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I'm in Canada. But can still answer.
First off, lots of houses in North America have hot water heating (new ones with in-floor heating, or old ones that predate forced air being popular), but the main reason for forced air heat is both capital and maintenance costs... it's substantially cheaper to install a forced air furnace, and all ductwork. No boiler to maintain, no water to leak, no water to top up... no issues with corrosion. No radiators taking up space, And you can replace your whole heating system by installing a new $3000 furnace.
Apartments and large buildings are another story... usually larger buildings and apartments use a hot water based heating system to avoid moving air between different apartments - and the duct size or air velocity would start to become impractical trying to transfer huge amounts of heat over long distances. Not to mention hot water heat offers better zone control.
I guess it's a case of pick your poison...
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