GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS: Bhutan’s Holistic Approach to Development
In brief: Gross National Happiness (GNH) is Bhutan’s visionary development philosophy that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its people over mere economic growth. Introduced by the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1970s, GNH redefines progress by focusing on a holistic approach to development, ensuring that material and non-material aspects of life are equally valued.
GNH is built on four main pillars: Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, Preservation and promotion of culture, Conservation of the environment, and Good governance. These pillars reflect Bhutan’s commitment to fostering a balanced society where the well-being of its people, the protection of its rich cultural heritage, and the preservation of its natural environment take precedence.
Beyond economics, GNH incorporates nine domains – Psychological well-being, Health, Education, Time use, Cultural diversity, Good governance, Community vitality, Ecological resilience, and Living standards. These domains are carefully measured to assess the overall happiness and well-being of Bhutanese citizens every four years using 33 indicators, and results used serve as a foundation for guiding national socio-economic policies, keeping Bhutan’s development path aligned with the principles of Gross National Happiness.