共用题干
第三篇

Gross National Happiness

In the last century,new technology improved the lives of many people in many countries.However,one
country resisted these changes.High in the Himalayan mountains of Asia,the kingdom of Bhutan remained
separate. Its people and Buddhist（佛教的）culture had not been affected for almost a thousand years.
Bhutan,however,was a poor country.People died at a young age.Most of its people could not read,and
they did not know much about the outside world. Then,in 1972,a new ruler named King Jigme Singye
Wangchuck decided to help Bhutan to become modern,but without losing its traditions.
King Wangchuck looked at other countries for ideas.He saw that most countries measured their progress
by their Gross Natonal Product(GNP).The GNP measures products and money.When the number of
products sold increases,people say the country is making progress.King Wangchuck had a different idea for
Bhutan.He wanted to measure his country's progress by people's happiness.If the people's happiness in-
creased,the king could say that Bhutan was making progress.To decide if people were happier,he created
a measure called Gross National Happiness(GNH).
GNH is based on certain principles that create happiness.People are happier if they have health care,
education,and jobs.They are happier when they live in a healthy,protected environment. They are happier
when they can keep their traditional culture and customs.Finally,people are happier when they have a
good,stable government.
Now there is some evidence of increased GNH in Bhutan.People are healthier and are living longer.
More people are educated and employed.Twenty-five percent of the land has become national parks,and the
country has almost no pollution.The Bhutanese continue to wear their traditional clothing and follow their
ancient Buddhist customs.Bhutan has also become a democracy.In 2008,King Wangchuck gave his power
to his son.Although the country still had a king,it held its first democratic elections that year. Bhutan had
political parties and political candidates for the first time.Finally,Bhutan has connected to the rest of the
world through television and internet.
Bhutan is a symbol for social progress.Many countries are now interested in Bhutan's GNH.These
countries are investigating their own ways to measure happiness.They want to create new policies that take
care of their people,cultures,and land.
Brazil may be the nest country to use the principles of GNH.Brazilian leaders see the principles of
GNH as a source of inspiration.Brazil is a large country with a diverse population. If happiness works as a
measure of progress in Brazil,perhaps the rest of the world will follow.

According to GNH,people are happier if they___________.
A:have new technology
B:can change their religion
C:have a good,stable government
D:have more money