About the data

This graph shows HPI data over time for 25 members of OECD (Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development), some of the richest nations in the world. It uses calculations of HPI scores back to 1961 to take stock of how these countries have progressed over the last 45 years. The results show that, as a whole, they were substantially more efficient at producing sustainable well-in 1961 than in 2005. Whilst happy life years have increased by 15 per cent over the 45 year period, per capita ecological footprints have increased by an earth-shattering 72 per cent.

Explore the data by selecting the indicators shown on each axis, and use the colour and size to compare other features of the countries shown, then press play to see how HPI scores and related measures have changed over time. Tick trails and select particular countries to see a record of their changes.

The method used to calculate the HPI scores over time is described in Appendix 2 of the HPI 2.0 report.