The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (pc) is one of the six factors used by the World Happiness Index (WHI). However, the GDP also plays a key role in relation to other factors constituting the WHI, as well as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The objective of this study was, by simple means, to visualize and discuss a possible correlation between the GDP pc and the other factors of the WHI, as well as with the 17 SDGs, thus serving as a wake-up call for the more affluent countries, pointing out their moral and ethical obligations toward a more sustainable world. Results suggest that the importance of the GDP pc, independently of the actual GDP, accounts for approximately 23.5% of the WHI. Overall, the GDP pc correlates positively with the other WHI factors. However, the correlation to the perception of corruption stands out, as the positive correlation appears to be in contrast with the fact that actual corruption is negatively correlated with the GDP. The GDP pc was found to be positively correlated with the single SDGs, with significant exceptions in the cases of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), where strong negative correlations were disclosed. In some cases, no correlation was observed, with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) as a striking example that elucidates the global problem of inequalities.
Citation: Lars Carlsen. On the interrelation between Gross Domestic Product, happiness and sustainability goals[J]. National Accounting Review, 2026, 8(3): 347-357. doi: 10.3934/NAR.2026015
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (pc) is one of the six factors used by the World Happiness Index (WHI). However, the GDP also plays a key role in relation to other factors constituting the WHI, as well as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The objective of this study was, by simple means, to visualize and discuss a possible correlation between the GDP pc and the other factors of the WHI, as well as with the 17 SDGs, thus serving as a wake-up call for the more affluent countries, pointing out their moral and ethical obligations toward a more sustainable world. Results suggest that the importance of the GDP pc, independently of the actual GDP, accounts for approximately 23.5% of the WHI. Overall, the GDP pc correlates positively with the other WHI factors. However, the correlation to the perception of corruption stands out, as the positive correlation appears to be in contrast with the fact that actual corruption is negatively correlated with the GDP. The GDP pc was found to be positively correlated with the single SDGs, with significant exceptions in the cases of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), where strong negative correlations were disclosed. In some cases, no correlation was observed, with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) as a striking example that elucidates the global problem of inequalities.
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Lars Carlsen. On the interrelation between Gross Domestic Product, happiness and sustainability goals[J]. National Accounting Review, 2026, 8(3): 347-357. doi: 10.3934/NAR.2026015
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