Bhutan Happiest Country in the World? The Truth Unveiled!
Bhutan Happiest Country? Bhutan is often called the “happiest country in the world” due to its commitment to Gross National Happiness, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being.
It is a small kingdom between India and China in the Himalayas, sometimes called the “Switzerland of Asia. It is a beautiful country with a unique culture and exceptional scenic beauty.
The people of Bhutan are known for their kindness, hospitality, and commitment to preserving their culture and environment.
Bhutan is an excellent destination for those interested in learning more about Buddhism, trekking through some of the world’s most beautiful mountains, and exploring the unique culture of a small kingdom in the Himalayas.
Bhutan Happiest Country? True or False
According to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index, Bhutan considers itself a highly successful country based on the happiness of its citizens over income. The GNH model is based on the idea that a country’s success should be measured by its citizens’ quality of life rather than just economic growth.
But is it true? Although Bhutan has a reputation as the “happiest country”, the World Happiness Report ranks Bhutan 97th out of 156 countries. So why the huge divide in ranking?
This completely contradicts the nation’s grandiose statement of being the happiest country in the world. However, this could be due to its unique system of measuring happiness compared to western standards.
The DailyBhutan blog stated that “The discrepancy in the results provided by the World Happiness Report and the GNH Survey lies in the criteria and methodology used to assess ‘Happiness”
Let’s dive deeper and look at why / why not Bhutan may be the happiest country in the world.
Why Could Bhutan be the Happiest Country in the World? (PROS)
Bhutan’s holistic approach to development emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation, protecting its unique culture and promoting health and happiness.
The government has implemented several policies that promote well-being and sustainability, such as free education, free healthcare and a ban on plastic bags.
ITS STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL
We are all aware of how beautiful surroundings impact our moods. Could the beauty of this magical ancient land be the secret to the locals’ happiness’?
Bhutan is home to dramatic and captivating landscapes, mountain top monasteries and rich spiritual culture, all adding to the overall happiness and life satisfaction.
HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
In Bhutan, preserving the environment is not a law or rule but a way of life. The country’s happiness index highly values the conservation of the environment, and children are taught about its protection and basic farming skills in addition to mathematics and science.
Its people believe that just as it is vital to get good grades, teaching kids to be good people is also essential. Bhutan’s “clean and green” appearance contributes to its stunning beauty.
STRONG CULTURE
Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is renowned for its rich culture, which has been preserved for centuries. Buddhism profoundly influences Bhutanese traditions and customs, promoting kindness and compassion. The people of Bhutan highly regard respect for elders and the environment.
Traditional Bhutanese clothing also reflects their culture. Their clothes are often brightly coloured and intricately patterned. Music and dance are also important aspects of Bhutanese culture, with traditional songs and dances usually performed at festivals and other special occasions.
LESS CONSUMERISM FOCUSED
The people of Bhutan, known to be content with what they have, are less materialistic than other nations. The spiritual beliefs of the Bhutanese make them the epitome of simple living and high thinking.
The country has embraced its centuries-old culture, and even though a monarchy does not exist in Bhutan, the king and queen of the country still reign in the hearts of the people. The present king left the royal palace to promote tourism in the country and now lives in a humble cottage near the palace.
The Bhutanese government have thrived since deciding to promote tourism in 1972. This has made it one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world. The people of Bhutan are content with what they have. They have embraced their traditional values, thus remaining less materialistic than other nations.
THEY DO NOT FEAR DEATH
The Bhutanese have a unique relationship with death that differs from other cultures. They are believed to think of death at least five times a day, which is quite a lot compared to others. They accept death as a part of life and use it as a tool to make meaningful decisions.
Bhutanese view death as a source of motivation and inspiration. They believe that contemplating death stops them from being held back by external expectations and helps them to solve problems. Research confirms that reflecting on death can direct people’s attention to life’s positive aspects.
THE GNH MODEL (Gross National Happiness)
In 2008, Bhutan adopted the Gross National Happiness (GNH) model, proposed by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The GNH model is an attempt to measure its citizens’ well-being and the nation’s prosperity. It is based on four pillars:
- Sustainable economic development
- Preservation and promotion of cultural values
- Conservation of the environment
- Good governance
The model considers both the material and spiritual growth of the citizens and encourages initiatives that promote happiness and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of providing equal opportunities to all citizens and creating an atmosphere of trust and respect.
