HDI : 0.727 ( High ) HPI : 40.7 ( 3rd ) GGE : 3.75 NSC : N / A

HDI : 0.683 ( Medium ) HPI : 40.3 ( 5th ) GGE : 2.66 NSC : N / A

Despite having the lowest HDI rank on our list , Vietnam has already obtained one of the world ’ s highest Happy Planet Index rankings . Rather than developing at any cost and then seeking to undo the resulting environmental damage , the country has achieved sustainability at the outset with high investment in renewable energy and anaerobic technology for electricity generation .

Despite little investment in solar energy , Colombia – one of just a few of the Americas countries to rank – has been able to achieve high development with low greenhouse gas emissions , a feat made possible by its abundant hydroelectric resources which provides 70 % of the country ’ s power . The government has also made massive commitments to the creation of national parks and green spaces . Some building works have replaced steel with bamboo , which has proven just as durable . This has allowed the country to achieve swift economic growth while maintaining a high Happy Planet Index score .

28 August 2017