Inside Bhutan’s 116th National Day: A Glimpse into a Future Built on Happiness.

I was a participant in the 116th national day of Bhutan, with celebrations lasting for over 5 hours and very productive meetings with their Majesties, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Queen Jetsun Pema. 

A vision to create an international community was announced. Read the transcription from the King’s address here.

This community will bring ancient wisdom, traditions, and modern science and technology to create an unprecedented example of what the future of humanity can be – peace, justice, sustainability, health, joy, and prosperity. 

The community will be the size of a Singapore and based on principles of empathy, compassion, joy, loving kindness, and equanimity, where the principles of spiritual practice, deeper understanding of fundamental reality, higher consciousness, mindfulness, and conscious living will be the norm. 

Bhutan has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, often occupying the top spot. This is primarily due to its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which places a greater emphasis on the collective well-being of its citizens than solely on economic growth. 

**World Happiness Report** 

The World Happiness Report, a global survey conducted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, has consistently ranked Bhutan among the top happiest countries in the world. In the 2023 report, Bhutan ranked 8th out of 149 countries, with a score of 7.54 out of 10. This puts Bhutan ahead of many developed nations, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. 

**Gallup World Poll** 

The Gallup World Poll, another global survey that measures life satisfaction, has also shown that Bhutan’s citizens are generally happy. In the 2022 poll, Bhutan ranked 6th out of 108 countries, with an average life satisfaction score of 7.2 out of 10. This puts Bhutan ahead of many other Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. 

**Factors Contributing to Bhutan’s Happiness** 

There are several factors that contribute to Bhutan’s high levels of happiness. These include: 

• **Strong emphasis on GNH:** Bhutan’s government has made GNH a central pillar of its national development strategy. This means that the government prioritizes policies that promote social harmony, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation, in addition to economic growth.
• **Strong social fabric:** Bhutan has a strong sense of community and social cohesion. People tend to be close-knit and supportive of each other. This strong social fabric contributes to a sense of belonging and happiness. 
• **Emphasis on spiritual values:** Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country, and Buddhist values such as compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude play an important role in shaping the country’s culture and values. These values contribute to a sense of inner peace and happiness. 
• **Focus on environmental sustainability:** Bhutan has a strong commitment to environmental protection. This commitment has helped to preserve the country’s natural beauty and has contributed to a sense of well-being among its citizens. 

Overall, Bhutan’s high levels of happiness are a testament to its unique approach to development.

By prioritizing GNH and focusing on the well-being of its citizens, Bhutan has created a society that is not only prosperous but also harmonious and fulfilling. 

More to follow.