Like many people I want to learn more about artificial intelligence (AI). This post is part of a series where I experiment with AI tools, share what I build and learn. My hope is that these posts will create discussion around this transformational technology, its use cases and maybe even help others on their journey of AI discovery.
The focus of this experiment was to use AI tools to research democracy, wealth, happiness and health in Europe, create a data visualization, and then write an essay analyzing the data. I’ve used several tools including ChatGPT, Datawrapper and Gemini to create the following:
The Brief
This project was a collaborative effort between human curiosity and powerful AI tools. ChatGPT played a central role in researching and fact-checking data for over 40 European countries across key dimensions: democracy, wealth, happiness, and health. Using public sources such as The Economist's Democracy Index, World Bank GDP reports, and the World Happiness Report, ChatGPT verified every data point - from political systems and economic indicators to health scores and cost-of-living indices.
Once complete, I uploaded the data to Datawrapper to create an interactive data visualization of a map of Europe. The result is an accessible comparison tool that lets users explore everything from political systems to quality-of-life rankings across Europe.
Finally, to synthesize the findings, Gemini was used to craft an essay titled “The Pillars of Prosperity: How Democracy, Wealth, Happiness, and Health Intertwine in Europe.” The essay provides narrative context for the data, drawing connections between freedom and prosperity, and highlighting how political systems influence national well-being.
Together, these tools created a seamless research-to-storytelling workflow, enabling a deep, data-driven look at what makes nations thrive. This project is a powerful example of how AI can augment human analysis and bring clarity to complex global patterns.
It demonstrates how generative AI can accelerate complex research workflows, giving users more time to focus on insights and storytelling. By combining AI and data visualization, I quickly and easily created a tool that’s both educational and engaging.
Data Visualization
Essay
The Pillars of Prosperity: How Democracy, Wealth, Happiness, and Health Intertwine in Europe
Ever wondered what truly makes a nation tick? Beyond the headlines and political squabbles, there are four big ideas that shape our lives: democracy, wealth, happiness, and health. They sound like separate concepts, right? But dig a little deeper, especially here in Europe, and you'll find they're not just linked—they're practically dancing together in a complex, beautiful ballet. This isn't just academic musing; it's about understanding the very fabric of a thriving society. And for anyone trying to steer a country towards a brighter future, grasping this intricate dance is absolutely essential.
Democracy: The Quiet Engine of Prosperity
Let's start with democracy. It's more than just casting a ballot; it's the bedrock upon which genuine prosperity is built. Our deep dive into European data reveals a striking truth: the freer a country is, the richer it tends to be. We're talking about a clear, undeniable link between a nation's democratic health (its Democracy Index Score and Freedom Score) and its economic muscle, measured by GDP Per Capita and Average Salary.
Take Norway, for instance. A shining example of a "Full Democracy" with a near-perfect Democracy Index Score of 9.81. What does that translate to? A staggering GDP Per Capita of $89,690 and an average salary of $65,000. Or consider tiny Luxembourg, another democratic heavyweight, where the GDP Per Capita soars to $141,080 and the average salary hits $84,000. These aren't just big numbers; they're the fruits of a system that works.
Why does this happen? Because democracy isn't just about ideals; it's about practicalities. It builds the kind of stable, predictable environment that businesses crave. Think about it: strong rule of law, protected property rights, transparent governance, less red tape. When countries like Denmark (Freedom Score 97, Doing Business Score 85.3) and Finland (Freedom Score 100, Doing Business Score 82.1) score high on these fronts, they're sending a clear message to investors and innovators: "Your efforts are safe here, and they'll be rewarded." This stability fuels long-term planning, sparks entrepreneurship, and attracts global capital, all of which are vital for sustained economic growth.
Now, look at the other side of the coin. "Authoritarian Regimes" like Russia (Democracy Index 2.03) and Belarus (Democracy Index 1.99) consistently find themselves at the bottom of the economic league table. When freedoms are stifled and power is centralized, the very dynamism that drives prosperity in open societies simply withers away. Sure, there are always fascinating outliers—Ireland's booming GDP per capita ($120,000) despite a Doing Business Score that isn't top-tier might be down to clever tax policies or niche industries. But the overarching message is crystal clear: democracy isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a powerful engine for economic success.
The Elusive Quest for Happiness: More Than Just Money
So, if wealth is the engine, what's the fuel that truly drives a nation's spirit? Our data suggests it's happiness, and its distribution across Europe tells a captivating story. Unsurprisingly, those "Full Democracies" we just talked about? They're also the ones consistently topping the Happiness Scores. Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway aren't just rich; they're also among the happiest places on Earth, perfectly mirroring their robust economies and healthy democracies. This suggests that while wealth provides the means for a comfortable life, it is the broader societal context—often nurtured by democratic values—that truly cultivates contentment.
