Home > Bhutan’s Unique Development Philosophy

Bhutan has a unique approach to development which stresses that development must contribute to the maximization of Gross National Happiness (GNH) not Gross National Product alone. The concept of GNH emphasizes that the happiness of the Bhutanese people should be at the forefront of all development activities.

GNH indicates that development has many more dimensions than that associated with Gross National Product and that it should be understood as a process that seeks to maximize happiness rather than simply economic growth. It places the individual at the center of all development efforts and recognizes that the individual has material, spiritual and emotional needs.

The four pillars of GNH are sustainable and equitable socio-economic development; conservation of the environment; preservation and promotion of culture and good governance.