Gross National Happiness

I recently learnt a wonderful thing – the little kingdom of Bhutan tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas has an Index of Gross National Happiness! It was coined in 1972 by the former King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who thought it better to base economic indices in his country on Buddhist principles.

Although I’ve never been to Bhutan, the place fascinates me. This little country has just 6,72,425 people living in it (Delhi has a population of 1,37,82,976!). Bhutan has 72 per cent forest cover – and most of it pristine. The government is a benevolent monarchy – Jigme Singye abdicated in favour of his young son last year, as he thought he’d enjoyed the throne far too long (33 years). But, more importantly, the country has announced it will be a Parliamentary Democracy by 2008 – and they are holding trial elections to train the people how to do it.

Bhutan was a dream-like cloistered haven all these years. It got TV in 1999, and the people are still expected to wear their national dress to work (a kilt like thing for men, and a longer skirt for women). It only allows 6000 chosen tourists per year and smoking is banned throughout the country. It is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world.

I do wish the Bhutanese can continue in their present state of happiness forever!