Gross National Happiness and sustainability of Bhutan

Even before entering Bhutan, I knew it would be unique because its development is measured in Gross National Happiness than Gross Domestic Product.

What is Gross National Happiness?
Bhutan is really a tiny nation, and it’s economy is very negligible. The two main sources of it’s economy are hydro-electricity and tourism. But Bhutan’s primary focus is not to improve its economy but to make it’s people happy, so it adopted a new concept known as Gross National Happiness. This concept was first introduced by the Fourth Dragon Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972. Though this king was leading his kingdom into modernization, he wanted to protect its traditional culture, thus this concept was introduced. Gross National Happiness, is measured in metrics of health(physical and mental), living standards, good governance and culture preservation.
Happiness on a kids face

Sustainability Of Bhutan
Bhutan is heavily dependent on India for all its needs. There are no industries in Bhutan and all the goods are imported from India and few from China. Bhutan has really small Army and most of its training to them is provided by the Indian Army. The roads are laid by the Indian contractors. Bhutan is so heavily dependant on India that it valued its currency know as the Ngultrum equal to the Indian Rupee.

Bhutanese Happiness
Yes, Bhutan is really a happy nation though they are not economically not the greatest, they are happy in what they have. The happiness shows in their faces, whether they are rich or poor, young or old. View the happiness in Bhutanese faces on my Flickr channel.

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Sai Karthik Reddy Mekala

Karthik Reddy has been traveling around the world since completing his M.B.A in 2012. He is passionate about photography, trying out new food, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and explore places solo.

3 Responses

  1. k sharma says:

    wow great article, I have learned a very new concept today. You guys are doing a great job providing such useful information. Thanks again.

  2. lasgidivibesng says:

    great content . and lovely pics

  3. Monisha says:

    Wow, reading about Bhutan’s approach to development through Gross National Happiness truly warmed my heart! It’s refreshing to see a nation prioritize the well-being of its people over economic growth. In a world often obsessed with GDP, Bhutan sets a remarkable example of focusing on what truly matters: the health, happiness, and cultural preservation of its citizens.

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