Fact 1: The Last Great Himalayan Kingdom
The Kingdom of Bhutan is the last remaining Himalayan Kingdom. This landlocked country is wedged between China and India, benefitting from the immense geographic diversity these neighbors bring. Therefore, Bhutan is home to lush valleys, high mountain peaks, dense forests, and diverse climate zones.
Fact 2: An Unusual Capital City
Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, stands out for one rather unusual reason - it has no traffic lights. That's right, in a day and age where technology dominates, Bhutan continues to manage its traffic manually. You'll find police officers at major junctions, managing the traffic flow.
Fact 3: Emphasis on National Happiness over GDP
Bhutan is more interested in Gross National Happiness than Gross Domestic Product. As a matter of fact, Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its success by the happiness of its citizens rather than economic indicators. This philosophy greatly influences the country's government policy-making.
Fact 4: Predominantly Buddhist
Bhutan is the last stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is nearly extinct in its birthplace in Tibet. The religion permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life, including the art, festivals, and monuments.
Fact 5: The Land of Thunder Dragon
The country is known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas. The dragon, or ‘Druk,’ signifies the thunderous roars and is a profound symbol in Bhutanese culture, representing the universe and life.
Fact 6: Inspiring Environmental Policies
Bhutan only emits around 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, but the forests absorb three times that amount! By law, at least 60% of the country must always remain under forest cover. This makes Bhutan the world's only carbon-negative country.
Fact 7: Women Inheritance Rights
In Bhutan, women usually inherit the family home. This contrasts sharply with many neighboring Asian countries where patriarchal systems tend to dominate. Moreover, it is common for a man to move into his wife's home after they marry.
Fact 8: It’s Illegal to Smoke or Sell Tobacco
Bhutan became the world's first country to outlaw smoking and selling tobacco. Those caught smoking or selling tobacco products face hefty fines or imprisonment.
Fact 9: Highest Unclimbed Mountain
The world's highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum, lies in Bhutan, standing tall at 24,984 feet. Yet no one will ever ascend it – the government has forbidden mountain climbing above 6,000 meters out of respect for local spiritual beliefs.
Fact 10: The National Sport is Archery
Considered the national sport of Bhutan, archery or 'Dha' is more than just a game. It is an event that involves music, dance and a bit of socializing. Traditional Bhutanese archery is a significant part of various festivities and public gatherings.
Fact 11: Unique ‘Phallus’ Tradition
In Bhutan, you'll notice symbols and paintings of phalluses on houses and temples. This unique tradition is associated with a divine madman, locally known as 'Drukpa Kunley,' and is considered a symbol to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip.
Fact 12: The People Wear a National Dress
In Bhutan, you cannot wear any style of clothing you like. Men wear a knee-length robe called the 'Gho', while the women wear the 'Kira', a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a 'Tego.'
Fact 13: Retreat into Silence
Three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours is the duration of a traditional retreat for Bhutanese monks. During this time, they engage in meditation and spiritual practices in silence.
Fact 14: Television and Internet Were not Allowed Until 1999
Can you imagine life without the internet or television? In Bhutan, both were banned until 1999! This makes Bhutan one of the last countries to introduce television and the internet to its people.
Fact 15: Only One International Airport
There is only one international airport in Bhutan, located in Paro. Navigating through the mountains can be challenging, which is why only a select number of pilots are qualified to land at this airport.
Fact 16: Distinct Architectural Style
Bhutan is known for its distinctive architectural style, with no formal designs, blueprints, or nails. The houses are painted with bright colors and often decorated with intricate patterns.
Fact 17: Authentic Tourism Experience
Bhutan has a policy of 'High Value, Low Impact Tourism'. This means they safeguard their traditional culture and pristine environment by setting a daily fee for tourists which covers accommodation, food, guide and transportation.
Fact 18: No Homeless People
One of the most remarkable facts about Bhutan is that it has no homeless people. Every citizen has access to free land to build a home or cultivate, granted by the government.
Fact 19: Chili is a Vegetable, not a Spice
In Bhutan, chili isn't treated as a mere spice, it's the main ingredient. The national dish is Ema Datshi, a spicy blend of chilies and local cheese.
Fact 20: Birth in the Woods
In traditional Bhutanese culture, mothers used to give birth in the woods to avoid bringing impurity to the house. Even today, some women from isolated communities follow this tradition.