16 Fun Facts About Bhutan

Despite opening its door to tourism in 1974, the entire world is still unaware of Bhutan’s unique and interesting features. Unsurprisingly, very little is known about this mysterious landlocked Himalayan Kingdom. If you are wondering what makes Bhutan a Hidden Jewel, you are at the right place. Here, I’m going to share some interesting Bhutan facts that may surprise you.

Isolated From the World:

Bhutan was completely isolated from the rest of the world until the 1970s which helped them to preserve their traditions, culture, and picturesque landscape. This Himalayan Kingdom has only been known of its existence to the outside world for the last 60 years. Bhutan is like lost heaven thus, known as Shangri-La — the perfect paradise.

The Bhutanese lifestyle is no doubt a little different and amusing.

Carbon-Negative Country:

Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world which means it consumes more carbon dioxide than it produces. According to their constitutional laws, at least 60% of the country must be covered by forests. However, almost 72% of Bhutan’s area is covered by forests making it the world’s only “Carbon Sink’.

No Use of Plastic:

As Bhutanese are highly dedicated to their environment, fauna, and flora; usage of plastic bags is strongly banned in Bhutan since 1999. Instead of these plastic bags, cotton bags are used for groceries. The entire world is now following in their footsteps to protect their environment by enforcing this no plastic bags policy.

Smoking is illegal:

It is among the healthy facts of Bhutan that both the sale and consumption of tobacco are banned here. Smoking is strongly prohibited in public areas e.g. restaurants, markets, shopping halls, cinemas, etc. However, only a few selected areas are allowed for smoking and anyone caught breaking the rules will be subjected to imprisonment of at least 3–5 years. This made Bhutan world’s first Smoke-Free Nation.

No Traffic Lights:

One of the most amusing facts about Bhutan is, it is among the only few countries in the world without any traffic lights. Even its capital Thimphu which comprises the heaviest traffic does not have a single traffic light. Even during the 7-days festival, it doesn’t use any traffic light to control the crowded roads. Once a great outrage was faced by the officials and public when a traffic signal was installed which was later removed promptly.

Officially Measures National Happiness:

If you wonder what is Bhutan known for then read one of my most favorite and interesting facts about Bhutan. This country does not rely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for its development, rather they have introduced its index known as Gross National Happiness (GNH). As to them being happier is much important than being rich. The Gross National Happiness index has four pillars, sustainable socio-economic development, healthy environment, cultural preservation, and good governance.

Home to the Highest Unclimbed Mountain:

Bhutan is home to the world’s 40th highest unconquered mountain Gangkhar Puensum which is 7,570 meters high. Bhutanese don’t encourage mountaineering because according to their religious beliefs high spirits dwell in the mountains and it’s not good to disturb them. So, in 1994 Bhutan’s government placed a ban on climbing mountains higher than 6000 meters. Before that many failed attempts were made to conquer this mountain.

Low Impact, High-Value Tourism Policy:

Bhutan’s doors were opened for tourists in 1974, before that this country was inaccessible to tourists. But still, Bhutan’s government doesn’t want to promote tourism on a larger scale as massive tourism can destruct their environment and cultural values and this is one of the most known Bhutan cultural facts. For this reason, they kept their tourism industry small and adopted low impact, high-value tourism approach.

Most Challenging Paro Airport:

Paro Airport is one of the most dangerous airports to land on since it is surrounded by mighty mountains as high as 18,000 feet. Paro’s numerous mountain peaks and breezy storms prove challenging to the pilots. Therefore, only in the daylight and under some specific conditions, flights from and to Paro are allowed. Only a handful of qualified pilots are allowed to fly into this Himalayan Kingdom. If you want learn more about flying into Bhutan, check out paroairport.com.

Birthdays on New Year:

Are you among those who often forget the birthdays of their close ones and regret that later? Well, Bhutanese are free from this kind of guilt as all their citizens officially turn a year older on New Year Day. This is how no one forgets anyone’s birthday. In the past, it is not mandatory for Bhutanese to register their date of birth.

Bhutan’s National Animal:

You must be wondering whether Bhutan’s national animal is a cow or goat? Well, Bhutan’s national animal is Takin- a goat-antelope that is quite rare and seems like a cross between cow and goat. Takin holds a special association to the Bhutanese religious and spiritual history as they believe that the ‘Divine Madman’ created it.

Animal Slaughter is Banned:

Bhutanese are so concerned about their environment, flora, and fauna that killing animals and birds is strongly banned here. It is a country where animals and birds are free from the fear of being killed. Although they are much fond of eating meat, all of them are imported from other countries e.g India, China, etc.

Bhutanese- The Spice Lovers:

One of the least expected and most interesting facts about Bhutanese is that they like their food to be spicy. They have a unique cuisine which is a mixture of Himalayan and Chinese flavors. Bhutanese diet is mainly based on animal and locally grown products such as cheese, milk, butter, ginger, potatoes, rice, etc.

However, chilies are an important ingredient of their meal whether taken as raw or cooked.

TV and Internet didn’t exist:

As Bhutan remained isolated from the entire world for years. It was the last country to introduce televisions to its citizens. In 1999, televisions were introduced for the first time. This is how they preserved their holy traditions. Bhutanese government feared that its misuse may corrupt their old traditions and values. However, Bhutanese recently got access to the Internet in 2001.

Free Healthcare and Education:

Despite being an underdeveloped and impoverished country, the government has taken the necessary steps to offer free basic healthcare and educational facilities to its citizens. Even the government issues free textbooks and stationery to rural students. Although many advancements need to be made, Bhutan is setting an example for the most advanced countries in the world in terms of taking care of citizens well-being.

The custom of Refusing the Food First Time:

Now that you have known 15 interesting facts about Bhutan, it is time to discover the last fun fact. It is Bhutanese’s custom to refuse food when it is being offered the first time to show some respect and gratitude. Bhutanese even close their mouth and say “Meshu”. However, you can accept the food when it is offered a second time.

It is always best to consult with your tour guide about cultural behaviours. Do remember that to visit Bhutan, you need to book your trip through licensed tour agencies such as https://www.drukasia.com/.