Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Candlefocus EditorGross National Happiness (GNH) is a metric of economic and moral progress that was introduced in the 1970s by Bhutan as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GNH focuses on measuring a nation's happiness and wellbeing instead of its production and accumulation of material wealth. The concept was developed by Bhutan’s monarch, Jigme Singe Wangchuck, who sought to prioritize social and environmental concerns over economic growth.
The four pillars of GNH are good governance, sustainable development, preservation and promotion of culture, and environmental conservation. Good governance is an important part of GNH, including initiatives that promote equitable and effective government and policies that are developed with the well-being of citizens in mind. Sustainable development combines strategies to promote economic growth with efforts to protect and nurture the environment. The preservation and promotion of culture ensure that citizens’ traditional values, practices, and spiritual beliefs remain relevant in modern society.
When considering new laws, the Bhutanese government takes into account multiple factors related to GNH. Existing laws are regularly reviewed and adjusted in order to maximize the effects of GNH. The government pays particular attention not only to economic growth, but also the social and environmental impacts of its public policymaking decisions. For example, the Bhutanese government funded education programs to help protect and empower women, as well as insisted on policies that protect the environment, cultural heritage, and traditional customs.
As a result, Bhutan has achieved higher standards of living, greater social security, and improved environment protection, all without sacrificing traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs. GNH has fostered a shift from viewing economic growth as a stand-alone goal to viewing it within the greater context of wellbeing and sustainability.
GNH is now being adopted by other countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada. Advocating for GNH can help nations transcend the zero-sum game sweeping the world today, and break the chains of GDP dependence by developing a model focused on long-term health and wellness. As Gross National Happiness takes hold around the globe, we all have much to gain.