The kingdom of Bhutan – a small country nestled deep in the Himalayan mountains, has a unique approach to economics. While most countries focus extensively on Gross National Product, Bhutanese culture is rooted in Gross National Happiness. In the 1970s the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, adopted the idea. The approach seems to be working – in 2006 Business Week ranked Bhutan as the 8th happiest country in the world.
It turns out Bhutan was onto something when it put more value in its people and less in its economy. Today, March 20th, marks the United Nation’s first International Day of Happiness. Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. Secretary-General, spoke on behalf of the U.N.’s 193 member states:
“On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”
We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty excited about the first-ever International Day of Happiness. So smile, say a kind word to someone, give a hug, share a laugh, and just be happy. In the meantime, check out the U.N.’s report on World Happiness below:
(Photo credit: Womens 9)
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