Conglomerate Radar of Happiness in Bhutan

In: Towards Global Transformation: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, The Centre for Bhutan Studies 2008, pp. 110-129 . ISBN 99936-14-42-4

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Abstract

This paper investigates empirically some of the critical aspects of wellbeing, primarily constituting the standard of living in Bhutan, using conglomerative radar perspective and econometric technique. The analysis is based on district level data for Bhutan, pertaining to the year 2005, taken from recently concluded standard of living survey and census enumeration in the country. The study concludes that at a disaggregate level, conglomerates of wellbeing enhancing indicators are important as they tend to contribute to the happiness of individual as well as society. Beyond this level, it is the lifetime satisfaction which is important for happiness. The study suggests focusing on domain satisfaction indicators for poor performing districts in Bhutan.