The value of gross domestic product (GDP) in European Union countries during 1997 was almost identical to that of the U.S. Here, it was $8.1 trillion; there, it was the equivalent of $8.09 trillion.

Here are some other interesting economic comparisons:

• The U.S. has a market capitalization of $6.9 trillion -- compared to $3.8 trillion for the EU and $3.7 trillion for Japan.

• America uses capital about 15 percent more efficiently than France or Germany and about 9 percent more efficiently than Britain.

• The U.S. holds 55 percent of all patents issued and Japan has the next highest at 21 percent -- while Germany trails at 6 percent; France at 3 percent; Britain and South Korea at 2 percent each; and Sweden, the Netherlands and Italy at 1 percent each.

• Based on GDP, U.S. per capita purchasing power is projected next year at $28,020 -- compared to $21,110 for Germany, $21,510 for France, $19,960 for Britain, $19,890 for Italy and $18,770 for Sweden.

Perhaps Americans make more because they work longer. We work longer hours and take only 10 vacation days a year -- the same as the Japanese and South Koreans. Everyone else takes at least 20 days and the Italians average 26.

Americans spend 14 percent of GDP on health care; Germany devotes 10.5 percent of GDP to it; France, 9.7 percent; the Netherlands, 8.6 percent; Italy, Sweden and Japan between 7 percent and 8 percent; and Britain, 6.9 percent.

Source: Suzanne Kudski and Len A. Costa, "American vs. The New Europe: By the Numbers," Fortune, December 21, 1998.