Yeah most countries in the world dont have 2x4s
But what we definitely don't do is stick build homes using 2x4s apart from interior walls. An exterior wall where I live would probably use 45x220mm studs and probably more wood as well for a total depth of 350+ mm.
Also not all of the US uses timber framing, for instance, in costal florida, it's not uncommon to have concrete walls that are framed with sheerwall inside, so they can survive a hurricane.