At a country that the Government focuses on GNH not GDP, pay attention on the people lives than the richness of the country.
Then what is GNH? It is Gross National Happiness, which performs the life satisfaction of each citizen, launched in 1972 by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. This is the measurement of development in Bhutan, instead of GDP, which is being applied by the rest of the world. Every Bhutan people understand the formula of GNH: national culture value + sustainable development strategy + natural resources protection + effective govern law. Bhutan government even set up a Department of Happiness to take control and management for all happiness index in the country.
And it is absolutely pride of all the Bhutan.
In Bhutan, they do not care how much money they make, how many iPhones they have, how big their house is or how the others think of them, how the world is going. They appreciate the inner peace and charitable spirit. Fame and wealth seems nonsense to them. They know how to be satisfied and know how is enough.
Now 21st century, there is no crime or social violence among Bhutan, honestly. It may sound incredible. But, just take a look around. Many developed and developing countries, where industrialization and modernization is taking place rapidly, are facing kinds of social problems: unemployment, pillage, violence, smuggling and so on. Meanwhile in Bhutan, the average income is around $1400/head, a humble number, but there is no heavy problem to face. Houses in Bhutan are hardly locked because there is no thief. They are not affected or obsessed by terrorists and war. As their opinion, to be lived well is the best. The Government takes care of essential needs so that the people have nothing to worry, except living healthily and happily.
Bhutan people believe that clean and fresh environment will make their life better. As a result, they have high sense of protecting their environment and what Nature granted them. You have to note that they are amazingly wonderful preservers. Remember, do not hurt an animal, pick a flower or catch a fish for fun, this may make them upset or the local government will invite you to their office. Forest exploitation is completely banned and half of the country is preserved in national parks.
Another worth lesson from the happy country is no barrier between social class. You will find it hard to distinguish the rich and the poor. The Prince can play ball game with other boys in the city. The King and Queen regularly travel around country to see their people. They are friendly to each other, which leads to a warm atmosphere covering the mountain kingdom.
Bhutan, located at dreamlike mountain landscape, the people are nice and supportable. It is not boastful to consider it as the top happy country.
Martin Wynn
