So, it would appear that being miserable just isn't sustainable!
Previously in the life of this blog I discussed happiness under Affluence, Sustainability and Happiness - an unholy trinity and the intrinsic role happiness may have in defining sustainability.
This week I was introduced to the Happy Planet Index (HPI) and for those who are curious to find out more, please feel free to follow the link. While you are there, take the survey and get an indication of your own HPI score.
The concept is compelling - to calculate the "ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered around the world". It's not about the happiest people (note that Bhutan has a HPI of 58.5 - in the middle of the rankings) but rather the "relative efficiency with which nations convert the planet’s natural resources into long and happy lives for their citizens".
For a quiet read and contemplation, try the full report so you too can discover all the elements contributing to why with a HPI of 76.1, Costa Rica tops the list. I was surprised to learn that Costa Rica has a very high life expectancy which wasn't something I had associated with Latin/Central America. Unsurprisingly the country at the bottom of the list is Zimbabwe (HPI of 16.6), and directly above it, many of the sub-Saharan countries who are its neighbours.
The elements of happiness are many and varied, as too are their effects on individuals. If you take the survey you may be quite surprised by some of the recommendations. For mine, the recommendation that those who live alone should find themselves a flatmate makes an erroneous assumption - that any company shall make us happy. For those who have ever shared a house/room/flat, you can probably see some of the potential flaws in the model!
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