Bigger economies. Higher production. Endless growth. Today, that’s how the modern world measure success. Money is a main driver and is chosen as the yardstick to measure a country’s worth. But in a small Himalayan kingdom, things are different.
Bhutan doesn’t just ask, “How rich are we?”
Instead, it asks, “Are we happy?”
The Birth of Gross National Happiness
The idea came from Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In 1972, he famously said:
“Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.”
(Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies, 2015)
At the time, Bhutan was opening up to the modern world. But the king believed true progress wasn’t about copying Western economic models. It was about protecting culture, environment, and well-being.
What Does Happiness Really Mean?
Gross National Happiness (GNH) isn’t vague optimism. It’s a structured framework with four pillars:
- Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
- Preservation and promotion of culture
- Conservation of the environment
- Good governance
These pillars are measured through 33 indicators, from health and education to psychological well-being and time use.
How Bhutan Measures GNH
Every few years, Bhutan conducts a nationwide survey asking questions like:
- How much time do you spend with family?
- How connected do you feel to your community?
- How often do you meditate?
The results guide national policies. If happiness in certain regions drops, the government investigates and acts.
The World Takes Notice
While critics argue Bhutan still faces challenges like poverty and youth unemployment, its approach has inspired global interest.
In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling happiness a fundamental human goal. The idea even influenced the creation of the World Happiness Report, first published in 2012 (Helliwell et al., 2012).
Why It Matters Today
Generally, economic growth is the answer to most of life’s problems. At least, that’s what major countries believe. But more and more, it seems that societal issues like poverty, crime, unemployment never really go away despite economic strength.
Bhutan reminds us that a country’s success isn’t only about wealth. It’s also about meaning, connection, and joy.
Maybe it’s time we all asked ourselves… How happy are we, really?
References
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies. (2015). Gross National Happiness. Retrieved from https://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/
Ura, K., Alkire, S., Zangmo, T., & Wangdi, K. (2012). A Short Guide to Gross National Happiness Index. The Centre for Bhutan Studies. Helliwell, J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2012). World Happiness Report. Earth Institute, Columbia University.
