In the heart of the Himalayas, nestled between the giants of China and India, lies the tiny nation of Bhutan. Long known as “the kingdom of happiness” for its unique approach to measuring prosperity through Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan has captured the world’s imagination as a beacon of balance and mindfulness. However, recent developments suggest that not all is well in this once-idyllic kingdom.
A Nation Grapples with Unprecedented Challenges
Bhutan is experiencing an emigration crisis, with an astounding 1.5% of its population moving to Australia alone in 2023 for work and study opportunities. This exodus, described as “unprecedented” by the ruling People’s Democratic Party, hints at deeper issues within the country.
Compounding this problem is the rising youth unemployment rate, which reached a staggering 28.6% in 2022. Despite Bhutan’s focus on happiness and wellbeing, economic opportunities have dwindled, leaving many young Bhutanese struggling to find work. The tourism industry, a key pillar of the economy, has yet to fully recover from the pandemic’s impact, further exacerbating the situation.
Questioning the Happiness Model
As Bhutan faces these challenges, some are beginning to question the effectiveness of its famous GNH approach. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay recently floated the idea of “GNH 2.0,” a model that would place greater emphasis on economic development. This shift in focus suggests that the current happiness-centric model may not be sufficient to address the nation’s pressing issues.
“Why would people leave a land of gross national happiness?”
– Om Dhungel, Bhutanese refugee in Australia
Critics argue that the GNH concept, while admirable in theory, does not adequately reflect the government’s approach to the happiness and human rights of all Bhutanese. The country’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted from 33rd to 90th, and nearly a fifth of respondents to the 2022 GNH survey felt they did not have the right to join a political party of their choice.
The Mindfulness City: A Controversial Solution?
In an attempt to stem migration and attract tourism and investment, Bhutan has announced plans for a massive “Mindfulness City” project in the country’s south. However, this initiative has raised concerns about potential displacement of local residents, many of whom are farmers already struggling with poverty and low levels of happiness according to GNH surveys.
Human rights activists worry that the project, spearheaded by Bhutan’s king, could lead to land grabs and forced evictions without fair compensation. The government’s moratorium on land sales in the area months before the project’s announcement has only heightened these fears.
A Call for International Scrutiny
As Bhutan navigates these turbulent times, some are calling for greater international attention to the country’s struggles. The plight of Bhutanese refugees, many of whom were forced out of the country in the 1980s and 1990s due to ethnic tensions, remains a sensitive issue. Activists argue that the international community must take a closer look at how its support for Bhutan’s government may be inadvertently causing harm.
“I think the international community has to take a hard look at how they have actually done damage by supporting the government.”
– Om Dhungel, Bhutanese refugee in Australia
While some defend Bhutan’s emigration trends as a natural part of modern life, others point to the country’s history of brain drain and the economic consequences of losing skilled workers. As Bhutan seeks to address its economic woes, it must also grapple with questions of press freedom, political rights, and the inclusion of all its citizens in the development process.
The Road Ahead
As the once “happiest nation” faces unprecedented challenges, it is clear that Bhutan must find a way to balance its commitment to happiness and wellbeing with the pressing needs of economic development and social inclusion. The world watches as this tiny Himalayan kingdom navigates a difficult path, hoping that Bhutan can once again find its way to being a shining example of sustainable, mindful progress.
The story of Bhutan serves as a reminder that even the most admirable and innovative approaches to development must be continually reassessed and adapted to meet the changing needs of a nation and its people. As Bhutan seeks to redefine its identity and chart a new course, it is crucial that the voices of all Bhutanese, including those who have been marginalized or forced to leave, are heard and considered.
Only by confronting its challenges head-on and embracing a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive model of governance can Bhutan hope to regain its status as a beacon of happiness and progress. The international community, too, must play a role in supporting Bhutan’s efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens.
As Bhutan faces these challenges, some are beginning to question the effectiveness of its famous GNH approach. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay recently floated the idea of “GNH 2.0,” a model that would place greater emphasis on economic development. This shift in focus suggests that the current happiness-centric model may not be sufficient to address the nation’s pressing issues.
“Why would people leave a land of gross national happiness?”
– Om Dhungel, Bhutanese refugee in Australia
Critics argue that the GNH concept, while admirable in theory, does not adequately reflect the government’s approach to the happiness and human rights of all Bhutanese. The country’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted from 33rd to 90th, and nearly a fifth of respondents to the 2022 GNH survey felt they did not have the right to join a political party of their choice.
The Mindfulness City: A Controversial Solution?
In an attempt to stem migration and attract tourism and investment, Bhutan has announced plans for a massive “Mindfulness City” project in the country’s south. However, this initiative has raised concerns about potential displacement of local residents, many of whom are farmers already struggling with poverty and low levels of happiness according to GNH surveys.
Human rights activists worry that the project, spearheaded by Bhutan’s king, could lead to land grabs and forced evictions without fair compensation. The government’s moratorium on land sales in the area months before the project’s announcement has only heightened these fears.
A Call for International Scrutiny
As Bhutan navigates these turbulent times, some are calling for greater international attention to the country’s struggles. The plight of Bhutanese refugees, many of whom were forced out of the country in the 1980s and 1990s due to ethnic tensions, remains a sensitive issue. Activists argue that the international community must take a closer look at how its support for Bhutan’s government may be inadvertently causing harm.
“I think the international community has to take a hard look at how they have actually done damage by supporting the government.”
– Om Dhungel, Bhutanese refugee in Australia
While some defend Bhutan’s emigration trends as a natural part of modern life, others point to the country’s history of brain drain and the economic consequences of losing skilled workers. As Bhutan seeks to address its economic woes, it must also grapple with questions of press freedom, political rights, and the inclusion of all its citizens in the development process.
The Road Ahead
As the once “happiest nation” faces unprecedented challenges, it is clear that Bhutan must find a way to balance its commitment to happiness and wellbeing with the pressing needs of economic development and social inclusion. The world watches as this tiny Himalayan kingdom navigates a difficult path, hoping that Bhutan can once again find its way to being a shining example of sustainable, mindful progress.
The story of Bhutan serves as a reminder that even the most admirable and innovative approaches to development must be continually reassessed and adapted to meet the changing needs of a nation and its people. As Bhutan seeks to redefine its identity and chart a new course, it is crucial that the voices of all Bhutanese, including those who have been marginalized or forced to leave, are heard and considered.
Only by confronting its challenges head-on and embracing a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive model of governance can Bhutan hope to regain its status as a beacon of happiness and progress. The international community, too, must play a role in supporting Bhutan’s efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens.
