Gross National Happiness Index
Sustainable development - wellbeing
(GNH).
Author: Charitarth Sindhu, Environmental Sustainability & ESG Consultant
In 1972, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th King of Bhutan, introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness Index (GNH), prioritizing people's happiness over Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The GNH advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable development, considering non-economic aspects of well-being equally important as economic growth metrics.
Framework of the Gross National Happiness Index Developed by the Government of Bhutan:
The Gross National Happiness Index serves as a singular measure of collective happiness and well-being. The GNH Index, developed by the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, employs the Alkire-Foster method for multidimensional measurement, categorizing individuals into four groups: unhappy, narrowly happy, extensively happy, and deeply happy.
The GNH analysis assesses current happiness levels and aims to enhance happiness and sufficiency among the unhappy and narrowly happy individuals through policy interventions.
It encompasses nine domains within four main pillars:
1.Good governance
2.Sustainable socio-economic development
3.Cultural preservation
4.Environmental conservation.
The nine domains comprising the GNH index are as follows:
1. Psychological Wellbeing: measured by life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions and spirituality.
2. Material Wellbeing/Standard of Living: measured by the per capita household income, assets, and housing value.
3. Good Governance: measured by the government’s performance, fundamental rights, availability of public services, and political participation.
4. Health: measured by mental health, self-reported health status, healthy days, and disability.
5. Education: measured by literacy, schooling, knowledge, and the value of education.
6. Community Vitality: measured by the public’s donations of time and money, community relationships, family, and safety.
7. Cultural Diversity and Resilience: Measured by cultural participation, artistic skills, speaking native languages, and Driglam Namzha (the official code of etiquette and dress code of Bhutan).
8. Balanced Time Use: measured by work and sleep.
9. Ecological Diversity: measured by ecological issues, the community’s responsibility towards the environment, wildlife damage (rural), and urban issues.
UN Resolution on Happiness and Development
On July 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution acknowledging the significance of happiness in development policies.
The resolution welcomed Bhutan's initiative in using Gross National Happiness as a success indicator, recognising that GDP fails to adequately reflect people's happiness and well-being. It also highlighted the role of unsustainable production and consumption patterns in hindering sustainable development.
The World Happiness Report
Initiated in 2012, the World Happiness Report is released annually around March 20th, coinciding with the International Day of Happiness. It ranks over 150 countries based on survey data, evaluating happiness using six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. The report offers insights into global happiness trends.
In the 2024 report, Finland maintained its position as the happiest nation for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely by Denmark and Iceland. Lithuania entered the rankings at the 20th spot, while Afghanistan ranked as the least happy nation, succeeded by Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe.
See also
- Diversity
- Ethics
- Equity
- Financial inclusion
- Financial wellbeing
- Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)
- Governance
- Gross domestic product (GDP)
- Happy Planet Index (HPI)
- Inclusion
- SDG 4 - Quality education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education & lifelong learning opportunities for all
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- Welfare
- Wellbeing
