Name: The Happy Planet Index
Uploaded: 2010-08-30T01:00:00Z
Duration: 16 min 32 s
Description: Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity -- instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.

Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity -- instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.

The Happy Planet Index

Society has long equated national progress with rising GDP and productivity, ignoring what truly makes life worthwhile. Instead of fueling fear with apocalyptic visions, some countries like Costa Rica have achieved long, happy lives on a fraction of Western resource use. A new approach, the Happy Planet Index, measures success by how efficiently nations create well-being within our planet’s limits. Real progress means prioritizing happiness, health, and sustainability alongside economic goals.