Bhutan is a unique country with a rich culture and history that is often shrouded in mystery. Here are some lesser-known facts about Bhutan:
Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its progress in terms of Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GNH philosophy emphasizes the importance of spiritual, physical, and mental well-being, community, and environmental sustainability.
Bhutan is one of the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdoms, and the religion plays a significant role in the country’s culture and traditions. The country has over 10,000 Buddhist monasteries and temples, and the monks play a vital role in the community, serving as teachers, counselors, and spiritual leaders.
Bhutan is one of the world’s most eco-friendly countries, with over 70% of the country covered in forests. The government has a strict policy of environmental conservation, and the country is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and black-necked crane.
Bhutan has a unique national dress called the “Gho” for men and “Kira” for women. The Gho is a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a belt, while the Kira is a long, ankle-length dress made of silk or cotton.
Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned the sale and use of tobacco products. The ban was implemented in 2010 to promote a healthy lifestyle and protect the environment from litter caused by cigarette butts.
The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, has no traffic lights. Instead, the city relies on traffic police to manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, making it one of the few capital cities in the world without traffic lights.
The Bhutanese language, Dzongkha, has no written script, and the country relied on the Tibetan script until the 1980s. Today, the Bhutanese government has developed its own script called “Choekey,” which is used to write Dzongkha and other local languages.
Bhutan has a national sport called “Archery,” which is a popular pastime and a way of socializing in the country. Archery tournaments are held regularly throughout the year, and the sport is considered a way of promoting physical fitness and mental discipline.
Bhutan is home to the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum, which stands at 7,570 meters. The Bhutanese government has prohibited climbing the mountain since 2003 to respect local spiritual beliefs and protect the environment.
Bhutan has a unique system of governance called “Chhoe-Sid-nyi,” which translates to “dual system of governance.” The system involves the coexistence of a traditional monarchy and a democratic government, with the king serving as the head of state and the prime minister leading the elected government. This unique system is believed to have contributed to the country’s stability and progress over the years.
