Gross National Happiness

This first National Human Development Report for Bhutan addresses the development of Bhutan since 1961. The country's approach toward the economic development canters on achieving a harmony between economic forces, the environment and spiritual and cultural values. The report highlights the fact that in Bhutan material progress and accumulation of wealth are not regarded as the ultimate goal. Rather, Gross National Happiness (GNH) is considered far more important than Gross National Product (GNP). Since the beginning of planned development, the focus of the country is placed on enriching people's lives, improving their standard of living and in augmenting people's economic, spiritual and emotional well-being.