We were fortunate to experience this magical, mystical world of elaborate temple fortresses, ancient customs, and mind-boggling Himalayan scenery.
A guiding principle here is the ‘Gross National Happiness (GNH)’! GNH is a unique approach to measuring the well-being and development of a country that goes beyond economic indicators like GDP. It focuses on the holistic well-being of Bhutanese citizens and the nation’s sustainable development. Happiness is a guiding principle for its national development, and the UN World Happiness Report consistently ranks Bhutan among the top happiest countries. This is also one of the safest countries in the world to visit.
Bhutan has a unique system of government for its 750,000 citizens that blends elements of a constitutional monarchy with democratic principles. The King plays a crucial role in the country’s governance. The present king, Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, ascended to the throne in 2006 following the abdication of his father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The past and present kings and royal families are well-loved and respected by the Bhutanese. The monarchy holds a significant and revered position in Bhutanese society, and the royal family is often viewed as a symbol of continuity, stability, and unity. Every building we visited in Bhutan had a picture of the royal family.
Bhutan is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, and most of its population practices Buddhism. There have been, however, some historical issues ( political, cultural, and demographic factors) related to the treatment of certain ethnic and religious groups….which we unfortunately did not get a complete understanding of.
In the early 1990s, the Bhutanese government implemented a policy to maintain the cultural and demographic balance of the country, which led to the expulsion of many Bhutanese citizens of Nepali descent. This group faced forced eviction, and many of them ended up living in refugee camps in Nepal. The resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees has been ongoing, with various countries, including the United States, assisting in this process.
Despite this era of unhappiness in one of the world’s happiest countries….our visit to this distinct culture was a unique and enriching experience. But there is more to learn for sure…six days was just not enough!!