Understanding Gross National Happiness (GNH)

The question asks about the country that officially proclaimed Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its measure of development. This is a very specific concept tied to a particular nation's philosophy of progress.

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a philosophy that guides the government of Bhutan. It measures the collective happiness and well-being of a population. GNH is considered a holistic approach to development, aiming to balance material and spiritual well-being.

Unlike Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which primarily focuses on economic output, GNH considers non-economic aspects of life and development. It suggests that sustainable development should take a holistic approach towards notions of progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of well-being.

Bhutan and Gross National Happiness

The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) was officially introduced in Bhutan in 1972 by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He declared that "Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product."

Since then, Bhutan has been working to implement the GNH philosophy in its governance and development planning. It is not just a slogan but is intended to be a framework for the country's development policies.

Pillars of Gross National Happiness

GNH in Bhutan is traditionally explained using four main pillars. These pillars guide policy-making and development initiatives in the country:

• Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development: Ensuring that economic progress benefits everyone and does not harm the environment or culture in the long run.
• Environmental Conservation: Protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable use of resources.
• Preservation and Promotion of Culture: Valuing and protecting Bhutanese culture, traditions, and identity.
• Good Governance: Ensuring that the government is efficient, transparent, and accountable, serving the interests of the people.

More recently, GNH has been further defined through nine domains, providing a more detailed framework for measurement and policy:

• Psychological well-being
• Health
• Education
• Time use
• Cultural diversity and resilience
• Good governance
• Community vitality
• Ecological diversity and resilience
• Living standards

Why Bhutan Chose GNH

Bhutan's decision to prioritize Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic indicators like GDP stems from a desire to pursue a development path that is aligned with its spiritual and cultural values, and to protect its unique environment and way of life. It reflects a belief that true development involves more than just economic growth; it includes the well-being and happiness of its citizens.

Comparison with Other Countries

While other countries and international organizations are exploring alternative measures of progress beyond GDP, Bhutan is unique in officially adopting and integrating Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its primary development philosophy and policy framework.

Conclusion

Based on the historical context and official declarations, Bhutan is the country that officially proclaimed Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the measure of development.

Revision Table: GNH in Bhutan

Additional Information: Alternative Development Measures

Besides GNH, various other indicators and concepts have been proposed and used globally to measure development beyond just economic terms. Some of these include:

• Human Development Index (HDI): Developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), HDI measures life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
• Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI): Adjusts GDP by including environmental and social factors, counting some benefits (like volunteer work) and costs (like pollution).
• Better Life Index: Developed by the OECD, this index allows users to compare countries based on 11 dimensions of well-being.
• World Happiness Report: While not a national policy tool in the same way as GNH in Bhutan, this report surveys global happiness based on various factors like social support, freedom, and generosity.

These alternatives highlight a growing international recognition that development is a multi-dimensional concept encompassing more than just economic prosperity.