The Wellbeing of Nations

This world map on happiness was distributed through a Globe and Mail article by Sheryl Ubelacker (28/07/06). It is an interesting perspective, but primarily focused on the social side of well being. It provides a strong visualization but lacks the substance to become a strategic or policy significant map. This map was prepared by Adrian White, University of Leicester
Work on exploring the well being of nation has gone on for several decades. For example Robert Prescott-Allen provides a more interesting and holistic approach in his comprehensive book on "The Wellbeing of Nations: a Country-by-Country Index of Quality of Life and Environment. Co-published by Island Press in cooperation with IDRC, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, IIED, FAO, UNEP and MapMaker Ltd, (the supplier of specially tailored mapping software for this project). An example of one of the many maps in this books is shown below. This map provides a combined ranking and mapping of both human wellbeing and environment well being.

Robert Prescott-Allen has been a co-author on a number of documents of global significance including Blueprint for Survival (1972), World Conservation Strategy (1980) and Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living (1991)

Prescott-Allen's Wellbeing of Nations is an important document for any global strategist and policy analyst. A copy can be obtained through Island Press. Interview is on-line at IDRC.

Original here