Which is the First country to introduce the idea of prioritizing happiness over economic growth?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Bhutan
Explanation
Bhutan is the first country in the world to introduce the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of progress, explicitly prioritizing the collective happiness and well-being of its citizens over mere economic growth (Gross Domestic Product - GDP). This unique philosophy dictates that true development takes place when material and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand, reinforcing each other.
The other options are incorrect because they have historically relied on conventional economic metrics like GDP or Gross National Product (GNP) to evaluate national progress and development. While countries like India, the USA, and China have recently initiated various social development and mental well-being programs, none of them pioneered or formally adopted an overarching national governance index centered primarily on happiness over economic output.
Key Points
The term Gross National Happiness was coined in 1972 by Bhutan's fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The concept implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach toward notions of progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of well-being.
The GNH framework is built on four major pillars: Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture, Conservation of the Environment, and Good Governance.
Additional Facts
Bhutan's commitment to this philosophy is legally institutionalized; the country's constitution mandates that at least 60% of its total land area must remain under forest cover for all time to ensure environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Bhutan's focus on happiness inspired international dialogue, leading the United Nations to pass a resolution in 2011 placing happiness on the global development agenda, which eventually led to the creation of the annual World Happiness Report.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which international body or report officially ranks countries globally based on their citizens' self-reported happiness and well-being?
Answer: The World Happiness Report, published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks countries globally based on factors like GDP per capita, social support, and healthy life expectancy.
Question: What are the nine domains used by Bhutan to break down and calculate the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index?
Answer: The nine domains are psychological well-being, health, time use, education, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and resilience, and living standards.