Analyzing the Impact of Sustainable Development and Corruption on Happiness in South Asian Countries

SDGs are highly interconnected to promote the level of happiness by developing SD as well as effective institutions. Hence, these global objectives and goals cannot be achieved without focusing on happiness of the people around the world. Thus, the present study is conducted to examine the impact of SD and Corruption on happiness in selected South Asian economies (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) during the period from 2012 to 2022. SDI (sustainable development index) value of SL is higher in region with the mean score of 0.83 while Pakistan mean score is lowest (0.58). India and Nepal have least scores in happiness with an average of 4.27 and 4.78 respectively. The regression results of this study are estimated by employing FGLS method. Findings of the study indicated that SD is positively significantly related to happiness. In contrast, corruption negatively affect the happiness of people. This study suggests promoting the level of green technology as well as friendly energy projects which are the major components of SD. The study also suggests that laws related to bribery and accountability should be addresses at every level to reduce the corruption.