Bhutan-the land of Gross National Happiness

Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas in South Asia. It is known for its unique approach to measuring progress and development, known as Gross National Happiness (GNH).

GNH is a philosophy and a set of indicators that go beyond traditional measures of economic growth, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The concept was introduced by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singe Wangchuk, in the 1970s as a way to ensure that development in Bhutan was balanced and sustainable, and that the well-being of its people was prioritized.

The four pillars of GNH are sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, conservation and promotion of cultural values, preservation and protection of the natural environment, and good governance.

Since the introduction of GNH, Bhutan has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The country has also maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and traditional values, which are considered important components of GNH.

While Bhutan still faces challenges such as poverty and unemployment, the GNH approach has helped to prioritize the well-being of its people and the sustainability of its development, making it an inspiring example for other countries to follow.