Moreover, it encourages the government to invest in education and healthcare to enhance the quality of life of its citizens. The GNH model has inspired many countries worldwide and has become a benchmark for development.
NO TRAFFIC OR HOMELESS
Bhutan is considered one of the happiest countries in the world for numerous reasons. For starters, it has no traffic signals, so its citizens are incredibly well-behaved on the roads. This is a huge contrast to most other countries, where people often try to find ways to break the rules.
Additionally, Bhutan has no beggars or homeless people due to its exciting system, which allows a piece of land to those who have lost theirs, allowing them to cultivate it and make a living.
FREE EDUCATION FOR KIDS
The government offers free education up to 10th standard, teaching children the local language and English to preserve their culture and equip them with international competitiveness. To shield the country from western influence, television and internet were prohibited until 1999. Which isolated Bhutan from the rest of the world.
NO SMOKERS
The government strictly regulates tobacco and punishes people for smoking in public. Importing cigarettes requires a permit and payment of a large fee to the government.
FREE HEALTHCARE
Health care is also free and universal, and the country has invested in developing traditional medicine, allowing for local solutions to be found.
SUMMARY & FINER DETAILS
– Bhutan is the only country which measures its growth by happiness
– There are no beggars or homeless people in Bhutan
– It is the only Carbon Negative country in the world
– Plastic bags are banned for ecological reasons
– People of Bhutan prioritize simple living over TV, radio, or the internet – 50% of the country is protected as a national park
– The gap between everyday people and royalty is relatively small
– Bhutan has less pollution
– The constitution requires at least sixty per cent of the land area to be kept under forest cover
– Bhutan is the world’s first wholly organic nation
– There are no traffic light posts in the entire country – The people of Bhutan celebrate the birth of the king and queen’s first son by planting 108,000 trees across the nation
– In Bhutan, nobody is allowed to kill any animals, not even a mosquito.
BHUTAN HAPPIEST COUNTRY – CONTRADICTIONS
Bhutan may be one of the most beautiful counties in the world. Nestled into the tourist hotspots of the Eastern Himalayas, it does, like all things, have some negatives associated with it.
- Bhutan is an undeveloped country compared to others. It lacks good infrastructure and has few natural resources.
- Bare necessities such as electricity and running water are often unavailable, leading to poor living conditions in many parts of the country.
- Bhutan is an isolated country with limited contact with the outside world. This can make it difficult for people to access education, healthcare, and other social opportunities.
- Bhutan’s economy is reliant on hydropower, which brings its own set of problems, including negative impacts on the environment.
Does the answer lie in the contradictions between the statements made in the creation of Bhutan becoming one of the happiest countries in the world?
The answer to whether Bhutan can become one of the happiest countries in the world lies in examining the contradictions between the statements made in its creation.
Conclusions on the “Bhutan Happiest Country” Theory
So is Bhutan the happiest country? It is difficult to answer this question definitively. It highly depends on HOW you score what happiness is. Isn’t happiness a unique experience for a nation or individual based on their preferences for life?
Can a quiz and averages be an accurate document for the world’s happiness?It is important to note that this index is subjective and is based on various factors, including environmental, physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Ultimately, the level of happiness in Bhutan is likely to depend on the individual.
IS BHUTAN A GOOD PLACE TO TRAVEL?
Bhutan is a one-of-a-kind destination, a mystical Himalayan kingdom with a unique Buddhist culture that has embraced modern developments. Its alluring aura of mystery and magic makes it an extraordinary place.
It Has Low-volume, High-value Tourism.
is Bhutan’s way of protecting its culture and environment. Bhutan, renowned for adhering to the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, has a unique approach to sustainable tourism.
With a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, many see it as an expensive destination; however, this fee includes accommodation, food, transport and an official guide, making the cost more reasonable.
Furthermore, visitors can plan their own itinerary and travel in small groups. Low-volume, high-value tourism is the Bhutanese way of preserving their culture and environment, and independent budget travel is not an option.
It is a Highly Unique Destination
Buddhism deeply embeds Bhutan’s culture, and its cuisine features chillies as the main ingredient. Monks check their smartphones, while giant protective penises adorn the walls, combining the traditional with the contemporary.
The Bhutanese make an intriguing and exciting destination with their well-education, enjoyable company, and knowledge of the outside world.
Liked this Blog? Read more on soulful travel here…like our UK Pilgrimage Routes or more travel routes like our Cambodia, Thailand and Laos blogs!
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