Lesson : Bhutan: The Land of Happiness

A. Reading

The Thunder Dragon Kingdom

Bhutan is called the Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas. This small, landlocked country is located along the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, bounded by Tibet to the north and India on all other sides. The official name of Bhutan is Druk Yul, which means “land of the thunder dragon.” It earned this name because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas. The country has an area of 38,394 sq km and a population of 716,896. Since it is cut off from the rest of the world by the Great Himalayas, a unique culture and tradition based on gentle Buddhist beliefs have evolved there over time.

(Picture: A Bhutanese family in traditional clothes)

Bhutanese men wear the gho, a knee-length robe, and women wear the kira, a sheet-like cloth piece. Bhutanese houses are built from mud and stone, with wooden shingle roofs. The Bhutanese never use iron nails in their buildings. Usually, the Bhutanese help build each other's houses by exchanging labor within the community. Different festivals are celebrated all year round in Bhutan. Colorful masks are used in the festivals, which reflect the rich Bhutanese culture. Dances are performed by the Buddhist monks to protect the valleys and ward off evil spirits. The main religious festival is called Tshechu. The teachings of Lord Buddha are enacted through masked dances for three to five days in the courtyards of monasteries. People attend these events in their best clothes, carrying picnic baskets. Another major festival is called Losar. It is celebrated on the Lunar New Year. People cook special dishes and wear new clothes. It is a time for family get-togethers. Men play archery or darts while women sing and dance.

Protecting the Environment and Culture

Pure mountain air, crystal blue skies, and pristine vegetation cover have made this small country an ideal destination for environment lovers. The ecosystem of this small nation supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, which are protected by strict laws. Anyone found guilty of killing even a black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.

The government of Bhutan has taken several steps to protect its biodiversity. Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. According to the constitution, at least 60 percent of the country must remain under forest cover at all times. Efforts are also made to protect the nation against the intrusion of foreign cultures and values. The first foreign tourists were allowed into Bhutan in 1974. Now, tourism is encouraged but controlled and limited to about 6,000 visitors a year. Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television and the Internet to its people. The government lifted a ban on TV and the Internet only in 1999. The Bhutanese government has made it mandatory for all Bhutanese to wear only their national dress in public.

Gross National Happiness

Finally, the most interesting fact about Bhutan is that they are the only country that measures success in Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product! In 2006, BusinessWeek rated Bhutan as the happiest country in Asia and the eighth happiest country in the world.

B. Multiple Choice

Choose the most suitable answer for each of the questions below:

1. A unique culture and tradition have evolved in Bhutan because:

   • a) fierce Himalayan storms often hit the country.
   • b) it is cut off from the other parts of the world.
   • c) it has a very small area.
   • d) it is called the Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas.

2. Bhutanese houses are built from:

   • a) mud, stone, and wood with iron nails.
   • b) a sheet of cloth and a wooden roof.
   • c) mud and stone with a wooden roof.
   • d) bamboo and wood.

3. Which of the following activities is mentioned as a way of celebrating Losar?

   • a) Cooking special dishes and wearing new clothes.
   • b) Playing chess and badminton.
   • c) Visiting neighboring households.
   • d) Harvesting crops.

4. According to Bhutan’s constitutional obligations:

   • a) 60% of the country must remain under forest cover.
   • b) foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Bhutan even now.
   • c) citizens cannot use the Internet in their homes.
   • d) people must always wear traditional Bhutanese clothes.

5. The progress of Bhutan as a nation is measured by:

   • a) Gross National Income.
   • b) Gross National Happiness.
   • c) Gross National Product.
   • d) Per Capita Income.