Bhutan, the world's carbon-negative country!
High up in South Asia’s Eastern Himalayas, between China and India, and roughly half the size of Indiana, is the small landlocked country of Bhutan. Largely isolated from the rest of the world until the last few decades, Bhutan has been able to preserve its deep Buddhist traditions, prioritization of the family, and pristine landscapes. (The first foreign tourists were not allowed into the country until the 1970's and television and internet have only been allowed since 1999)!
In 1972, Bhutan implemented the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, on which it bases it's government policies. The GNH incorporates four main pillars that are taken into account during the decision making process: good governance, sustainable promotion of socioeconomic development, preservation of culture and environmental conservation.
In 2009, Bhutan also included in its constitution that at least 60% of the country must remain forested at all times.
Today, the country is still quite restrictive to tourism, focusing on 'High Value, Low Impact'. International guests can expect to pay roughly $200 or more per day to be in the country. It's a daily fee that does include accommodation, meals, a licensed tour guide, and all ground transportation and entrance fees.
Thanks to the country's lush forests and many of its historical decisions, Bhutan is currently the only carbon-negative country in the world, meaning that it removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it generates. An impressive feat!
More Interesting Facts about Bhutan
1) The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” It earned the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas.
2) Death to the Bhutanese people signifies rebirth or a mere passing on to a new life. The 7th, 14th, 21st and 49th days after a person’s death are considered especially important and are recognized by erecting prayer flags in the name of the deceased and performing specific religious rituals to ensure safe passage.
3) An old tradition in their culture, the phallus is a symbol of good luck and fertility. The belief that it can ward off evil spirits or help with pregnancy is deeply ingrained in the minds of the Bhutanese people. Hence you will come across paintings, images, or wooden phalluses often. They are even used in place of a scarecrow!
4) It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the region and home to wild horses, black bears, wolves, blue sheep, elephants, tigers, yak, snow leopards, monkeys, red panda, and the unique takin - to name but a few of the 200 species of mammals that can be found in the country.
5) The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar, has met with almost every citizen of his country and loves to talk to people personally about their griefs and requirements.
6) Tree planting is popular, and trees here are a symbol of long life, beauty and compassion. In 2015, Bhutan set a Guinness World Record by planting almost 50,000 trees in just one hour.
Punakha Dzong Source: Andrew Stranovsky
Phallus imagery in Bhutan. Source: Blonde Brunette Travel
Gangkhar Puensum, the tallest unclimbed mountain in the world. Bhutan Source: Popular Mechanics
The Royal Family of Bhutan
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