Know more about your neighbour Bhutan

| Read time: 5 minute(s)
Isolated from the world and blessed with natural beauty, Bhutan is considered as one of the most mysterious countries in the world. The United Nation recognised Bhutan as a nation only in 1974. Not that they care. Bhutanese are self contented and don’t promote tourism as they think it will affect their natural environment and culture. If you plan to visit this beautiful neighbouring country, read on to know more about it. Bhutan, one of the landlocked countries in the world, is one of the smallest countries in the world. India is 86 times bigger than Bhutan or the US is 256 times bigger than this country! 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. The national flag has dragon on it. At 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan—and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Bhutan has the highest number of mountains which haven’t been trekked yet. If you’re in Bhutan, don’t accept the food instantly. Bhutanese manners dictate that you are to refuse food whenever it’s offered to you. The tradition is to say the words “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with your hands. You can give in after two or three offers. Anyone found guilty of killing a highly endangered and culturally sacred black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison. Bhutan is the only country in the world to ban the use of tobacco and you may be jailed if found smoking in prohibited areas, though one may smoke in private. Paro airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, is on the list of the most dangerous airports in the world, thanks to the Himalayan range of mountains and a very small runaway. Only eight pilots are allowed to fly to Bhutan. The law in Bhutan says that at least 60% of the country be covered with forests (the current one is 71%), which has ensured that Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. Wow! Bhutan is the only country in the world without automatic traffic lights! There are very few vehicles, and not much traffic. A driver’s paradise, we say! Although the country is still developing and not among the richest, healthcare and education is free for all in Bhutan. And the healthcare is free for visitors too. Bhutanese are one of the most contented people in Asia and in the world. Unlike other countries which measure their wealth in Gross Domestic Product, the nation has a metric called Gross National Happiness,. They believe that happiness is not related to having more money. Who needs money when you have Mother Nature pampering you with all her bounties.

Isolated from the world and blessed with natural beauty, Bhutan is considered as one of the most mysterious countries in the world. The United Nation recognised Bhutan as a nation only in 1974. Not that they care. Bhutanese are self contented and don’t promote tourism as they think it will affect their natural environment and culture. If you plan to visit this beautiful neighbouring country, read on to know more about it.

  1. Bhutan, one of the landlocked countries in the world, is one of the smallest countries in the world. India is 86 times bigger than Bhutan or the US is 256 times bigger than this country!
  2. 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. The national flag has dragon on it.
  3. At 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan—and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Bhutan has the highest number of mountains which haven’t been trekked yet. 
  4. If you’re in Bhutan, don’t accept the food instantly. Bhutanese manners dictate that you are to refuse food whenever it’s offered to you. The tradition is to say the words “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with your hands. You can give in after two or three offers.
  5. Anyone found guilty of killing a highly endangered and culturally sacred black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.
  6. Bhutan is the only country in the world to ban the use of tobacco and you may be jailed if found smoking in prohibited areas, though one may smoke in private.
  7. Paro airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, is on the list of the most dangerous airports in the world, thanks to the Himalayan range of mountains and a very small runaway. Only eight pilots are allowed to fly to Bhutan.
  8. The law in Bhutan says that at least 60% of the country be covered with forests (the current one is 71%), which has ensured that Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. Wow!
  9. Bhutan is the only country in the world without automatic traffic lights! There are very few vehicles, and not much traffic. A driver’s paradise, we say!
  10. Although the country is still developing and not among the richest, healthcare and education is free for all in Bhutan. And the healthcare is free for visitors too.
  11. Bhutanese are one of the most contented people in Asia and in the world. Unlike other countries which measure their wealth in Gross Domestic Product, the nation has a metric called Gross National Happiness,. They believe that happiness is not related to having more money. Who needs money when you have Mother Nature pampering you with all her bounties.

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