Bhutan's Gross National Happiness for Sustainable Well-being

15 Jan, 2024

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a holistic development philosophy introduced by the Kingdom of Bhutan in the 1970s. Unlike conventional measures of progress such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GNH aims to assess a nation's well-being and development in a more comprehensive manner.

Bhutanese Concept

GNH encompasses nine domains that contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the population. 

Nine Domains

GNH emphasizes a balance between material and non-material values, recognizing that economic indicators alone do not capture the full picture of a nation's prosperity. 

Balancing Material and Non-material Values

GNH promotes the idea of sustainable and equitable development. It considers the impact of policies on future generations and the environment, aiming for a balanced and harmonious approach that ensures the well-being of the present population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable Development

Bhutan has integrated GNH into its policy-making process, guiding the development of the country.

Policy Implementation