Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, the small kingdom of Bhutan prides itself on measuring success not by economic growth, but by gross national happiness. While most countries focus on increasing their GDP, Bhutan has chosen to make the well-being and satisfaction of its people the central priority. The philosophy of gross national happiness permeates all aspects of Bhutanese society, from governance to healthcare to environmental conservation.
Happiness may seem like an unusual national goal, but it reflects core Buddhist values that have shaped Bhutan’s culture for centuries. The Bhutanese have long recognized that inner peace and living in harmony with nature are the keys to true contentment. While Bhutan has selectively modernized, it strives to preserve its spiritual heritage in the face of globalization.
Gross National Happiness Index
First proposed by Bhutan’s Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s, gross national happiness (GNH) is both a philosophy and a measurement tool. It is rooted in the premise that economic expansion alone cannot guarantee a happy population. The GNH Index provides a multifaceted evaluation of development based on mental and emotional well-being, not just material comfort.
GNH quantifies happiness based on 9 pillars: psychological well-being, health, education, culture, environment, good governance, community vitality, time use, and living standards. Taken together, these pillars cover 33 clustered indicators that are regularly surveyed at a household level. Policy decisions in Bhutan are guided by their impact on GNH scores.
Policies and Programs for Happiness
A wide range of government programs and regulations in Bhutan directly support the four pillars of GNH.
Education: Bhutan has a free education system focused on providing skills for life rather than rote academic learning. Students are taught the principles of GNH and learn environmental conservation, empathy, and critical thinking.
Healthcare: All Bhutanese citizens receive free basic health care. The government emphasizes preventive medicine, healthy lifestyle habits, and providing counseling services.
Environment: Bhutan is the only carbon negative country, with 70% forest cover. Environmental preservation is a centerpiece of its policies. Even mining operations must offset four times the carbon they emit.
Culture: Traditional arts, festivals, and values are promoted to strengthen community bonds. Bhutan controls tourism to limit outside influence on its heritage. Media and internet are also restricted.
Governance: Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Elections, decentralization, and anti-corruption measures aim to ensure public trust and participation in governance.
Challenges and Criticisms
Bhutan faces criticism both from within and abroad about gaps between GNH policy and realities on the ground.
Economy: Bhutan remains poor and dependent on India for investment and imports. Job creation is a challenge. About 8% live in poverty, with higher rates in rural areas.
Inequality: Citizens in urban areas where development is centered enjoy better infrastructure and economic opportunities than remote villages. Rural farmers feel marginalized.
Youth: About a quarter of youth are unemployed. Many feel bored and lack recreational facilities. Alcoholism and gang problems are on the rise among youth.
Reasons for Bhutan’s High Happiness
Despite the challenges, many point to Bhutan’s tight-knit communities, appreciation for nature, and contentment with life as reasons why it scores so highly on happiness.
Community: Bhutanese society is collectivist. Families are close-knit and neighbors cooperate. Even in growing cities, a sense of community remains strong.
Nature: With rich biodiversity and Himalayan landscapes, Bhutan’s pristine environment has deep cultural and spiritual meaning for its people. Time in nature is integral to their lifestyle.
Well-being: Bhutanese value health, spirituality, and compassion over material goods and pleasure seeking. Rather than comparing themselves to others, they find meaning in their own lives.
Lessons from Bhutan
While not all aspects may be replicable elsewhere, Bhutan’s GNH model does highlight some principles for nurturing happiness more broadly.
Mental health: Providing counseling and addressing depression should be a priority. Inner well-being is crucial.
Balance: Economic goals alone cannot create happy societies. Social and ecological objectives matter.
Heritage: Upholding cultural traditions, values, and community integrity is key. Rapid modernization risks losing what gives life meaning.
Sustainability: Development that depletes nature or widens inequality undermines present and future happiness. Moderation is important.
Conclusion
As a tiny Himalayan nation, Bhutan has pioneered a new model of development centered on well-being rather than profit alone. While it has room for progress, its gross national happiness philosophy has inspired scholars and governments worldwide to rethink what constitutes success for societies. Few countries walk the talk as vigorously as Bhutan when it comes to making happiness a national priority from the ground up. Both its achievements and shortfalls contain lessons for structuring policy around inner peace and fulfillment rather than materialism.
FAQs
Q: When did Bhutan start measuring gross national happiness?
A: Bhutan first introduced the concept of gross national happiness in the 1970s under King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Measurement of GNH based on a detailed index began in 2008.
Q: What percentage of Bhutanese people are happy according to surveys?
A: On the most recent 2015 GNH Survey, 95.4% of Bhutanese people reported being narrowly, extensively, or deeply happy. Just 4.1% said they were unhappy.
Q: Does Bhutan use any other measurements besides gross national happiness?
A: Yes, Bhutan still measures economic indicators like GDP growth. But these are considered subsidiary to GNH, which guides major policy decisions.
Q: What are some obstacles for Bhutan to improve its happiness levels?
A: Challenges like youth unemployment, rural poverty, and dependence on India pose threats to happiness. Environmental issues like climate change also loom as risks.
Q: How does Bhutan limit outside influence on its culture?
A: Bhutan controls tourism numbers, imposes traditional dress codes, limits TV and internet access, and restricts building styles to protect its cultural heritage.