights, universal educational systems and high literacy rates, and broad access to mass media and modern popular culture. Western cultural traditions trace their origins to Greek thought and Judeo-Christian morals.