Happiness Index started in which year?
VerifiedAnswer: Gross National Happiness Index
Explanation:
The Gross National Happiness Index, commonly known as the Happiness Index, was first introduced by Bhutan in 1972. This revolutionary concept was developed by Bhutan's Fourth Dragon King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who believed that measuring a country's progress should go beyond just economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The concept of Gross National Happiness is built on four fundamental pillars that guide Bhutan's development policies. These pillars include sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation and promotion of cultural values, and good governance. This holistic approach ensures that development considers the well-being of citizens in multiple dimensions rather than focusing solely on economic growth.
While Bhutan pioneered this concept in 1972, the idea gained international recognition much later. The United Nations officially adopted the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal in 2011, and subsequently established the International Day of Happiness on March 20th. This recognition marked a significant shift in how global organizations viewed national development and citizen welfare.
The methodology of measuring happiness has evolved since its inception. Initially, Bhutan used a simple framework, but over the decades, they developed a more comprehensive 33-indicator system that covers nine domains of well-being. These domains include psychological well-being, health, education, cultural diversity, time use, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity, and living standards. Each domain is carefully measured through surveys and data collection to create a comprehensive picture of national happiness.
Today, the concept has inspired many countries and international organizations to consider happiness and well-being as important indicators of national progress. The World Happiness Report, first published in 2012, now ranks countries based on various happiness indicators, showing how Bhutan's 1972 innovation has influenced global thinking about development and human welfare. This demonstrates the lasting impact of Bhutan's pioneering approach to measuring societal progress through the lens of citizen happiness and well-being.
