Gross national happiness

In the vast majority of countries around the world, great importance is attached to the economic efficiency and economic wealth of the country and its inhabitants. Bhutan measures gross domestic product as well as gross national happiness. In this article, we want to tell you what is behind this.

Definition of gross national happiness

The gross national happiness (GNH) or also Gross National Happiness is a concept that was developed in Bhutan. It serves as an alternative measure to gross domestic product (GDP). Instead of measuring only economic growth, GNI looks at the quality of life of citizens in a holistic way and focuses on the humanistic, social and psychological aspects. In conjunction with GDP, the GNP is intended to reflect the overall well-being of the country and its inhabitants.

History of the BNG

The belief that the government is responsible for the happiness of its people has a long tradition in Bhutan. The following quote can be found in a legal code from the early modern period: "If the government cannot create happiness for its people, then there is no reason for the government to exist." The kings of the small kingdom have long taken this to heart and set happiness as their goal for development. Happiness.

The term Gross National Happiness was coined in 1979 by the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He was asked about gross domestic product during an interview and his spontaneous answer was that gross national happiness was much more important for Bhutan than GDP. For the next 20 years, the term only symbolized Buddhist values and did not conceal any government measures.

It was only in 1997 that Five-year plan and in 1998 the Prime Minister Jigme Thinley presented the four pillars of the concept.

The four pillars of the BNG

Gross National Happiness is based on four pillars: Sustainable and equitable socio-economic well-being, cultural preservation, environmental protection and good governance. These pillars form the foundation for a holistic assessment of progress:

• Sustainable and equitable socio-economic well-being: Each generation is responsible for ensuring that its way of life does not have a negative impact on future generations. The principle of sustainability states that only real needs have value and that consumption should be limited in order to leave enough opportunities and resources for future generations. All areas of society should be balanced.

• Preservation and promotion of culture: Bhutan's culture is unique because the small country was never colonized. The values are defined a lot by social interaction, art and practices. Friendships are very important, as is caring and sharing with others. Traditional crafts are protected by the government and passed on to younger generations.

• Protection of the environment: Nature, and forestation in particular, plays a key role in Buddhism. Trees are regarded as the creator and nurturer of all forms of life. The constitution of the kingdom stipulates that 60% of the land must always be forested. However, living in harmony with nature is not only a major concern for the government, but also for the population. Voluntary tree planting campaigns are launched time and again.

• Good government funding: This pillar is fundamental for the other three to function. Although Bhutan is a kingdom, the fourth king transformed the original absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy in order to distribute the government activities among several people.

Survey of the BNG

The data on gross national happiness is collected on the one hand through surveys, for which a special questionnaire has been created that asks about various aspects such as a person's level of education, emotionality and spirituality, as well as their economic capital. On the other hand, various commissions within the government are responsible for monitoring compliance with the measures.

Reception worldwide

The idea of Gross National Happiness has attracted worldwide attention and stimulates discussion about alternative measures of well-being. While traditional economic indicators provide important information, the concept of Gross National Happiness emphasizes the importance of aspects such as health, education, social harmony and environmental protection for the true well-being of a society. Since 2011, the UN has been measuring the life satisfaction of many of the world's peoples and publishing a World Happiness Reportwhich is based on Bhutan's Gross National Happiness.

In a world that is often driven by material goals and short-term gains, Gross National Happiness offers an approach that prioritizes the long-term well-being of people and the planet. Bhutan serves as an inspiring example of how a nation can realign its priorities to promote a fulfilling and more sustainable life for its citizens.

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