The Tiny Nation Transforming the Way the World Thinks About Happiness
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- Опубликовано: 5 ноя 2007
- Dragon Kingdom - Bhutan has an unusual king, who is beginning to share power and improve education voluntarily. He's determined to put his country first.
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In a world where despots cling to power by any means, Bhutan's much loved King is voluntarily relinquishing control. It's part of a plan to engage with the wider world.
This tiny mountain kingdom is one of the least disturbed places on earth. Here, emphasis is placed on 'Gross National Happiness', and schools teach children to live in harmony. "We are an independent kingdom with a very strong policy that preserves our environment," explains author Tshewang Dhendup. The king is widely revered across the country. "He's a very humble man," explains one friend. "No Swiss bank accounts, no Lear jets. Lives in a log cabin." His subjects are still coming to terms with his decision to share power. In recent years, Bhutan has started reaching beyond the mountains. But nothing is allowed to endanger its unique culture
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Bhutan is getting a lot of positive press for some of their social and environmental policies. Very little is being said about how the country engages in a systematic ethnic cleansing of ethnic Nepalis who had lived for centuries within the boundaries of present day Bhutan, even preceding other ethnic groups in the kingdom. It's the dark side of Bhutan that isn't covered much in the media. Al Jazeera English has a great two part video series on the issue. Thousands of ethnic Nepalis are refugees in Nepal, ironically. And they live in squalor with no rights. Many are emigrating to other countries, finally, in the West, especially the US. But many more refuse to leave the hopes of repatriation with their homeland Bhutan behind. I wish this issue would get covered more so as to give a more fair and balanced look at the kingdom. It's not all a bed of roses there, though maybe it's easier to pretend in a more homogenous, ethnically exclusive society.
I wish the Dragon King of Bhutan would help his people in the refugee camps in India.
Why should he help those anti-nationals?
I really do like everything about Bhutan. The only thing that bothers me is how Nepalis are being treated by these so called happy Buddhist government. These ethnic Nepalis are from Bhutan and not Nepal. Why could the King not do anything about it?
The previous king made the decision to make the change from Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy, meaning that the Bhutanese king now lacks almost all of his legislative powers, despite the fact he is very popular.
It's a shame about the Nepali issue. I think the Bhutanese are worried that their culture and Mahayana faith and way of life were being threatened - still I think they could have found a more diplomatic solution.
the king does all he could. please dont accuse the king. he is loved by all. just to let you know Nepalese are treated as Bhutanese too, cause they are but there are some in the south that take the wrong step, they want the land, they sneek in more refugee, they go angst the country with guns,...and thus king did what he mus.
You obviously have been misinformed and know nothing about the history of Bhutan. Our country is mysterious to the outside world and we intend to keep it that way. So please do not make such serious accusations against our Monarch. I suggest you worry about your own community where ever you are from.
they demanded their caste-system based Nepali Hindu culture to be dominant culture of Bhutan and desrespected Bhutanese culture and traditions, what would you do if someone from outsider culture try to change the culture of your country and have no respect toward country’s native culture and national identity? How would you react? You will see it happening with your eyes?
What a beautiful area, concept, and respect these people seem to have for their land and their fellow man. If only people who made comments on line had the same values we would all sound more human and intelligent.
the reasons why i love bhutan..
Bhutan is peaceful and beautiful country. I like it very much and wish go there one day.
"Gross National Happiness" This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
-G
The rest of the world could learn so much from the way that this country is run--may GOD Bless these people and their
culture and their king.
King of Bhutan is superb, even though his country has been invaded by Chinese over 20% of land, he never mentioned about it while visiting Japan, but made a great speech regarding friendship between Bhutan and Japan. Such attitude deeply impressed Japanese. In addition, King has special kind of air which no one but few saints have. He is a true King.
Bhutan is my birth place. I am a Tibetan. Bhutan is the best place on earth with least corruption in Government. I visited so many countries that includes US and Canada. Bhutan must keep balance between modernization and preserving its culture. Countries like US, China are moving towards the disaster waiting for them. Bhutan should only fear ignorance not the education. Bhutan must focus on development of education in general public. Thank you Bhutan.
I miss my Motherland, I wish i would be in my country rather than United states of America. I was born in Bhutan, when i was 2 years child i became refugee in Nepal for 18 years and come to United states of America for third country resettlement. , but still i love my motherland, as "your mother and your motherland are the most important aspect of your life." I Love you Bhutan........
I'm impressed. I hope the Bhutanese will be pure like this forever!
Live Happily!
What a slogan for a country to have!
Love you Bhutan!!
