Development Philosophy of Bhutan

Economists all over the world have argued that the key to happiness is obtaining and enjoying material development. Bhutan however, adheres to a very different belief and.advocates that amassing material wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness. Bhutan is now trying to.measure progress not by the popular idea of Gross Domestic Product but through Gross National Happiness.

While conventional development models stressed economic growth as the ultimate objective, the concept of Gross National Happiness is based on the premise that true development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occurs side by side to complement and reinforce each other.

While the emphasis is placed on both, prosperity and happiness, the latter is considered to be more significant. Thus, Gross National Happiness is now being fleshed out by a wide range of professionals, scholars and agencies across the world.

The philosophy of Gross National Happiness has recently received international recognition and the UN has implemented a resolution “recognizing that the gross domestic product does not adequately reflect the happiness and well-being of people”, and that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human