12 Things About Bhutan Which Makes It One Of The Best Country To Live In

Situated among the mighty mountains of Himalayas on the eastern edge, Bhutan is an enchanting country. A Buddhist kingdom landlocked from all sides, Bhutan is known for its monasteries, dzongs and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. It is a great Himalayan kingdom shrouded in mystery and magic where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global rise and development.

With a harmonious population of below a million, Bhutan stands out from the rest and the for it are as follows:

1. One and only nation in the world to project its global development in terms of “Gross national happiness”

Gross National Happiness is the philosophy that guides the government of Bhutan. It includes an index which is used to measure the collective happiness and well-being of it’s population. Since 1971 onwards Bhutan has stopped making use of Gross Domestic Product as the only means of estimating national growth and development.

2. Not even carbon neutral, the only carbon negative country in the world

Bhutan is a small country in terms of area but it is the first country to gain official recognition of being a carbon negative country. The nation produces 1.5 million tons carbon every year but absorbs six million tons of carbon per year. Bhutan is able to achieve this goal which is a far fetched dream for many countries by planting trees in abundance and using electric vehicles.

3. Committed to conservation, Bhutan preserves 60 percent of its land under forest cover

One of the national development goals of Bhutan is the conservation of environment. As mentioned in the constitution, Bhutan preserves 60% of its land under forest cover. As per the reports, currently 71% area is under forests. Free flowing rivers run across the intact forests of Bhutan.

4. National dress code during work hours

Bhutan is a country with its own prescribed dress code. Gho is the national dress for men and Kira is the national dress for women in Bhutan. Gho is a long robe whereas Kira looks like an apron. All Bhutanese citizens are required to wear the national dress code known as Driglam Namzha while in public during daylight hours. The law is has been implanted in order to preserve the culture and heritage of Bhutan.

5. No traffic lights and manually controlled traffic

It’s a matter of surprise and awe that Bhutan is the only country in the world which does not has traffic lights. Instead policemen stand at major intersections and control traffic. Initially traffic lights were installed but then quickly removed because people preferred the policemen. There is only one traffic signal in Thimpu and that too is controlled by hand signals.

6. A country having no railway lines

Transportation in Bhutan covers 8000 km of roads and 3 airports. Being a country situated on mountains, Bhutan does not have railway lines because laying down railway lines on such hilly terrain will be very expensive. Although India has signed a memorandum with Bhutan to connect it with Indian Railway networks.

7. Priests, Nuns and religious leaders cannot contest elections or vote in Bhutan

The country made a shift from absolute monarchy to absolute democracy in 2008. Bhutan’s constitution debars religious personalities from taking part in elections, electoral campaigning and casting vote in order to separate their religious life from the mainstream societal life.

8. Bhutan has no Navy and Air Force

Bhutan is a landlocked country and thus does not has Navy. Additionally, Bhutan also does not have Air Force. India looks after the military training, arm supplies and air defense for Bhutan.

9. No to Plastics since 20 years

It’s no less than a surprise that Bhutanese haven’t used plastics since past two decades. Bhutan banned the use of plastic bags and doma wrappers on April 20, 1999. The ban has been reinstated this year.

10. Smoking banned in public places

Bhutan is being credited as one of the first countries for banning tobacco consumption in action. The consumption of liquor and smoking is strictly prohibited and if found guilty, heavy penalty is levied upon.

11. Sundays have no Newspapers

Bhutanese as a community always prefer relaxation over urgency. They are so much committed to their fixed hours of work that there are no newspapers also on Sunday. It’s a complete off for everyone.

12. Tea with Salt

Bhutanese drink a particular tea which is totally different from the tea which we are used to drinking. The Bhutanese tea is called ‘Suja’ and it has salt in it. The Bhutanese are in love with the taste of tea.