Also known as the Western World, the West is a broad term that encapsulates a sizeable group of countries that share, albeit loosely, similar philosophical, political and economic principles and origins. Countries generally considered to be Western include the US, Canada, and various Western European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany. Values that are synonymous with the West include capitalism, democracy, consumerism, globalization, liberalism, and secularism. Most western countries have fairly developed economies, having moved from industrial manufacturing to service and retail as the main industry. The rights and liberties of citizens living in Western countries are the most extensive in the world, and are generally regarded as progressive in comparison to countries of similar economic development.

The west