Amazing Bhutan: Free Healthcare, No Homeless People, No Traffic Lights

Summary

The video introduces Bhutan, a small country nestled in the Himalayas, known for its unique policies and way of life. From its Gross National Happiness initiative to free healthcare and a complete tobacco ban, Bhutan is focused on preserving its traditions and environment. With no homeless population, a dress code, and laws protecting its forests, the country stands out for its commitment to sustainability and happiness. Despite its strict rules and costly tourism, Bhutan's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes make it a fascinating place to visit.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, is known for its unique approach to governance, focusing on national happiness over traditional economic metrics.
• 🏘️ Despite being closed to tourism until 1974, Bhutan has made significant strides in social welfare, including providing free healthcare to all its residents.
• 🌿 Recognizing the importance of ecology, Bhutan has a legal mandate to keep at least 60% of its land forested, contributing to its status as a carbon-negative country.
• 👕 Bhutan maintains a strong connection to its cultural heritage, as evidenced by a nationwide dress code that has been in place for over 400 years.
• 🚭 Bhutan is the first country to implement a total ban on tobacco, reflecting its commitment to public health.
• 🌶️ Chili peppers are a staple in Bhutanese cuisine, with the national dish, Ema Datshi, being a spicy combination of chilies and local cheese.
• 🏔️ Access to Bhutan is deliberately restricted to preserve its culture and environment, with tourists required to book through approved agencies and adhere to a minimum daily spend.
• 🛫 Paro Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, is known for its challenging approach and departure conditions, requiring highly skilled pilots.
• 💍 Marriage to foreigners is prohibited in Bhutan, and traditional wedding ceremonies involve unique rituals to bless the couple.
• 🏢 Bhutan's commitment to happiness is institutionalized through the Ministry of Happiness, which measures the well-being of its citizens alongside economic indicators.

Q & A

What significant change occurred in Bhutan's tourism policy in 1974?

Bhutan opened up to tourism in 1974, which was a significant change as it had been closed off to tourists until then.

How does Bhutan address the issue of homelessness?

In Bhutan, if a person loses their home, they can approach the king who will provide them with a plot of land to build a house and plant a garden.

What is the healthcare system like in Bhutan?

Bhutan offers free healthcare to all its residents, with the option to choose between traditional and classical medicine.

Why was television banned in Bhutan until 1999?

Television was banned in Bhutan to protect the country's unique culture and traditions from outside influences until it became impossible to isolate the country from modern technologies.

What is the significance of traditional clothing in Bhutanese culture?

Bhutan has a nationwide dress code requiring traditional clothing in public, which has been in place for over 400 years, symbolizing their respect for tradition.

Why is Bhutan the first country to have a total ban on tobacco?

Bhutan enacted a law in 2010 prohibiting the cultivation, harvest, and sale of tobacco to protect public health and maintain a healthy environment.

What is the ecological policy regarding forest cover in Bhutan?

Bhutan has a local law that mandates at least 60% of the country's total area to be covered with woods, which currently stands at about 71%.

What is the significance of chilies in Bhutanese cuisine?

Chilies are a popular and essential ingredient in almost every Bhutanese dish, reflecting the country's love for spicy food.

What are the challenges and requirements for tourists visiting Bhutan?

Visiting Bhutan is difficult and expensive, with tourists required to travel in groups of three or more, pay all expenses in advance, and be accompanied by a tour guide at all times.

How does Bhutan's tradition of inheritance differ from many other countries?

In Bhutan, property and belongings traditionally go to the eldest daughter rather than the son, reflecting a unique cultural practice.

What is unique about Bhutan's approach to organic farming?

Bhutan has banned the import or use of chemical products, making all farming practices all-natural and cultivated within the country.

Why are Bhutanese houses described as gingerbread-like?

Bhutanese houses are decorated with drawings of birds, animals, and patterns on the walls, giving them a resemblance to gingerbread houses.

What is the role of the Ministry of Happiness in Bhutan?

The Ministry of Happiness, established in 2008, focuses on the inner peace and happiness of Bhutan's people, considering Gross National Happiness as important as GDP.

Why is Paro Airport considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world?

Paro Airport is considered dangerous due to its location between mountaintops, requiring pilots to land on a short runway next to houses, and is only accessible during daylight hours due to strong winds.

