'grateful' to a country?

Think about places other than the USA. Some places in Africa for example. You put in all your effort just to stay alive. You're a success if you don't contract aids and half your family is alive by the time your 15. People say they are grateful because are basic needs are mostly met here (like a roof, food, clean water, etc). Take a trip to a third world country, get to know some people who struggle against starvation every day and you'll see what I'm talking about.