The Happy Planet Index

The Happy Planet Index (HPI) measures how efficiently countries convert environmental resources into long, happy lives for their citizens. It considers three main factors: life expectancy, experienced well-being (how happy people are), and ecological footprint (the environmental impact). A high HPI indicates a country that sustains the well-being of its population without depleting natural resources. Essentially, it rewards countries that achieve high happiness and health with a smaller ecological cost, emphasizing sustainable well-being over sheer economic growth.