Introduction
It is true that finances influence choices. Economic experts speculate that by observing the actions of individuals, rather than listening to words spoken may reveal peoples’ happiness. In other words, economic growth equals happiness, which translates into actions. To illustrate further, Gross Domestic product is an indication of a country status of living. A higher living status implies accessibility to leisure due to a high income, which affords citizens material benefits. However, some countries defied odds and proved happiness does not rely on monetary factors. This essay will carry out an exhaustive research on the underlying reasons that make Bhutan ranked among the happiest countries yet it is not a wealthy nation.
Reasons why Bhutan is or is not the happiest place on earth
One factor stands out once an individual lands on Bhutan, that is, the simplicity of the nation, and people are warm and friendly in all regions (Boyce et.al, 89). Yes, poverty exists especially in the rural regions but the tranquility of the area indicates happiness and an extended sense of fulfillment.
Critics argue that Bhutan is not a happy place due to the evident challenges within the area. The early democracy was once under monarchy and faced with numerous challenges especially unemployment among the youth (Boyce et.al, 112). However, outside influence eroded its culture slowly giving room to urbanization and adjustment from rural life and farming. In fact, the country had numerous social challenges such as drug abuse and gang violence. For example, law enforcers faced harsh violent from gangs. In summary, critics cement their argument against the happiness of Bhutan.
The concept of national happiness came from Bhutan’s monarch leader who once appeared in the foreign press and claimed that the nation not only cared about the economic condition of its citizens but also happiness of the entire nation (Boyce et.al, 101). Decades later, the leader’s sentiments rippled over time remaining relevant and strong among Bhutan.
After the king’s statements, the nations integrated the happiness rhetoric into four sectors of the nation that is social, traditional, conservation of natural surroundings and accountable leadership(Buncombe, 191). More so, aiming at upgrading the happiness of its citizen, the government end up giving free health care and education. In summary, the happiness principle formulates policies and allocates resources based on the essential needs hence hindering factors that may cause unhappiness.
From personal experience on America a person has to buy happy meal at McDonald while in Bhutan, visitors forget to check their phones. Furthermore, law enforcers and legislators believe that they contributed in making Bhutan a happy place (Buncombe, 191). This shows that society is not under the rushed pressure from the outside world to accomplish tasks
Accumulation of wealth does not automatically turn a country into a happy one (Boyce et.al, 101). United Nation statistics shows that people can free themselves from the love of money and focus on basic concepts hence resulting to happiness.
In short, In terms of ranking, United States ranked dropped and landed in the 18th place. I recent times, government utilizes happiness data to formulate policymaking and creation sound decisions and strategies. Each time happiness ranks drops, it should indicate failure of dealing with societal challenges such as drug abuse and obesity. It is rare not to attain happiness on Bhutan, a Buddhist Kingdom situated between India and China. Portraying happiness and designating it as a tourist destination gives people a chance to share in the happiness.
Reference
Boyce, Christopher, And C. C. By-Nd. "Why I quit my day job researching happiness and started cycling to Bhutan." (2018).
Ura, Karma, et al. A short guide to gross national happiness index. The Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2012.
Buncombe, A Is Bhutan the happiest place In the world? The independent. (2012, Jan 14).
