Measuring Happiness

A more multifaceted view that goes beyond simple rankings is essential for understanding the true quality of life in each country.

In the age of globalization, the way we measure progress and well-being often comes down to numbers, statistics, and rankings. Among these, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP per capita remain the most widely used indicators of a country’s economic health. But do these figures truly reflect the well-being of a population? While such metrics provide a snapshot of economic output, they fail to capture the essence of what makes life meaningful and fulfilling.

As we dive deeper into the complexities of growth and quality of life, we begin to see the limitations of viewing the world through the lens of nation-states and their accompanying frameworks.

During our two-week stay in Switzerland, my wife and I were initially drawn to what we could learn from the so-called Swiss Model. Switzerland’s reputation for high-quality public services, environmental sustainability, and balanced life prompted us to explore how these aspects contribute to overall well-being.

We found that the indicators — such as GDP, GDP per capita, and other metrics — play important roles in understanding the country’s success. Japan, for example, ranks…