Outlines

00:00

🏔️ Bhutan: A Unique Himalayan Paradise

Bhutan, nestled between India and China, is a remarkable country with a focus on national happiness over GDP. It opened its doors to tourism in 1974 and offers its citizens free healthcare and a guarantee against homelessness. The king provides land for housing to those in need. Bhutan's commitment to tradition is evident in its dress code, which mandates traditional attire in public, and its historical ban on TV and internet until 1999. The country also enforces a no-smoking policy and is deeply committed to ecology, with over 70% forest cover and a record for tree planting. The national dish, Ema Datshi, highlights the Bhutanese love for spicy food.

05:00

🌿 Bhutan's Cultural and Environmental Peculiarities

Bhutan's cultural preservation efforts include strict tourism regulations, with a minimum daily spend required for visitors. The country's traditions are further showcased in its inheritance practices, favoring eldest daughters, and in its agricultural practices, like drying chilies on rooftops for winter. Bhutan's Paro Airport is known for being one of the world's most challenging airports, with only a handful of pilots qualified to fly there. The nation's commitment to organic farming is evident in its ban on chemical imports. Social norms, such as prohibiting marriage to foreigners and unique wedding rituals, further distinguish Bhutan's cultural identity.

10:01

🏡 Bhutan's Focus on Happiness and Unique Traditions

Bhutan places a high value on happiness, with a dedicated Ministry of Happiness and a focus on Gross National Happiness over traditional economic metrics. The country's unique approach to governance and quality of life is reflected in its policies and the high reported happiness levels of its citizens. Bhutan's capital, Thiumphu, stands out for its lack of traffic lights, with traffic managed by manual police direction. The country's architecture is charming, with homes decorated like gingerbread houses, reflecting the Bhutanese love for aesthetic living spaces. Despite strict rules, Bhutan's people are known for their friendliness, and the country's natural beauty makes it a sought-after destination for those who manage to visit.

Keywords

💡Gross National Happiness (GNH)

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a term used by Bhutan to measure the collective happiness and well-being of its citizens, rather than focusing solely on economic growth. This concept is central to the video's theme, as it highlights Bhutan's unique approach to development, emphasizing quality of life over material wealth. The video mentions that Bhutan has an official Ministry of Happiness and conducted a survey in 2015 to measure the happiness of its population, with 91% considering themselves happy.

💡Free Healthcare

Free healthcare in Bhutan is a fundamental right for all residents, reflecting the country's commitment to the well-being of its people. The video emphasizes this by stating that the Ministry of Health aims to make Bhutan a nation with the best health, offering both traditional and classical medical treatments at no cost. This concept ties into the broader message of the video, which is to showcase the unique policies and practices that contribute to Bhutan's high levels of GNH.

💡No Homeless People

The absence of homelessness in Bhutan is a significant aspect of the country's social policies. As described in the video, if a person loses their home, they can approach the king, who will provide them with a plot of land to build a house and plant a garden. This policy is a direct reflection of Bhutan's commitment to ensuring that all citizens have a basic standard of living, which is a key component of GNH.

💡National Dress Code

The national dress code in Bhutan is a centuries-old tradition that requires citizens to wear traditional attire in public. Men wear a 'Gho', a knee-length robe, while women wear a 'Kira', a long dress. This dress code is not only a cultural preservation measure but also a visible symbol of national identity. The video uses this example to illustrate Bhutan's dedication to maintaining its unique cultural heritage, which contributes to the country's overall happiness and sense of community.

💡Ecology and Nature Conservation

Bhutan's strong emphasis on ecology and nature conservation is highlighted by the legal requirement that at least 60% of the country's land must be forested, a figure that currently stands at 71%. The video mentions Bhutan's record of planting 50,000 trees in an hour and its status as a carbon-negative country. These initiatives are part of the country's broader commitment to environmental sustainability, which is integral to the concept of GNH and the well-being of its citizens.

💡Tourism Restrictions

Tourism in Bhutan is heavily regulated to protect the country's culture and environment. The video explains that tourists must travel in groups of three or more, and all arrangements, including a tour guide, must be made in advance. This controlled approach to tourism is designed to minimize the impact on Bhutan's traditions and natural environment, ensuring that the country's unique way of life is preserved for future generations.

💡Organic Agriculture

Bhutan's commitment to organic agriculture is evident in its ban on the import or use of chemical products. The video notes that everything is cultivated within the country using all-natural methods. This focus on organic farming not only supports environmental sustainability but also contributes to the health and well-being of the population, aligning with the principles of GNH.

💡No Tobacco Policy

Bhutan's strict no-tobacco policy, enacted in 2010, makes it the first country to ban the cultivation, harvest, and sale of tobacco. The video describes the severe penalties for smuggling tobacco into the country. This policy is a clear example of Bhutan's dedication to public health, which is a significant factor in the country's high GNH scores.

