Happiness and GNP Across Countries
Revised 2 December 2023
Figure 1 below shows happiness and satisfaction with life for people within each country plotted along the Y-axis ranging from 30% to 100% of the population with GNP plotted along the X-axis in United States 1995 dollars.
Figure 1: Happiness and GNP across Countries (Inglehart & Kingman 2000)
About 88% of New Zealanders are happy and satisfied with life with a GNP per capita of $16,000 compared to about 90% of those in the United States with a GNP per capita of $27,00. About 78% of Brazilians are happy and satisfied with life with a GNP per capita of only $3,000.
Do not forget that inequity of GNP per capita between countries also exists within countries. The small percentage of extremely rich people in each country raises the average or mean GNP per capita above that enjoyed by 50% of the country. Many people in each country on less income than the average for that country are nonetheless happy and satisfied with their lives.
Several studies, including that of Wilkinson & Pickett (2009) reveal that once people are above a minimum threshold of income, happiness and satisfaction with life does not necessarily improve to any greater extent with substantial increases in GNP or GDP per capita. It is possible to have happiness and satisfaction with life on an income lower than the average for that country. A dramatic reduction in consumption by the rich countries will not necessarily result in a dramatic decline in welfare and happiness, but a transition to a less materialistic lifestyle will be difficult for some.
The actions we can undertake to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce our impact on the environment will improve the quality of life for families and enhance and promote a greater sense of community. It is as communities we will continue to thrive.