Prompt: What kind of progress is the most crucial for a country? Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Although advancing the economy is considered to be the top priority for a country by many governments, some people reckon that progress in other areas is as vital as in the economy alone. Both of these opinions have their merits; however, I am on the side of developing other areas such as welfare services. Ċ It is undeniable that having a huge national budget is the key to rule every aspect of a country, and that is the common reason for nations to invest most of their money in progressing the economy. For instance, either building infrastructure and housing for citizens or buying weapons to protect the nation need money. In fact, these areas account for a huge proportion of the budget. Thus, economic progress is arguably the only way to secure the standards of living of the people. Ċ However, a big economy is not the main factor to determine the quality of life of the people, but the welfare services are. For example, in a survey about which is the happiest country in the world, Bhutan ranks first. Surprisingly, Bhutan is neither a big economy nor a country with a long history, but it has good social security. Most citizens are well educated, and there is no war or unrest in this country. To me, keeping people in their happiest state increases their productivity, and they can develop the economy afterward with great stability. Ċ In conclusion, despite the preference for the economic progress of many governments, I believe that developing social security is equally important for a country, especially in the long term.