16 Facts about Bhutan, a country whose customs may be curious to the west

Hidden between the immense peaks of the Himalayas and surrounded by monasteries, Bhutan is an Asian country that has been gaining popularity in the world for the peculiar way in which its people live. Without traffic lights, considering happiness as something of paramount importance and with Buddhism as the basis of everything, this nation seems to be unique, making its visitors feel that time has simply froze there.

the team of awesome.club selected some curiosities about this country. Who knows, after reading this post, it will make it into your must-see list.

In 1971, the Fourth Dragon King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, created the term Gross National Happiness (GNI), as he considered that a country’s economic growth (measured by GDP, Gross Domestic Product) cannot be the only indicator for determine whether or not it is developing. For this, it is also necessary to consider the happiness of its people. Thus, year after year, since then, an official assessment has been carried out that considers 4 pillars: equitable socio-economic growth, preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage, conservation of the environment and good governance.

The concept has been adopted by other nations, even if not officially. In the case of Bhutan, Gross National Happiness is found in the constitution and is more relevant than GDP.

Economists around the world have been watching Bhutan since the country managed to reduce the percentage of extreme poverty in 10 years, from 5.9% in 2007 to 1.6% in 2017. Numbers like these were achieved because the government created programs focused on the areas most in need, supporting agriculture, education and culture. In addition, it paid more attention to infrastructure in rural areas so that rural people could market their products.

Even growing, this country of just 807,610 inhabitants tries not to damage its natural, historical heritage and its urban landscape. For this reason, many of its paths are simple roads that do not need traffic lights. Even in the capital, Timbu, the only such sign you will be able to find will be a policeman directing traffic from a rather peculiar booth.

In Bhutan, you will not find tall or modern buildings, as the architecture maintains the tradition of the dzong, a kind of fortress characteristic of the Tibetan and Buddhist areas that considers harmony with nature, seeking a tranquil and peaceful aspect. Both monasteries and public buildings follow this line, while homes are small wooden houses, all under the same building rules where no railings are allowed and there is no need for designs as they are all the same.

Even though Bhutan is becoming popular, this country wants to prevent too many tourists from arriving, especially those considered to be low-income. In fact, the government has made alliances with some travel companies, and it is through them that people can organize their visit to the country. For this, the first requirement is to be able to spend at least 250 dollars a day including accommodation and food (around 980 reais), money that is deposited in the account of the Bhutan Tourism Board, in charge of paying the agency with which it was made the travel contract.

King Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Queen Jetsun Pema and their son, Little Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, are very popular among their people thanks to their closeness. This couple’s love story began when he was 17 and she was 10, when they first saw each other. Khesar said that when Jetsun was of age, he would like to marry her. Later, Khesar took the throne and married the woman he had always loved, reason enough for the people of Bhutan to have a lot of respect and affection for them. Also, the king’s father is remembered for establishing democracy, taking power from his own family for the sake of Bhutan.

One of the reasons why people want to visit Bhutan is for its amazing Buddhist monasteries including of course Taktshang located in the city of Paro which is considered one of the most impressive in the world.

These places are not only surprising for their architecture and the way they are incorporated into the mountains, but also for the life inside, as in many of them you can see the residents telling stories and performing different activities.

The Himalayan range crosses Nepal, China, India and of course Bhutan. And the country is great for appreciating the magnificence of this set of mountains. And this is, of course, one of the attractions of this country, as wherever you go, there is a unique view of peaks up to 7,000 meters high that are sometimes covered with snow.

Because the architecture blends in with the surroundings, it is not a problem to appreciate these postcards of nature, one of the main reasons why tourists are enchanted by the country.

Nature in Bhutan is also respected due to the fact that 70% of its extension is still forested. This is of great importance, as it is the only country in the world that produces less carbon dioxide than its green areas can absorb, that is, it manages to offset all this gas, which is one of the causes of climate change. Thanks to this, one of the tours that you can take is to travel through mountainous areas and discover the botanical garden, and even camp in the town of Punakha, enjoying the unique vegetation and the purest air there is.

The Bhutanese government’s efforts to care for the environment have borne fruit, and today, 60% of its territory is considered an ecological reserve. For this reason, the country takes care not only of the enormous flora, but also of the fauna.

In its mountains and forests live hundreds of species such as leopards, red pandas, blue sheep and even tigers. And you can come face to face with these giant cats at any time, as they are very common in any part of the country. The national animal is the takin, a mammal that is found only in this part of the Himalayas.

A bit against the tranquility of its people, there is a tolerance for the highly spicy flavor, because in none of the 3 meals of the day can you miss a dish loaded with pepper and other similar seasonings. Among the typical food that one can find in Bhutan is spicy cheese and, as the Bhutanese themselves say, it is impossible for a dish to be good if it does not meet these standards.

Unlike many western cultures, in Bhutan religion is not learned or fostered in school. In its constitution it was established that both its inhabitants and the people who visit it can practice whatever belief they wish. However, 75% of the country is Buddhist, a philosophy by which everyday life is governed.

If, here in Brazil (and in a good part of the world), the passion is for football, in Bhutan, the national sport is archery, considered as such since 1971. The inhabitants of the country learn from a very young age to use the bow and the arrow. In addition to there being inter-group tournaments where everyone comes out to support their favorite, the practice is held during important events such as festivals, religious ceremonies and other festivities.

Caring for the environment has its rewards and, for Bhutan, one of them is that it is possible to sustainably use all resources. And if you want to know which sector has grown the most in recent years, we reveal it here: it is hydroelectricity. This segment takes advantage of the country’s rivers. Another sector is the manufacture of products made with bamboo, from backpacks to hats and rugs, all in a sustainable way.

Bhutan has 50 species of azaleas, and to commemorate this fact, people hold a festival that welcomes spring and thanks for the biodiversity that the country has. The festival of rhododendrons, another name given to this flower, is held in the Lampelri botanical garden. There, people hold masked balls, enjoy local food and camp.

The Bhutanese government remains strict on tobacco and alcohol use. Even though in recent years the total ban has been lifted, you cannot drink or smoke in public places or when you are close to people who are not doing the same.

In the case of cigarettes, it is forbidden to produce it in the country, as well as advertising of any kind, and its sale is controlled by the government. Alcoholic beverages are limited to certain liqueurs and local beer. Furthermore, if you are a tourist and wish to bring your own cigarette, you will have to pay a tax of 200% of its commercial value.

So, now that you know a little bit about the history and customs of this charming country, did you feel like visiting it? What customs did you find most interesting and different from our culture?