Gross National Happiness

Bhutan in South Asia is the “Happiest Country” in the world. How did they achieve this status?

In 1998, Bhutan became the only country in the world to measure Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH measures citizens quality of life and makes sure that “material and spiritual development happen together.” Bhutan offers all of its citizens free education and free health care. Bhutan is the only Buddhist Kingdom in the World and has preserved much of their culture since the 17th century by avoiding globalization. Up until ten years ago, internet, television, and western dress were banned from the country. 

In 2007, Bhutan had the second fastest growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world, while additionally maintaining their environment and cultural identity. 

In 2008, 28-year-old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck won Bhutan’s first democratic election and became president. He promised to maintain a stance of protection against the worst aspects of globalization, maintaining the ‘Gross National Happiness.’

Photo by: Prakash Mathema.