Bhutan's Bold Experiment: Where Happiness Trumps GDP

Shares of global attention have been focused on Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas, where the concept of Gross National Happiness was first introduced by the King in 1972. The idea, which emphasized the importance of happiness over economic growth, was seen as a bold departure from the conventional metric of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, recent data suggests that despite Bhutan's commitment to Gross National Happiness, the country still ranks near the bottom of countries globally in per capita GDP. According to the World Bank, Bhutan's per capita GDP in 2022 was approximately $2,450, which is significantly lower than the global average of $11,400. Despite this, the country has made significant progress in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. Life expectancy in Bhutan has increased from 51 years in 1972 to 73 years in 2022, which is close to the world average. However, the country is facing a new challenge, with a growing number of its citizens leaving in search of better economic opportunities. "We are concerned about the brain drain in Bhutan," said Tshering Tobgay, a former Prime Minister of Bhutan. "Many of our young and educated citizens are leaving the country in search of better job opportunities, which is affecting our ability to develop our human resources." Tobgay added that the government is working to address this issue by investing in education and job creation programs. Bhutan's commitment to Gross National Happiness has been widely praised, but some experts argue that it is not a viable alternative to GDP. "GDP is a more objective measure of economic activity than Gross National Happiness," said Dr. Ravi Kanbur, a professor of economics at Cornell University. "While Gross National Happiness is a useful concept, it is difficult to measure and compare across countries." Despite the challenges, Bhutan remains committed to its unique approach to development. The government has established a Gross National Happiness Commission, which is responsible for monitoring and promoting the well-being of citizens. The commission uses a range of indicators, including life expectancy, education, and environmental sustainability, to measure the country's progress. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of economic growth and development, Bhutan's experience offers a unique perspective on the importance of prioritizing happiness and well-being. While the country still faces significant challenges, its commitment to Gross National Happiness has inspired a new generation of policymakers and development experts around the world.