it was probably pretty good from the 50's until the early 80's, but once early technology became more prominent in consumer lifestyles it was game over because you can't compete with capitalism when it comes to making cool stuff. it also didn't help that they were spending a metric shit ton of money on their military, even more than the us spends now in terms of gdp. if that money was instead used for the people then maybe things would've been marginally better.
Canada