Of course, journeyman pictures goes out of their way to shoot photogenic girls, but this is a beautiful country, I really want to visit. What a wonderful country.
luved bhutan! i wish my country nepal also b as happy n peaceful as bhutan.....long live bhutan!
what a peaceful and green place, a paradise in the earth !
Bhutanese will forever how it is now... And you gave a best thought!!!
Bhutan offers, what other doesn't have at all. It's virtually a unique destination and is priceless. If you are seeking for a shopping paradise or lots of nightlife, Bhutan is not a destination to come. But in the 21st century world, if you are looking for a destination where you can experience blending of past & present, people & nature unspoiled rich aged old traditions and culture, well Bhutan is a place to be.
A beautiful, spiritually rich civilization!
Temple in mountains is just breathtaking
Great video!
Long live Bhutan!!
Touche from the Philippines
Thanks Amigo. You are most welcome. I was there in Mexico City in 2010. I loved it. I still have the large hat, sombrero. I wear it occasionally here in Bhutan. It is a great fun.
This is very intersting. People seem more relaxed and appreciative of life with so little they have.
It would be great if every country in the world could be like this beautiful place, but i suppose it wont ever be that way because of the balance of positive and negative, but at least Ireland and France and Britain and others could defiantly achieve this i think, or strongly consider these values. :)
Nepal and Bhutan used to be very good brothers before, until a few troublesome people severed the ties. Now, Nepalese media is rife with all false reports of ill treatment of Nepalis in Bhutan, until they heard that some of their cousins have risen to the level of ministers in Bhutan. Now, the truth is revealing slowly and many Nepalese brothers and sisters are beginning to appreciate Bhutan. As 2 fragile Himalayan nations, it is better for us to remain connected and than hateful of each other.
I like Bhutan dan want to go there.
Woow!!!! I really enjoyed watching it and keep posting more..
Hellllo! The future is awesome, you know! Bye.
I only discovered Bhutan a few days ago and peculiarly, I was very compelled to delve further into their history. I envied how rich and pristine their culture was preserved-untouched by western influence until the King lifted the ban on television and such, that briskly increased crime rates, encouraged desensitizing values and a number of other aspects prevalent in the West. I hope they can still preserve their auspicious antiquities and not succumb to materialism. Mad forums always erupt D:
Intresting ill get back to you with the bhutanese history,also you have a very nice culture.
Hey am going there this weekend cant wait.. Seems so perfect
Fantastic!
I have always admired and been fascinated by Bhutan, I really want to visit one day
I saw a Bhutanese film a few months ago called Travellers and Magicians, it was amazing, and it gave a keen insight into the beauty and culture of Bhutan. I can just imagine that Bhutan of today is very similar to Bhutan in ancient times when Bhutanese believed in demons, devas, magic and sorcery and their culture was completely unspoiled. I would give anything to live in such a spiritual place like that.
I was at sikkim a few months back. Beautiful place. Happy people. Things are changing though. Forest wealth is being squandered away in the name of development, people are starting the industrial way of life.
what a peaceful and green place
Bhutan didn't even get TV or Internet until 1999, that is how obsessed the king of Bhutan is obsessed with preserving national culture
God the customs, the land, the prayers remind me of Tibet. I wonder if my country was free....we also would have had the chance to be modernized like Bhutan yet at the same time still be able to maintain our tradition, our religion and our culture. Bhutan is beautiful, Bhutanese are great and Dzongkha is a beautiful language.
Bhutan is the most beutifull country i ever been. I wish i live there. I will be going again soon
Beautiful place.
love this country with all my hearts...:)
It's a great country for its pure culture. And I hope their "Gross National Happiness" will, one day, be applied in all nations of the World. I bet many developed countries must have terribles GNHs while the "Third World" has the opposite.
awesome!
i wanna go tu bhutan!!!!!!!!!!!!...maybe some day.... grettings from Mexico
Such a lovely country!
The 1949 Indo-bhutan treaty is still sometimes misinterpreted to mean that India controls Bhutan's foreign affairs, Bhutan handles all of its foreign affairs itself, including the sensitive border demarcation issue with China. The 1949 treaty has been superseded by the 2007 treaty with India which clarified that Bhutan was master of its own foreign relations.
Well that's good, that's more than can be said of my country, which is regressing more and more every year, it's a downward spiral into the abyss. In Bhutan there are beautiful green forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and temples. It must be so quiet and peaceful there. Also it is a very Buddhist country, making it far less violent than my country America.
I have never heard of Bhutan until I read this flag book and explained the currency(money) the flags adoption and the capital Thimphu.
Majority of the Bhutanese people DONT think like how you just stated!
