This article, The economics of Happiness, was quite clever and interesting to read. It gave statistics on the GDP of Arab countries, with an interesting correlation to happiness. The article also discussed Maslow's pyramid of needs, and made comparisons to the income levels of average citizens. I found the article informative, interesting and full of interesting comparisons relating to macro economics. I will let my view point slide in where applicable regarding the inclination that money is equal to that of true happiness. .
The Gross Domestic Product of Arab countries has doubled from $374.6 billion in 1985 to 750 billion in 2002 (doubled). Also, income per capita has risen from $1,960 to $2,540. These numbers are astounding! The government will sometimes make the comparison of GDP relating to overall happiness, that when someone has higher income or access to more goods, they are automatically apt to be happier in life. This assumption would imply that access to more goods is the object of ones desires. .
Maslow's pyramid of needs would be supported by the above examples, where money does not automatically mean happiness. The article goes on to explain how quickly we adjust to the luxuries in life, i.e. heat, cell phones, cars, etc. Things that were once considered luxuries are now considered essentials. So, the additional income we received is now spent as if it were an essential need. The bottom of Maslow's pyramid are the basic needs of life, not getting to true happiness until the top of the pyramid at self actualization. Note, there is no reference to the amount of goods or money ones has, just that one is appreciative with the material objects they currently own. You can live in a one bedroom apartment in a "bad" part of town and be quite a happy person, or you can live in a mansion with maids and servants and be bitterly unhappy. .
There are many reasons why higher income levels and GDP should not be considered automatic indicators of happiness, especially in Arab countries.