Bhutan is a very small country located in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas between India in the south and China in the north. Some call it the Last Shangri-la, and the last Buddhist kingdom, and most recently, it has been raved as the country of Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH pervades all walks of life and is the philosophy guiding the country’s socio-economic development.
To us, the Bhutanese, it is known as “Druk” from “Druk-yul” – the land of the thunder dragon. Our country prides in history as being an independent and sovereign country since the time of its recorded history dating back to the spread of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. The majority of the people Buddhists and deeply spiritual. They have lived in harmony with the rich nature and environment with which have evolved a unique identity resplendent with rich culture and tradition.
Fast facts:
Area: 38,394 sq km
Population: 650,118 (2023, NSB estimate)
Capital: Thimphu
Altitude: 590.55ft to 24,770.34ft above sea level
Local time: 6 hrs ahead of GMT
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (pegged with the Indian Rupee)
National Language: Dzongkha
National Flower: Blue Poppy
National Animal: Takin
National Sports: Archery
No places more comprehensively embody traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts than dzongs, the imposing monastic fortresses that appear throughout the landscape. Within their massive walls and measured beams are found items ranging from the most basic and functional to ones of spectacular beauty. Particularly striking are the paintings and statues representing important religious figures. Many intricate and colorful illustrations serve as allegories, dramatizing the continuing struggle between good and evil.
Bhutan is one of the last remaining biodiversity hotspots in the world; forest cover has now increased to over 72% of the country, with 60% of the country under protection. The conservation efforts and the wide altitude and climate range, have contributed to a wide array of flora and fauna. Essentially the country can be divided into three zones: alpine, temperate and sub-tropical. Owing to that, fir, mixed conifer, blue pine, chirpine, broadleaf mixed with conifer, hardwood are the major species of forest types. With about 300 species of medicinal plants, Bhutan also has a variety of about 46 species of rhododendron. Magnolias, orchids, junipers, gentian, Daphne and giant rhubarb can be seen commonly in the country.
Bhutan’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years. Development efforts by the government and rapid modernization have brought about increase in raising the living standard of the Bhutanese people. Today most Bhutanese enjoy the basic amenities such as basic healthcare, education, connected by roads and electricity. The telecommunication services have also reached even the remotest communities with people able to avail mobile services.
Bhutan is one of the world’s last remaining bio-diversity hotspots. The geographical make-up, the location and the presence of all the four seasons makes it unique in its bio-diversity. Bhutan pristine environment is made up of high rugged mountains and deep valleys, rich green forests, housing ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. One of developing paradigms of Bhutan is to conserve it’s the rich environment and rich biodiversity. The importance is very much evident considering the facts that 72% of the total land area of Bhutan is under forest cover and approximately 60% of the land area falls under protected areas comprising of 10 national parks and sanctuaries, and most of all the fact that Bhutan is committed to maintaining 60% forest coverage for all times to come.
Bhutan is renowned for its rich culture and heritage. Everyone who steps into Bhutan for the first time notices the beautiful mountainous landscape and then the people in their colorful national dresses, the traditional houses with green/red roof tops, the amazing majestic fortresses, beautiful paintings and sculptures, among many others.
The conventional method of measuring development has always been through Gross Domestic Product. As such happiness has been, therefore, associated with the wealth of a person or a country. But in recent years research has shown happiness necessarily does not result from a higher GDP or per capita income. At a time when the world cannot slow down despite the deteriorating environment and is yet to come together and recognize that the GDP-driven development is unsustainable. That if we don’t take drastic measures now then we will not leave to our future generation, a world that they deserve, and have the opportunity to see its natural beauty. The fact that the growth at a rapid pace and the excessive greed is devouring our precious planet by depleting the natural resources; contributing to the global warming and exploiting the natural environment.