Until the middle of the 20th century, the happiness of a population was only measured according to economic criteria, such as GDP. For only around 50 years, we have tried to create methodologies in order to measure life quality as it is genuinely perceived.

"Happiness, a question of culture" (Nicole Chiasson). A survey compared the dominant factors of happiness in South America and Latin America. The result is clear: in the North, people are sensitive to personal freedom and
materials resources, although in the south, religious commitment and family links have the biggest impact on the individual happiness.

Measuring the global happiness of a society and identifying its critera is indispensable for leading a development in harmony with the population, a development which respects its values. But this seems very complicated, if not impossible! So the aim is trying to understand and approaching the differences.

From this perspective I will base my project. I am not sure if I will find the key of this subject, in-fact I don't know what I am going to find. I will observe, analyze and try to understand and compare by immersing myself in the daily life of different communities of the world.

I will conduct interviews, take video footage and many photographs. From this I hope to take the most from it. When I return home I will edit the movie which will be complemented with an installment about my study and include my photographs. I will share my discoveries as much as possible.

Don't hesitate to input on the forum, for any ideas, or advice.  Please fill the online questionnaire, which will allow me to make a statistical survey about the subject.

"In developed countries, with democratic regime and market economy, for around fifty years, the level of life, material comfort, and consumption have considerably increased. For all that, the level of satisfaction has not kept up."(Paradoxe d'Easterlin)

Maslow :The needs pyramid

Schwarz: Day reconstruction method

Veenhoven: The world database of happiness

Seligman: Authentic happiness

Buddhism and happyness