Sarkozy wants happiness used as economic indicator

His own country,known for its leisurely meals,long vacations and labour protections,could outshine more profit-focused economies if nations act on new recommendations in a report headed by two Nobel economists commissioned 18 months ago.

The report,presented to Sarkozy on Monday,offers a raft of factors that governments should take into account when making policy,such as environmental sustainability. But it doesnt specifically suggest a new statistical index.

Despite the lack of detail on Monday,Sarkozy said the French statistics office to change the way it measures progress. But any worldwide shift would require other nations to get on board,and some economists questioned whether rethinking GDP would work.