Gov’t to Launch National Happiness Index Measurement Next Year

The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has announced that the practical work of measuring the Happiness Index of the Maldivian people will begin next year. 

The announcement was made in an interview with state broadcaster PSM News, following the launch of a workshop focused on defining the core elements of the index.

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The index is intended to assess well-being at the individual, community, and national levels, and is part of the government’s wider efforts to address social issues and promote sustainable development.

Work has already commenced on identifying the key components that will make up the happiness scale. The Ministry of Cities, Administrative Areas and Public Works, which is leading the project, has initiated consultations to gather public and expert input on the proposed framework.

According to the Minister, the framework will reflect the Maldivian way of life, incorporating factors such as culture, religion and economic conditions. The government plans to finalise the framework within the next four to five months, with a pilot project expected to be launched in 2025.

The scale will be developed using international benchmarks, while ensuring it is adapted to the local context. Officials believe that a formalised approach to measuring happiness can help shape future policies aimed at improving the quality of life for all Maldivians.