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June 15, 2024Social security programs come in all forms. While many countries have traditional pensions and healthcare, others have gotten really creative.
Beyond GDP - Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index
Photo by Anil Sharma httpswww.pexels.comphotoman-people-woman-child-10854321
A tiny country in the himalayan range holds the ocean of wisdom, Bhutan does things differently, focusing on overall well-being. Their social programs don’t just boost economic output (Gross Domestic Product) but also a citizen’s emotional and spiritual well-being, aiming for a higher “Gross National Happiness.”
Baby Basics - Finland’s “Box Baby Package”
Photo by ramon rangel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-sleeping-baby-20646532/
New mums in Finland get a helping hand. They get a cardboard box filled with baby essentials like clothes, bedding, and even a mattress. The “baby box” not only helps practically but also serves as a safe and comfy first bed for the baby.
Baby Basics - Finland’s “Box Baby Package”
Photo by Caio : https://www.pexels.com/photo/flaming-charcoal-closeup-photography-59598/
Being a landlocked country Mongolia faces some of the extreme weather events and freezing cold is no exception for the region. To keep citizens warm the government gives out free coal for heating every year. This ensures basic comfort during the coldest months.
Fighting Loneliness: Japan’s “Loneliness Allowance”
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/joyful-adult-daughter-greeting-happy-surprised-senior-mother-in-garden-3768131/
Japan has an aging population with many seniors living alone. To address this some municipalities offer a “loneliness allowance”. This financial incentive encourages social interaction and helps combat loneliness among the elderly.
Sharing the Pie: Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend
Juneau. Alaska. Photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ via Flickr
Alaska is different. A portion of the state’s oil revenue is given out as an annual dividend to all residents. This is a kind of social safety net, a direct financial injection to Alaskans.
Cash for Conditions: Brazil’s Bolsa Família
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Brazil’s Bolsa Família program gives out financial assistance to low-income families. But there’s a condition – families must keep their kids in school and get them vaccinated regularly. This is to break the cycle of poverty by promoting education and healthcare.
Family Incentive: Iran’s Marriage Loans
Photo by Ihsan Adityawarman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-person-s-hands-holding-a-sand-1146345/
The Iranian government gives out low-interest loans to couples who get married. This is to boost the country’s population by making marriage and childbirth more affordable.
Freedom to Roam: Sweden’s “Right to Roam”
Photo by ALTEREDSNAPS : https://www.pexels.com/photo/portrait-of-a-young-woman-standing-on-a-lakeshore-footpath-with-a-camera-in-hands-17479967/
Sweden has a special law – allemansrätten or “everyman’s right”. This allows anyone to walk, hike, camp or pick berries on private land, to connect with nature. It’s a social program to give public access to the outdoors.
Negative Income Tax (NIT):
Photo by ALTEREDSNAPS : https://www.pexels.com/photo/portrait-of-a-young-woman-standing-on-a-lakeshore-footpath-with-a-camera-in-hands-17479967/
Sweden has a special law – allemansrätten or “everyman’s right”. This allows anyone to walk, hike, camp or pick berries on private land, to connect with nature. It’s a social program to give public access to the outdoors.