💡Traditional Foods

The video highlights the importance of traditional foods in Bhutanese culture, with chilies being a staple ingredient in almost every dish. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a spicy combination of chilies and local cheese. This culinary tradition is not only a source of national pride but also a reflection of the country's commitment to preserving its cultural identity, which is part of the broader theme of GNH.

💡Paro Airport

Paro Airport, the only airport in Bhutan, is noted for its challenging approach and landing conditions due to its location in the Himalayas. The video mentions that only a handful of pilots are qualified to fly there, and operations are restricted to daylight hours. This aspect of Bhutan's infrastructure underscores the country's commitment to safety and its unique geographical context, which shapes the experience of visitors and residents alike.

Highlights

Bhutan, nestled between India and China, opened to tourism in 1974 and measures national happiness.

Bhutan has no homeless people; the king provides land for those in need.

Free healthcare is a right for all Bhutanese, with a goal to be a nation with the best health.

Bhutan was one of the last countries to introduce television and the internet, banned until 1999.

A nationwide dress code has been in place for over 400 years, reflecting social status through clothing.

Bhutan is the first country to ban tobacco, with strict laws against its sale and use.

At least 60% of Bhutan must be forested, currently at 71%, making it carbon-negative.

Chilies are a staple in Bhutanese cuisine, with Ema Datshi as the national dish.

Visiting Bhutan is restricted and expensive, with a minimum daily spend required for tourists.

Inheritance in Bhutan favors the eldest daughter, reflecting the respect for women.

Bhutan is moving towards 100% organic agriculture, with a ban on chemical products.

Food is traditionally stored on roofs in Bhutan to preserve it through the harsh winters.

Only a handful of skilled pilots can land at Bhutan's Paro Airport, one of the world's most dangerous.

Bhutanese marriages are traditional, with monks and rituals playing a significant role.

Bhutan has an official Ministry of Happiness, prioritizing well-being over economic growth.

Bhutan has no traffic lights, with traffic police manually controlling intersections.

Bhutanese homes are decorated like gingerbread houses, with unique patterns and designs.

Transcripts

Imagine a country tucked into the Himalayan Mountains between the giant countries of India

and China and closed off from tourism until 1974. A country that decided to measure national

happiness, has completely free healthcare, and nobody living on the streets. Sounds unbelievable,

but this is all true about Bhutan, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg… Counting down

from-- 16. No homeless people at all

In Bhutan, there’s no one stuck living out on the streets. If a person loses their home,

they just need to go to the king and he’ll give them a plot of land where they can build

a house to live in and plant a garden to eat from.

15. Free healthcare Each Bhutanese resident has the right to free

medical care. The country’s Ministry of Health has made it their goal to become “A

nation with the best health.” And it looks like they’re achieving just that. A person

can decide whether to receive traditional or classical medicine as a method of treatment

that’s all completely free! 14. Unplugged

TV and internet were officially banned in Bhutan… until 1999, that is. The Bhutanese

people take their traditions and unique culture very seriously, and the king took great measures

to protect his people from outside influences. But it became impossible to isolate the whole

country from modern technologies, so the king finally decided to lift the ban. As a result,

Bhutan was one of the last countries in the world to start using television. The internet

arrived shortly after. 13. National Dress Code

Speaking of traditions, Bhutanese people are required to wear traditional clothes in public.

This nationwide dress code has existed for over 400 years. Men wear a heavy, knee-length

robe called a Gho, and women wear a long dress known as a Kira. You can even identify a person’s

social status by the color scarf they wear draped over their left shoulder. Ordinary

folks wear white scarves, and noble people and monks wear yellow ones.

12. No Smoking! In 2010, the king enacted a law prohibiting

the cultivation, harvest, and sale of tobacco, making Bhutan the first country in the world

with a total ban on tobacco. It’s impossible to buy it there, and you can’t smoke in

public areas. Tourists lucky enough to gain entry into the country have to pay a huge

fee for bringing their smokes with them. And if they get caught trying to smuggle in tobacco,

they can expect a huge fine or even criminal charges!

11. Ecology is everything. Bhutan is really concerned about ecology and

nature. According to a local law, at least 60% of the country’s total area must be

covered with woods. At the moment, that number is at about 71%, so they’re doing just fine.

It’s no surprise really, since this is what locals want. In 2015, Bhutan even set a world

record when its people planted 50,000 trees in just one hour! Thanks to that, it’s the

only carbon-negative country in the world, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than

it produces. Way to go, Bhutan! 10. They like it hot!

