Less Known Significant Facts Of Bhutan

Gross National Happiness

If there’s a country in the world in which prosperity and progress are measured by the happiness of the citizens apart from taking the measurement from the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the country will be none other than the beautiful and unique country, BHUTAN. The South East Asian country is the first country in the World that switches from the western concept of Gross National Product to Gross National Happiness which is achieved through four foundations: natural environment, good governance, sustainable growth, and cultural values. It’s not exaggeration at all; the people of Bhutan are the most cheerful people you can find under the sun. They are very helpful and hospitable. According to Business Week, Bhutan has been ranked as the happiest country in Asia, and the eighth Happiest Country in the world.

Highest Unclimbed Mountain

Bhutan holds the pride in having the world’s highest unclimbed mountain called Gangkhar Puensum  (24,836 feet) and  In 1994, the Bhutanese government prohibited mountaineering on any peak above 18,000 feet.  So, no one has yet climbed to its peak and it is considered that these areas are sacred. So, Bhutan is home to the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

Land of Thunder Dragon

Bhutan (Druk Yul) is known as The Land of Thunder Dragons. It is due to the violent and large thunderstorms that whip down through the valleys from the Himalayas. The different temperatures from the Indian plains and the high mountains of the Himalayas creates dramatic cloud-scapes that can be seen as you drive over the high mountain passes.

No Smoking

Bhutan is the first country to have banned tobacco in 2004. Smokers will get a hard time here, as Bhutanese  always keep in their mind “Smoking is injurious to Health”; and hence it is prohibited in the country.

Youngest Democracy

The Bhutanese monarchy was founded in 1907.  The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government and the King is the head of the state.  It held its first democratic elections in 2008.  Then, Bhutan has become one of the youngest democratic Countries in the world.

National Dress during working hours

Bhutanese have a tradition to preserve their culture, locals here wear their traditional dress  Gho and Kira during working hours and at the time of entering any place of worship.

Carbon Negative

Of course, Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. Carbon Dioxide is the leading greenhouse gas emission produced by humans, thus it leads to worldwide climate change drastically. Around 72% of the country is still forested, the country has become a carbon sink. Bhutan absorbs more than 6 million tons of carbon per year while only producing 1.5 million tons.

No Traffic Light

Bhutanese hold pride in having so many incredible things in the world. In addition to all of the cited noticeable facts, Bhutan is the only country in the world that doesn’t have a single traffic light in its capital city. Instead, policemen in Thimphu stand at major intersections and direct traffic.It is said that a traffic set was installed, and then it was removed quickly, because the Bhutanese preferred the policemen to a traffic light