Gross National Happiness. Bhutan's Goal of Develpment

Literature Review from the year 2009 in the subject Politics - Topic: Development Politics, , language: English, abstract: Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the philosophy that embraces every aspect of development policies in Bhutan. It is based on the idea that a balance between spiritual and material development for its people is the middle path for development towards the attainment of happiness for its people. In short GNH means development with values. The concept of GNH as a unique and primary development philosophy was initiated and coined by His Majesty, the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty believes that "e;Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product"e; and therefore a people centered development with happiness as the end goal is what it should be for Bhutan. This essay provides an overview over the GNH as a goal of development in Buthan and presents the four pillars of the Gross National Happiness.