Inside the world’s happiest country

Published Mar 3, 2015

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Bhutan - It is known as the happiest country in the world. And now Bhutan has released some spectacular images showing everyday life in the remote kingdom, including a snap of young Buddhist monks taken by the king himself.

The stunning photos offer a glimpse of Bhutan that many will never see - a country where success is measured by happiness instead of GDP - and its gross national happiness takes precedent over material wealth and riches.

It is an unusual idea, first proposed by the former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972, around the time this remote kingdom high in the Himalayas tentatively opened its doors to tourism. The country has since gained almost mythical status as an under-the-radar Shangri-La, where Western visitors can explore a different way of life.

The country has always drawn curious travellers thanks to its majestic untouched Himalayan scenery. But it has just braced for an unprecedented influx of visitors for its first international festival, a 10-day celebration of arts and culture, which started on February 14 and continued until February 23.

To coincide with the fifth king’s 35th birthday celebration and Losar, the Buddhist new year, the festival saw 80 artists and performers, including Indian pop star Lucky Ali and Mercury-nominated UK indie folk artist Nick Mulvey collaborating with the best from Bhutan.

Before the festival, Bhutan released the set of images offering a glimpse of life in “the happiest country in the world” including one taken by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, showing young Buddhist monks against the spectacular backdrop of the King’s Palace.

During the festivities, traditional masked dancers performed alongside contemporary acts from around the world, and visitors were able to attend talks on the latest theories about happiness.

The event also comprised the Bhutan International Marathon and immersive traditional cooking demonstrations from the country’s best chefs.

Until recently, Bhutan has been isolated due to geographical location, allowing it to retain its culture and heritage.

The country is known for its natural scenery, cultural highlights and its welcoming people. It was the first in the world to write environmental protection into its constitution, with a mandate for 60 percent of the area to be covered by forest.

Ten facts about Bhutan

According to World Wildlife Fund:

1 Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people. The government lifted a ban on TV - and on the internet - 11 years ago.

2 Anyone found guilty of killing an endangered and culturally sacred black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.

3 Bhutanese manners dictate that you are to refuse food whenever it’s offered to you. The tradition is to say the words “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with your hands. You can give in, though, after two or three offers.

4 At 7 452m, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan - and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

5 Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the sale of tobacco is banned.

6 Thimphu is one of just two capital cities in Asia that does not have a single traffic light. (The other is Pyongyang, North Korea). There was such public outcry when local officials installed a single signal that it was quickly removed, and a traffic officer was re-assigned to the intersection.

7 A third of Bhutan’s population is under the age of 14; its median age is 22.3 years.

8 Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Among its requirements: At least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times.

9 The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. It earned the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas.

10 Bhutan is one of 43 landlocked countries in the world, Bhutan is about half the size of the state of Indiana.

Daily Mail

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