Please dont make assumptions for the majority,
and don't underestimate the faith we have for our king. It's true we are now a democratic nation, Never the less we hold our King as the highest authority and we have respect and love for him. May sound strange to you but it's our reality!
I have visited and this is really a great place
Yes, many tourists find this deal much for fair and less risky than being conned by a deceptive taxi driver, hotelier, and a freelance guide. Bhutan, is the safest place on Earth for tourists. Welcome to Bhutan and try to see the difference between the picture painted by Bhutan haters and the reality that exists in Bhutan.
The Lhotshampas people were originally accepted from Nepal when they were going through some troubles. But both government agreed it was only a short term agreement and a time limit was set as Bhutan couldn't cope with the population increase permanently but Nepal refused to accept back their people. Bhutan gave several thousands of the Lhotshampas citizenship but they couldn't possible give all 100,000 citizenship so they were eventually moved from Refugee camp to Canada, the US and the UK.
It's like an anti-North Korea .. North Korea except the exact polar opposite ..
Bhutan is a North Korea with good propoganda team.
BHUTAN a virgin land. Let's preserve this country and people evergreen to show the upcoming generations.
Oh yeah, thank god for that!
There are so many similarities between Mongolia, Kalmykia, and Bhutan. Welcome to Bhutan and enjoy the similarities in culture and appearances of the people too. It is believed that some of our ancestors came from Mongolia and Tiber while some came from Indo-Burma. In the recent past, we had some immigrants from Nepal who constitute 20% of our population. There were also people who were the original inhabitants of Bhutan. They are called Doyaps. So, we are ethnically diverse.
Bhutanese are very friendly toward Americans and people of all nationalities, including Nepal. Many of my friends from Nepal love to visit Bhutan and feel that they have been fed bullshits by their media about distorted image of Bhutan.
Hahaha :D I saw here too meyne.
She definitely caught my eyes. Pretty girl!!
i absolutely love the people there
I 100% agree.
@workhardt2 Ahimsa is also in Jainism and mentioned in the Yajur Veda, but the ideologies of Buddhism and Jainism had a profound impact in transforming Hinduism. I would agree that the concept of divinity in Hinduism ultimately drew common people more towards it. Even in many Buddhist countries have an undercurrent of deity worship.
I visited thimpu and paro....but I miss....lovely city..
Wow, Bhutan really looks incredible, Ireland may have one of the top GNPs in the world but I think it could improve on Gross National Happiness!
Nga Druk lu gai, kaadinchey la.
I Like Bhutan, Thank you
Bhutan offers, what other doesn't have at all. It's virtually a unique destination and is priceless. If you are seeking for a shopping paradise or lots of nightlife, Bhutan is not a destination to come. But in the 21st century world, if you are looking for a destination where you can experience blending of past & present, people & nature unspoiled rich aged old traditions and culture, well Bhutan is a place to be. - Discovery Bhutan, Inc.
I like the way buthanese like to preserve ancient culture, i whant that in my country. We have something in common with buthan ,we are small nation and our forests are also growing (from 50% in 1991 to 60% in 2007)
On 13 November 2005, Chinese soldiers crossed into Bhutan under the pretext that environmental conditions had forced their retreat south from the Himalayas. The Bhutanese government allowed this incursion on humanitarian grounds.Soon after, the Chinese began building roads and bridges within Bhutanese territory.Bhutanese Foreign Minister Khandu Wangchuk took up the matter with Chinese authorities after the issue was raised in Bhutanese parliament.
Not too obsessed, but lets say, cautious development. That are many merits of being a latecomer in the process of development in that we can carefully choose when and how to accept ideas and technologies. That is what I would call wise leadership.
Dear Abhilash, million thanks for your clarification. You will agree that there are bunch of people here who would like to mischievously stir up misunderstanding between India and Bhutan, because they would do anything, even stoop to the lowest denominator, to see Bhutan vanish from the face of the Earth. These people once futilely tried to create a separate gorkhaland along the northeastern part of India and to subsume Bhutan, Sikkim, Darjeeling & merge with Nepal. These people r troublesome.
that's amazing, how long did you stay in there?
It's so cool that the king allows the people to touch foreign cultures and not being startled by it. I really with to go there!
I would rate your response as the best in this forum topic. Yes, I am also struggling to understand this biggest paradox of life.
leave them alone....
A distributist economy is based on self-sufficient regions, empowered communities, vibrant neighborhoods, gainfully employed families, individual self-satisfactions, decentralized politics, local economies, sustainable organic agriculture, co-operative work, environmental humility, and careful nurturing of the earth.
America needs to bring freedom and democracy to Bhutan. They are clearly in suffering without it.
