When you hear about Bhutan being this “happy nation” and the only carbon-negative country, it can sound a bit like a fairytale, right? But honestly, it’s real and something you can genuinely sense when you’re there. It’s not just some PR spin; it’s how they live.
The whole idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH) is at the heart of everything. It’s not just a fancy phrase here. It’s how they make decisions. They put well-being before just making money. For instance, they’re super cautious about protecting their forests—over 70% of the country is covered in trees! And they have strict laws to keep it that way. Farmers still use old-school organic methods, and even tourism is controlled so they don’t wreck the environment or their culture.
As a visitor, you’ll see this in the little things. When you go to a monastery, the monks might explain how their spiritual beliefs connect to taking care of the earth. When you’re hiking, your guide might tell you how the locals see the mountains as sacred, and that’s why they treat the land with so much respect. Even the buildings are designed to look traditional, blending the old with the new.
One of the most amazing things is seeing a village festival. It’s about people coming together, sharing stories, and keeping their traditions alive. And suppose you’re curious about how they do sustainability. In that case, you can visit local groups that support organic farming or watch artisans making things by hand, just like they’ve done for generations.
Of course, Bhutan isn’t perfect, and they have their challenges like everyone else. That said, Bhutan faces challenges like youth migration, the rising cost of living, and balancing modernization while preserving its cultural and environmental commitments.
But what’s different is how they’re actively trying to balance progress with keeping their values. As a visitor, you’re not just watching this—you become a part of it. It’s a unique chance to see a country that chooses to protect its future and hold onto what’s truly important.
