Bhutan, officially Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked South Asian country and a Himalayan nation located in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan borders China to the north and Indian states such as Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to the south and southeast.
As a member of South Asian regional organizations like SAARC, Bhutan holds a unique position among South Asian countries. It mostly contains highlands, with the Himalayan mountains in the north rising from the country's lush subtropical plains in the south, and peaks higher than 7,000 metres (23,000 ft) above sea level in the Bhutanese Himalayas. The Kingdom covers many of the Himalaya range passes.
Unlike developed countries, Bhutan has followed its own path of development and infrastructure, focusing on Gross National Happiness and environmental preservation. Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy where the king is the head of state and executive power is vested in the cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. Bhutan has a population of about 700,000.
The Himalayan Kingdom is a predominantly Buddhist country with a minority practicing Hinduism. Here are some reasons why Bhutan is a truly unique country in the world.
1) Distinct World Class Architecture
No matter where you turn, you’ll witness beautiful architecture in every corner of the country from traditional houses, temples to ancient fortresses. The traditional architecture is so precious that the method of building it is being codified. The multi-coloured wood, small arched windows and sloped roofs are definitely prominent features of the architecture in Bhutan. In fact, the Kingdom’s grandeur architecture has inspired other building designs around the world.
2) Happy and Contented People
The first and foremost reason for the uniqueness of Bhutan is the happy people living in Bhutan. Perhaps, the concept of ‘happiness’ in the Kingdom is very much derived from the contentment that Bhutanese feel about their lives. It is also instilled through the Buddhist values of simplicity and compassion.
The Bhutanese are never short of laughter as they have a great sense of humour. As you travel along the country, you will be able to experience the light-heartedness of the Bhutanese. To many travellers, Bhutan is known as the happiest place on earth, thanks to its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Instead of just measuring economic output, Bhutan’s focus on the citizen’s well-being and ‘happiness’ is extremely holistic. All the policies and development plans are required to be aligned with the GNH tenets.
3) National identity and culture
Bhutan has a mandatory national dress code, governed by the Driglam Namzha, which makes Bhutan distinctive and culturally unique. This code requires Bhutanese people to wear traditional attire, reflecting the nation's commitment to cultural preservation and national identity.
You can see Bhutanese wearing their traditional attire on a daily basis. Men wear gho while women wear kira. The gho is a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a cloth belt, while the kira is an ankle-length dress. Whether they are going to the market, attending formal occasions, or performing religious activities, the traditional attire is a visible part of daily life.
While wearing the national costume is only compulsory when attending a formal event, visiting government offices, or entering the dzong (ancient fortress), many Bhutanese people still wear the kira or gho with pride outside of formal occasions.
This tradition is a key aspect of Bhutanese people's identity and cultural preservation. The sight of these local Bhutanese men and women in their vibrant costumes is definitely a unique feature of the country in times of globalization.
4) Only Carbon Negative Country in the World
Bhutan is holding a significant title of being the only country that is carbon negative. The constitution mandates that at least 60% of the country has to be under forest cover. Right now, about 70% of the country is covered by forests. The Kingdom is undoubtedly one of the greenest countries in the world. It absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits. They are clearly a role model to the world in terms of environmental preservation.
5) No Traffic Lights
There are no traffic lights in Bhutan. Thimphu (the capital city of Bhutan) is the only capital city in the world without a traffic light. In fact, Thimphu once had a single traffic light installed at a main intersection, but it was removed after public outcry, and now traffic is managed by policemen at the main intersections.
The only ‘traffic light’ you’ll witness are traffic police directing the flow of movement at the heart of the town. So, you never have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam in Bhutan.
6) Home to Himalayan Range
Mountain passes that traverse its rugged Himalayan landscape. Many of the world’s most beautiful mountains can be found in Bhutan. Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak, is also the highest unclimbed mountain in the world due to cultural and religious restrictions on mountaineering.
The Black Mountains in central Bhutan form a watershed between the Mo Chhu and Drangme Chhu river systems, highlighting the region's unique geography. The Eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot and is counted among the 234 globally outstanding ecoregions of the world.
It is definitely a popular trekking destination for all the avid hikers and trekkers. Some of the popular treks include Jomolhari trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes trek, Drukpath trek and Laya-Gasa trek. Aside from that, one of the world’s most challenging trekking routes, Snowmen Trek is also a popular choice for the adventurous.
Bhutan is also in the midst of developing the longest trail from the west to the east of the country. Known as Trans Bhutan Trail, the Kingdom is preparing to bring back an ancestral trail to connect the communities from the western region to the eastern region.
7) Safe Country with Low Crimes
The crime rates in Bhutan are relatively low compared to many other countries in the world. Little crimes are reported in the country. Violent cases are not rampant and as most of the tours are guided tours, you can travel to the country with a peace of mind. Most Bhutanese are extremely friendly and helpful. You can only experience the Bhutanese hospitality by visiting it in person.
8) Young Democracy
Bhutan has one of the youngest democracies in the world. It was only in 2008 that the country transitioned from an absolute monarchy to parliamentary monarchy. The 2008 Constitution established a parliamentary government with an elected National Assembly and a National Council.
The first general elections for the National Assembly were held on 24 March 2008. The Royal Advisory Council has also played a significant role in Bhutan's evolving political structure and legislative framework since the mid-20th century.
The fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck understands the need for the country to become democratic in order to meet the demands of globalization. The fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck oversaw the peaceful transition of the country into a parliamentary monarchy. Together with Queen Jetsun Pema, King Jigme has travelled internationally to raise the profile of Bhutan in the international community.
9) Government Policy for Tourists
Bhutan implements a strict tourism policy to preserve its national identity. All international visitors to Bhutan are required to pay a sustainable development fee as part of the country's high-value, low-impact tourism policy. The ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism policy serves to prevent mass tourism that may impact the country in the different aspects.
As a result of the policy, international visitors usually book their trips to Bhutan through licensed tour operators to ensure adherence to regulations and support sustainable tourism, and pay a fixed daily tariff. These private tours also allow for tourists to better appreciate, understand and admire the pristine natural environment of Bhutan.
10) Tiger’s Nest, Sacred Buddhist Site
One of the most iconic landmarks of Bhutan is the Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's Nest. Tucked away on a cliffside in Paro valley, the Tiger's Nest is a must visit place for tourists. The hike up to the temple takes approximately 2 hours depending on one's fitness level.
Enroute to the Tiger's Nest, one will be greeted with breathtaking views and fluttering prayer flags. You'll be truly mesmerised by the landscapes and feel a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the sacred site. Along the way, you'll see many locals going up and down as they complete their pilgrimage journey.
11) Last Country to Introduce Television and Internet
Bhutan was among the last countries in the world to introduce television and the internet. The very first time Bhutanese could enjoy television and the internet was in 1999, at a time when more than 150 million people around the world were already using the internet and bluetooth technology was being introduced.
Currently, more than 87% of Bhutanese have a cell phone. However, mobile phones were only introduced in Bhutan in 2003, after TV and internet, reflecting the country's cautious approach to modernization and its efforts to preserve traditional culture. The leaders recognise the importance of technology and strive to promote the usage and adoption of technology to keep up with the global trend.
12) Distinctive Bhutanese Cuisine and Local Flavours
Bhutanese love everything that is spicy! Chilli peppers are a common ingredient in most of the dishes. The famous and well loved national dish is ema datshi, also known as chilli cheese stew. You can find out how to cook this simple and yummy dish here. One of the local favourite drinks is butter tea.
Unlike tea that you find in other countries, Bhutanese makes delicious butter tea known as suja. It is usually drunk on all social occasions alongside snacks such as roasted rice (zaw).
13) One of the Most Dangerous Airports in the World
Flying into the Kingdom of Bhutan might get your heart thumping. Because the country's international airport is often known as one of the most dangerous airports to land in. Only qualified pilots are able to land in the airport and navigate the tough terrains. The narrow runway and mountainous surrounding makes flying into the Kingdom only possible during the daylight.
Despite the airport being one of the most challenging places to land, it's also bound to be one of the most memorable flights for most tourists due to its captivating scenery as the flight is approaching. Get yourself a window seat if you want to get a glimpse of the breathtaking Himalayan range! Travelling to Bhutan is easy. There are direct Drukair flights from Singapore, Bangkok, India, Nepal, Dubai and Bangladesh.
Unique approach to economy and finance
Bhutan stands out among countries in the world for its revolutionary approach to economic growth. Instead of focusing solely on GDP, the Bhutanese government measures the nation’s success through Gross National Happiness (GNH).
This unique philosophy places the well-being and happiness of Bhutanese citizens at the heart of all development projects and government policies. As a result, Bhutan has cultivated a sustainable and equitable economy that prioritizes social welfare and environmental conservation over mere financial gain.
The country’s commitment to national happiness has not only made it one of the happiest countries in the world, but also the only carbon negative country, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits. Bhutan’s model demonstrates to the world that true prosperity is about more than just numbers—it’s about the happiness and well-being of its people.
Distinctive stance in foreign relations and diplomacy
The Kingdom of Bhutan has carved out a distinctive place in the world through its careful and thoughtful approach to foreign relations. While Bhutan is a proud member of the United Nations and maintains diplomatic relations with a select group of countries, it has always prioritized its independence and sovereignty.
The country enjoys a special relationship with India, collaborating closely on trade, defense, and environmental initiatives. Bhutan’s foreign relations strategy is characterized by caution and selectivity, ensuring that its unique culture and values are preserved.
In recent years, Bhutan has expanded its diplomatic relations to include other South Asian countries and several Western nations, all while maintaining its core principles. This balanced approach has allowed Bhutan to engage with the global community on its own terms.
Commitment to free education and healthcare
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Kingdom of Bhutan is its unwavering commitment to providing free education and healthcare for all its citizens. The Bhutanese government has enshrined these rights in the constitution, ensuring that every Bhutanese, from the bustling capital city to the remote villages of Western Bhutan, has access to quality schools and medical care.
The education system emphasizes both academic and vocational training, preparing young Bhutanese for a bright future. In healthcare, the country boasts a network of hospitals and clinics, with special attention given to reaching communities in Western Bhutan and other remote regions.
These efforts have contributed to Bhutan’s impressive ranking on the Human Development Index and have made the country a shining example for other developing nations. By investing in the well-being of its people, Bhutan continues to set itself apart as a model of inclusive and sustainable development.
Are You Ready to Discover the Uniqueness of Bhutan?
If you are planning for a perfect trip in Bhutan, you should consider taking a 7 Day Essential Bhutan Travel Plan, a 7 Day Bhutan Luxury Retreat or spend 10 day to Discover Bhutan. You may also check the best time to visit Bhutan.
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Conclusion About Unique Facts You Must Know About Bhutan
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