What can a tiny Himalayan country nestled between India and Tibet teach the world? More than you might think.
A growing number of Western industrial democracies are embroiled in turmoil. A former U.S. president promises “death and destruction” if multiple legal proceedings don’t go his way. Dozens of French cities are smoldering after weeks of violent protests over unavoidable pension reforms. Meanwhile, Bhutan peacefully and consistently fulfills its citizens’ aspirations. This success isn’t accidental. Bhutan’s legal edict of 1629 states that “if the government cannot create happiness for its people, there is no purpose for the government to exist.” National happiness has since become Bhutan’s governing hallmark.
This is the first of a two-part essay exploring how Bhutan became the world’s happiest developing country, and what its experience can teach us. Bhutan is not perfect, and its achievements have not been trouble-free. As rising wealth fails to make many societies happier, however, Bhutan reminds us that communities and nations need more than money to thrive.
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