Gross National Happiness (GNH): A Different Measure of Success

Gross National Happiness (GNH) offers a refreshing perspective on what makes a nation successful. Rather than relying solely on traditional economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it focuses on the well-being, happiness, and holistic development of its people. This ensures that social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability are prioritised alongside economic growth.

This fascinating concept originates from Bhutan, where it has shaped national policies and development goals. Built on four foundational pillars—sustainable development, cultural preservation, ecological balance, and good governance—GNH has influenced policy-making in Bhutan and inspired global discussions on well-being as a measure of progress.

In this article, you'll explore the origins of GNH, its effects on Bhutanese society, and its potential applicability in other countries, influencing happiness movements and policy innovation worldwide.

What is Gross National Happiness (GNH)?

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a development philosophy embraced by Bhutan that prioritises happiness and well-being over mere economic output. Instead of focusing solely on GDP, Bhutan takes a holistic approach that integrates emotional well-being, social equity, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation into national policies.

By using happiness metrics and community well-being assessments, GNH helps shape policies that ensure national progress remains balanced, meaningful, and sustainable.

How is GNH Measured?

Unlike GDP, which measures a nation's economic output, GNH assesses well-being through a structured framework. Bhutan's GNH Index is based on nine domains, which provide a comprehensive picture of the nation's well-being:

• Psychological well-being – Emotional and mental health, life satisfaction
• Health – Physical well-being, nutrition, healthcare access
• Education – Literacy, knowledge, and skills development
• Time use – Work-life balance and leisure time
• Cultural diversity and resilience – Preservation of Bhutanese traditions and cultural participation
• Good governance – Transparency, accountability, public trust in government
• Community vitality – Social relationships, volunteerism, and trust in neighbours
• Ecological diversity and resilience – Environmental sustainability and conservation efforts
• Living standards – Income, housing, and material comfort

These domains are measured using extensive national surveys conducted by the Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS) every five years. The results influence policy decisions, ensuring Bhutan prioritises sustainable and happiness-oriented development.

The Four Pillars of GNH

The philosophy of GNH is built upon four fundamental pillars:

1. Sustainable Development – Economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations. Bhutan's carbon-negative status reflects its commitment to sustainability.
2. Cultural Preservation – Protecting Bhutanese traditions, language, and values, including festivals, arts, and spiritual heritage.
3. Ecological Balance – Environmental conservation, including protected forests and sustainable agriculture. Bhutan mandates that at least 60% of its land remains forested.
4. Good Governance – Ethical leadership, transparency, and public participation to ensure policies align with citizen well-being.

By incorporating these pillars into governance, Bhutan has created a unique development model that balances economic growth with well-being and sustainability.

History of GNH in Bhutan

The concept of GNH was introduced in the 1970s by Bhutan's Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In an era where GDP was the dominant measure of development, the king declared:

"Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product."

His vision was to create a nation where progress was measured by well-being rather than just economic wealth. While the term "Gross National Happiness" was first coined in 1979, it wasn’t until the 2000s that Bhutan formalised GNH as a policy framework.

In 2008, Bhutan’s government established the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) to ensure that all national policies align with GNH principles.

Why Did Bhutan Choose to Measure Happiness Instead of GDP?

Bhutan’s choice to prioritise happiness over GDP stems from its unique cultural and spiritual values. Influenced by Buddhist principles, Bhutan believes that true development should enhance human well-being, not just economic prosperity.

By shifting away from GDP-centric policies, Bhutan aims to create a balanced society that values environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and community cohesion alongside economic stability.

Impact of GNH on Bhutanese Society

How Has GNH Shaped Bhutan’s Policies?

GNH has significantly influenced Bhutanese policy-making, leading to key reforms in areas such as:

• Education – Schools incorporate mindfulness and values-based education.
• Healthcare – Free healthcare with a focus on preventative care and mental well-being.
• Environmental Protection – Bhutan remains carbon-negative, ensuring forests cover over 70% of its land.
• Governance – Policies are assessed using a GNH Policy Screening Tool to ensure alignment with well-being goals.

This holistic approach has helped Bhutan maintain high life satisfaction rates, despite being a small, developing country.

 

Criticism of GNH

While GNH is widely praised, it has also faced criticisms and challenges:

• Subjectivity – Measuring happiness is complex, as it involves self-reported well-being rather than objective economic data.
• Economic Limitations – Bhutan still faces youth unemployment, poverty, and limited economic diversification.
• Political Freedom – Some critics argue that Bhutan’s governance model remains influenced by monarchy and tradition, limiting certain individual freedoms.

Despite these criticisms, Bhutan continues refining its GNH framework, inspiring discussions on alternative development models globally.

GNH vs. GDP: Which is a Better Measure?

Key Differences Between GNH and GDP

• GNH measures holistic well-being | GDP measures economic output
• Considers mental health, environment, and social cohesion | Focuses on financial and production metrics
• Aims for long-term sustainability | Encourages short-term economic growth
• Accounts for community and cultural values | Ignores social and environmental costs

While GDP remains the dominant economic indicator, many countries are now exploring happiness-based measures to complement economic data.

Can Other Countries Adopt GNH?

Challenges in Implementing GNH Globally

While GNH is a compelling model, implementing it in other countries presents challenges such as:

• Different cultural values – Not all nations share Bhutan’s Buddhist-inspired philosophy.
• Economic priorities – Many countries prioritise economic growth over well-being.
• Measurement difficulties – Happiness is subjective and culturally dependent, making it hard to standardise.

Are Other Countries Measuring Happiness?

Several nations are incorporating happiness metrics into policy:

• New Zealand – Introduced a Wellbeing Budget in 2019, allocating funds based on well-being indicators.
• Finland – Ranked the happiest country in the world (UN World Happiness Report), with policies supporting work-life balance and social equity.
• United Nations – Publishes an annual World Happiness Report, ranking countries based on well-being, social trust, and economic stability.

While no country has fully replaced GDP with GNH, Bhutan’s model has influenced global discussions on redefining progress.

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy challenges the traditional view of success, showing that well-being, sustainability, and cultural values are just as important as economic growth.

As more nations explore happiness-oriented policies, Bhutan’s unique approach serves as an inspiring example of a more balanced, sustainable path to development.