Ideas worth spreading

The Happy Planet Index

2,671,539 views | Nic Marks • TEDGlobal 2010

Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity -- instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.

Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity -- instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You might be surprised.

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About the speaker

Nic Marks

Happiness researcher

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Nic Marks gathers evidence about what makes us happy, and uses it to promote policy that puts the well-being of people and the planet first. He's the founder of the Centre for Well-Being at the UK think tank New Economics Foundation (NEF).

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The Happy Planet Index

Explore the Happy Planet Index in detail. You can see data for your country, download the report, download a poster for your school or college or even see how you score on the Happy Index.

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If you are a statistician or use statistics in your work then this is an outstanding book you should read.

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Another outstanding book for statisticians or those who use statistics in their work.

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Happiness Works

Explore my new work on 'how happiness is a serious business.'

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Participate in a survey about happiness at work.