Beyond raw economic figures, the quality of social support and public services emerges as a critical determinant of happiness. Many of these high-happiness democracies, like Finland (9.1), Denmark (9.3), and Switzerland (9.3), also boast incredible Education Quality & Access Scores. This highlights a crucial point: investing in people—through education and strong social safety nets—pays massive dividends in overall well-being. Even in places with a high Cost of Living Index like Switzerland (98.4) or Iceland (83.4), generous average salaries and comprehensive social provisions ease financial burdens, allowing citizens to genuinely enjoy life. Democratic systems, with their focus on citizen participation and fairness, tend to prioritize these public investments, building a sense of security and trust that goes far beyond material comfort.
But let's be real, happiness is a tricky beast. It's subjective, and sometimes the numbers surprise you. Portugal, a "Full Democracy" with a decent Democracy Index Score (7.90), has a relatively modest Happiness Score (6.0), even lower than some "Flawed Democracies" like the Czech Republic (6.8) or France (6.9). This reminds us that cultural quirks, historical baggage, work-life balance, and even the weather can all subtly influence how happy people feel. It's a complex recipe, not just a simple equation.
Health: The Ultimate Return on Investment
Finally, let's talk about health. A nation's well-being isn't just about its economy or its mood; it's fundamentally about how long and how well its people live. And guess what? The democratic-economic connection shines brightly here too. Our data consistently shows that "Full Democracies" enjoy superior health outcomes, reflected in their Life Expectancy and Health Index Score. Switzerland (Life Expectancy 83.8, Health Index 9.6), Norway (Life Expectancy 82.8, Health Index 9.4), and Sweden (Life Expectancy 82.6, Health Index 9.5) are prime examples, their excellent health systems a direct reflection of their economic strength and democratic priorities. In stark contrast, "Authoritarian Regimes" like Russia (Life Expectancy 72, Health Index 6.8) and Belarus (Life Expectancy 74.5, Health Index 5.5) consistently lag behind.
It makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Richer, more democratic nations have the cash to pour into public health infrastructure, cutting-edge medical research, and universal access to top-notch healthcare. Democratic accountability often means that governments prioritize equitable access to medical services, leading to comprehensive health insurance, well-funded hospitals, and robust preventative care programs. These investments directly translate into longer, healthier lives for everyone.
But here's another twist: health isn't just about how much money you throw at it. Greece, a "Flawed Democracy" with a lower GDP Per Capita ($23,000) and Average Salary ($17,013) , boasts a remarkably high Life Expectancy (82.2) , on par with many wealthier democracies. This suggests that lifestyle choices—like the famous Mediterranean diet, active living, and strong community ties—can profoundly influence how long we live. So, while money certainly helps with advanced medical care, the simple, everyday aspects of life and social connection also play a huge, often underestimated, role.
The Virtuous Cycle: A Holistic Vision for Tomorrow
Pulling all these threads together, we see a powerful, reinforcing cycle. Democratic institutions, by fostering stability, protecting rights, and promoting economic freedom, lay the groundwork for prosperity. This wealth, in turn, empowers nations to invest in crucial social services like education and healthcare, directly boosting the quality of life and making people happier. And a healthy, educated, and content population? They're not just more productive; they're also more engaged citizens, strengthening the very democratic institutions that helped them flourish. It's a beautiful feedback loop, where progress in one area sparks progress in all the others.
Our European data paints a vivid picture: "Full Democracies" consistently lead the pack, embodying this virtuous cycle. "Flawed Democracies" and "Hybrid Regimes" are often caught in a transitional space, showing mixed results, while "Authoritarian Regimes" consistently demonstrate the heavy cost of suppressed freedoms on overall societal well-being.
Of course, no dataset is perfect. We've got some gaps for countries like Liechtenstein, Monaco, Belarus, and the Faroe Islands, where Happiness Score or Health Index Score data is missing. Plus, remember the golden rule: correlation isn't causation. There are countless other factors—cultural quirks, historical events, unique government policies—that also shape a nation's destiny.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for a Better World
The evidence from Europe is compelling: building strong, vibrant democracies isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a practical, proven path to a better life for everyone. Policies that champion the rule of law, transparency, individual freedoms, and economic liberty are likely to pay off handsomely in terms of wealth, public health, and sheer human happiness. For any nation striving to improve its lot, the European experience offers a powerful lesson: strengthen your democratic foundations, and the pillars of prosperity—wealth, happiness, and health—are far more likely to rise together, in a harmonious, self-reinforcing embrace. It's a reminder that true national flourishing is a symphony of political freedom, economic opportunity, and human well-being, played in perfect concert.