I agree.
when i was child i got one teacher from bhutan who told me that he fled bhutan due to fear of the royal regime he showed me some sum of negultrum that he brought to nepal which worth nothing here ......they were so scared and so terrified with the life there ......
love bhutan
ahhh bhutan... i'll be back!
The fact that Bhutanese revere dragon and I am surprise to see dragon on their flag, just like the flag of the Qing dynasty in China, there must be some relation with Chinese people. I feel Bhutanese and Chinese is one family. A family member who lives at the far end.
GREAT1
Arranged marriage often draws staunch support from older generations. I'm dubious as to whether their support has more to do with them being wary of loosing face, having much concern for the youngsters (at least that was my experience in India.) I think once the concept of love marriages is introduced though it will quickly convert the younger generations whether grandpa likes it or not.
The most fortunate people on this earth. If reincarnation happens, I want to be born in Bhutan.
Wise king, good people!
i never knew this country existed....well, u learn something new every day...LOL
I love Bhutan
Slovenia is central european country, and we are quite rich compared to other (we have euro curency)countries in central and east europe. Our culture is one of most mixed in europe, its mixture of Alpine Panonnian Dinaric and Mediterranean traditions but alpine is predominant. You can come in Slovenia its mostly hospitable place but people might look reserve in beggining but when you address them most of us will reply kindly and will even help more than needed.If you need anything more ask :)
@zamlingnelam
What kind of music is popular in Bhutan?
By a long standing treaty, Indian and Bhutanese citizens may travel to each other's countries without a passport or visa using their national identity cards instead. Bhutanese citizens may also work in India without legal restriction.
Anyone here been to bhutan? If so, please let me know these 3 things, I'd much appreciate.
1) Easy to get a visa?
2) Was it very expensive to stay? Did you have to pay for everyday you stayed?
3) Safety. How is it in regards to safety? Did you feel welcome?
Let me know whoever has been to this beautiful country. Thanks.
We Indians love our Bhutanese brothers and sisters. China may be tough but we Indians will fight to the death to prevent you from being swallowed by the fascist Chinese. The Indo-Tibetan Border force and the Ladakh Rifles know how to deal with the Chinese. The Chinese are fighting for conquest, but we are fighting for our brothers and sisters.
You did the right thing
Remember that 25 percent of the Bhutanese are still ethnic Nepalese who migrated to Bhutan and still living in Bhutan. Most have become ministers etc under the democratic government given by the king. The trolls here have never been to Bhutan and got a ticket to settle in the west under the so called economic refugee status. SIKKIM is a good reminder what will happen when outsiders get too much power.
nameless977 Are you sure thousands of years? the legit entered in 1910 onwards and illegal immigrants started in 1960s. Just like the European and American doesn't like the Muslim extremists we don't like your Nepali extremists.
won't hesitate to kick out others if it is to happen again.
Every body had migrated to 🇧🇹. Bhotees came from Tibet and some Nepalese were taken by the king of Bhutan from Nepal by signing Treaty. After hundred years a dictator (4th king of Bhutan)force those Bhutanese Nepalese living in Bhutan to leave. They Kill, touched raped, put in prison for no reason. Bhutan is ahead of North Korea if you study the history in detail.
@@tyt684 Exactly Nippali have Nippal, where they can go anytime if they don’t like Bhutan. Bhutan is for people who are Loyal to the King, in return King gives us his kindness, but you have to be loyal first. Simple as that
All psychiatrists and marriage counselors will tell you, that in a "love-marriage" the mutual physical attraction is gone after about 3 years (of course, there are exceptions). After that, shared interest (children, friends, possessions) and life-style become most important. Those are usually guaranteed by similar family-background and upbringing. That is ONE reason, why arranged marriages are still predominant in many (see continuation)
I agree with your comment. Westerners are trying to romanticize Bhutan and painting it as an exotic country. Yes, we are exotic in several ways, but all is not well in Bhutan, and it is expected because Bhutanese r humans too. We r not infallible and extraordinary humans. It is just that we r fortunate to be inhabiting a rich biodiversity land with very low human impact, and of course blessed by wise leadership. But, as u have pointed out, who far we can remain prosperous is yet to be seen.
So where were you in Bhutan and how long ago was it? What were the people like?
awesome ! What language are they speaking?
I have met, chatted with, and conversed with many native English speakers and I haven't seen anyone of them spell you as u.
TV will brake the happiness of this country slowly
@heomak thx for the response :)
Sounds like a kick ass metal band “ Thunder Dragon “.
doesnt the fee include food, accommodation, and a private guide? that sounds like a pretty amazing deal to me