Logo

Synopsis GDP and GNP are some of the standard economic measures widely used all over the world. However, the emerging scenario has compelled economists and policymakers to think beyond GDP and other well-established quantitative measures. An obvious question comes to our mind: What is the ultimate goal of human life? Everyone wants to be happy, and happiness is certainly a missing factor in the economic measures like GDP and GNP. These well established economic measures are unable to define the level of happiness we attain through our economic growth and development. Thus, there is a need to have an alternative measure of our economic activities. Many measures have been taken by various organizations in this regard. But a tiny kingdom, Bhutan, has come up with a more holistic approach called "Gross National Happiness" (GNH). Bhutan is following economic policies based on the philosophies enshrined in Buddhist culture. This trend has led its people towards holistic well-being. In 1972, His Majesty the King of Bhutan conceptualized the idea of GNH as an alternative to GDP. Earlier, Bhutan was not open to discuss its initiative, but as the concept has begun delivering the desired results, Bhutan wants to make this a global movement. Bhutan's experiment with this concept has invited the attention of the world to this small kingdom. This book is an attempt to understand Bhutan's initiatives, and it critically examines the concept of Gross National Happiness in light of the current global scenario and developments.