Gross National Happiness: The Country of Bhutan and Its Unique Model of Governance

in travel •  8 years ago  (edited)

[Photo: nomadicexpeditions.com]

How many of you know of a country called Bhutan?

Bhutan, a quaint Kingdom in the eastern Himalayas, is unique in many ways. Besides the stunning scenery, their approach to life and their economic policy is a unique reminder, and a wake up call, for the world that things can indeed be done in a different way.

And to do things in a different way, you need to start thinking differently.

[Photo: Wikipedia]

Gross National Happiness Vs Gross Domestic Product.

Most countries in the developed economy measure their progress as the Gross Domestic Product, which basically shows how much money has been made that year. It is supposed to be a measure of the health of the nation, but what about the health of the populace?

Bhutan, as a country is focused on the happiness of its people rather then inquire how much they made that year. And they went a step further and incorporated this fact into their constitution so that when an annual report of this country is published, it reflects the happiness of the people and not their financial gains.

[Photo: Wikipedia]

Happy Surroundings and a Happy People.

I put below a few photos of Bhutan which shows the surroundings of a Happy country with very happy people, whose happiness is not influenced by their wealth.

[Photo: Wikipedia]

[Photo: Travel Vogue]

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I wish to visit this place soon! Been dreaming of Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal for a long time now!

You are most welcome to Sikkim, and Bhutan is a five hour drive from here!

That's so cool! :D Fingers crossed for end of this year or early 2017.

Stunning imagery. And a great idea!

A country which monitors citizens happiness is like waking up in the future! Lucky I live just next door to such a place. Thanks!

Yeah, very innovative idea isn't it? If you haven't watched the TedTalks show featuring Bhutanese PM then you should and may be include it in this post.

One of my favorite TED Talks. In a region of the world where growth rates are often tied to the deterioration of the environment, Bhutan is an inspirational story.

Yes this country is incredible. They have a bunch of innovative programme's which should make the world think twice!

Thanks @tshering-tamang I had seen this before but forgot about it. Thanks for putting it here.

I'd actually ran across Bhutan and the Gross Domestic Happiness some years back and found it fascinating. So much so that I use this frequently as a 'setting metrics' example in my utopia/bettering world discussions.

I would love to see more people exposed to this idea!
Thank you for sharing this!