The Happy Planet Index (HPI), calculated by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) ranks countries by combining average life expectancy, life satisfaction and the rate of natural resource consumption. NEF, an independent "think-and-do tank" aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues.

Growing economies, lower scores

Proving that "happiness" is damaged by economic development, HPI shows that fast-growing economies China and India were each happier and 'greener' two decades ago.

India's rapid and aggressive economic growth means that given the criteria for scoring, Bhutan (17th), Sri Lanka (22nd), Pakistan (24th) and Bangladesh (31st) all rank higher in South Asia.

Of 18 sub-regions, South Asia ranks 6th for HPI. Latin America - with 9 of the top 10 countries - tops the list, followed by South East Asia, North Africa and China.

New development model

NEF claim that HPI provides a better way of analyzing the success of a country than through standard measures of economic growth.

NEF researcher, Saamah Abdallah comments, "HPI suggests that the path we have been following is, without exception, unable to deliver all three goals: high life satisfaction, high life expectancy and one-planet living." He goes on to say, "Instead we need a new development model that delivers good lives that don't cost the Earth for all."

To read the full report click here.