World map showing the international happiness index. The “luckiest” ones are marked in
light green , the countries that occupy the middle places in the list of 140 countries are marked in yellow and orange, the least “lucky” - in
brown . 2016 data
The International Happiness Index ( English Happy Planet Index ) - an index reflecting the well-being of people and the state of the environment in different countries of the world, which was proposed by the New Economics Foundation in July 2006 . The main objective of the index is to reflect the "real" welfare of nations. To compare the standard of living in different countries, GDP per capita or HDI is used , but these indices may not always reflect the real state of affairs. In particular, comparing the value of GDP is considered inappropriate, since the ultimate goal of most people is not to be rich , but to be happy and healthy .
The IIA is based on common utilitarian principles that most people want to live a long and fulfilling life , and countries strive to do everything possible to achieve the maximum well-being of their citizens, using their available resources wisely and without damaging the environment. Three indicators are used to calculate the index: people's subjective satisfaction with life, life expectancy and the so-called “ ecological footprint ”.
For the first time the IIA was calculated in 2006 - it includes 178 countries. The second time the calculation was made in 2009 - only 143 countries were included in it. At the end of 2009, Costa Rica , the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were the “happiest” countries. The most "unhappy": Zimbabwe , Tanzania and Botswana .