GNH stands for Gross National Happiness. It is a term coined by the former King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972. GNH is a holistic development philosophy which aims to measure the overall well-being and happiness of a nation's citizens rather than focusing solely on economic growth and material prosperity.
Unlike traditional measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GNH takes into account broader aspects of development, including social, environmental, and spiritual dimensions. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, cultural preservation, and equitable distribution of resources. GNH seeks to balance economic progress with social and environmental factors, recognizing that true prosperity is not solely dependent on material wealth.
The concept of GNH encompasses various factors that influence people's well-being, such as living standards, health, education, psychological well-being, social connections, and environmental conditions. It emphasizes the importance of good governance, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic practices to ensure the happiness and well-being of present and future generations.
GNH serves as a framework for policy-making and decision-making processes in Bhutan, guiding the government in creating policies that promote sustainable development and societal well-being. It has also gained international recognition and has influenced discussions on alternative indicators of progress beyond GDP in other countries.
Overall, GNH represents a comprehensive approach to development that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of individuals and societies over purely economic considerations. It seeks to create a more balanced and sustainable approach to development that values holistic happiness over material accumulation.
