This paper discusses and illustrates the analytical foundations of international comparisons (or benchmarking) for assessing a country's potential for improvement along various dimensions of social and economic development. By providing a methodology for international benchmarking, discussing...

Guided by its philosophy of gross national happiness, Bhutan achieved strong growth during 1981–2011, and its per capita gross domestic product more than quintupled, with hydropower as the main growth driver. The government’s conscious efforts to invest in socioeconomic programs have helped...