Inputs to NHR
Common Input Parameters to National Happiness Rating (NHR or GNH)
These are usually grouped into domains or pillars. Below are the key ones:
1. Psychological Wellbeing
- Life satisfaction
- Stress levels
- Emotional balance (positive vs. negative emotions)
2. Health
- Physical health status
- Mental health access and outcomes
- Life expectancy
3. Education
- Literacy rate
- School attendance
- Educational attainment
- Quality of education
4. Time Use
- Work-life balance
- Time spent with family, leisure, sleep
5. Cultural Diversity and Resilience
- Participation in cultural activities
- Language preservation
- Support for cultural traditions
6. Good Governance
- Trust in government
- Participation in political processes
- Corruption perception
7. Community Vitality
- Social support and relationships
- Volunteerism
- Crime rates and safety perception
8. Ecological Diversity and Resilience
- Environmental quality (air, water, biodiversity)
- Access to green space
- Sustainability practices
9. Living Standards
- Household income
- Employment status
- Housing conditions
- Financial security
🧮 Methodology Notes
- Indicators are often survey-based (self-reported happiness, satisfaction).
- They may use objective data (income, life expectancy) and subjective data (wellbeing, trust).
- Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) is a famous example of such a system.
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