The most popular ingredient in almost every Bhutanese dish is chilies. The Tourism Council

even notes “Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy.” The country’s

official National Dish is called Ema Datshi. It’s a yummy mix of spicy chilies and a

local cheese called Datshi. It’s a common staple in most meals and can be changed up

by adding potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, or ferns. And if you really wanna mix it up,

you can use yak cheese! Yep, from a yak! 9. Touring obstacles

Remember, Bhutan takes preserving their traditions and unique culture very seriously. That’s

why they make visiting their country very difficult and expensive. You can only go to

Bhutan in groups of 3 or more. (Technically, you can go as a couple or by yourself, but

you gotta pay extra if you do.) All documents and visas are issued by a state-appointed

company. And before you can get the permit, you have to pay all of the expenses in advance,

including transportation, hotel, fees, tour operator and guide services, visa, and insurance.

A tour guide will be with you the entire time, and they’ll only allow you to visit places

specifically designated for tourism. If you’re already thinking about booking a trip, then

make sure you save up $250 per person for each night you’d like to stay!

8. Ladies first Women are respected and honored in Bhutan.

Their tradition of inheritance proves that. All property and belongings like their homes,

cattle, and land go to the eldest daughter, not son. Men are expected to earn their own

fortunes. 7. 100% Organic?

Not quite, but they’re well on their way and could get there soon. It’s already illegal

to import or use any chemical products there whatsoever. Everything they use is cultivated

within the country and is all-natural. 6. They keep food on the roof.

Winters are pretty harsh in Bhutan, so they have to take advantage of the warmer seasons

to make sure they have enough food to make it through the cold months. In the fall, it’s

not uncommon to see roofs covered with red chilies drying for the winter. Piles of rice

stalks in cone-like structures in the fields are also everywhere. They don’t have enough

time to thrash the rice straight away, so they keep it like that until they can get

to it. Chili and rice are something the Bhutanese can happily survive on all winter long.

5. Only the best pilots are allowed to fly to Bhutan.

This time, it’s not a matter of privacy or an attempt to preserve an ancient culture,

but a matter of skill and safety. Paro Airport, the only one in the country, is in a fantastically

beautiful location with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. But it’s also one of the

most dangerous airports in the world. Not every pilot can maneuver between mountaintops

and land on a 6,500-foot-long (1.980 m) highway right by people’s houses. Add strong winds

to the challenge, and you’ll understand why take-offs and landings are only allowed

during daylight hours. And there are only 8 pilots in the world that can do this. Together,

they transport around 30,000 people a year. 4. Wedding rules

If you visit Bhutan, you may fall in love with the land, but try not to fall for a local

or else you’ll get your heart broken. It’s prohibited to marry foreigners.

When two happy Bhutanese people fall in love and get married, monks read mantras during

the wedding ceremony. They believe this tradition helps newlyweds build a tight mental connection.

There’s also a Changphoed ritual, which is the offering of a locally grown brew to

the deities. After the offering, the remaining brew is served and shared by the bride and

groom. Once the rituals are performed, the couple

becomes a family. Then, as a rule, the man moves into the woman’s home, and only when

he earns enough money can they move to a new house.

3. The Ministry of Happiness In 2008, the Gross National Happiness Committee

was formed in Bhutan to take care of the people’s inner peace. Bhutan is the only country in

the world that has an official Ministry of Happiness. They believe GNH, or Gross National

Happiness, is just as important to measure as GDP, aka Gross Domestic Product. In 2015,

they organized an extensive survey interviewing people about how happy they are. Even the

census questionnaire has a column where you can indicate whether you’re satisfied with

your life or not. The results of the 2015 survey showed that 91% of the population consider

themselves happy, and 43% are deeply or extensively happy. The quality of life in the country

is determined by the balance between their financial and mental values.

2. The road less traveled All the road signs in Bhutan are drawn by

hand. Thiumphu, the country’s capital, is the only one in the world that has no traffic

lights at all. In fact, there are no traffic lights in the entire country! Traffic police

control vehicle movement manually, and the officer in his booth on the main street is

one of the city sights no tourist wants to miss!

1. Gingerbread-like houses Bhutanese people love to decorate their homes.

They draw birds, animals, and different patterns on the walls, making them look like real-life

gingerbread houses. Their houses are small, 3-story structures. The ground floor is a

place to keep animals, the living space is on the second floor, and the third floor is

used to store hay. Probably makes for great insulation too!

Despite all the bans and strict rules, Bhutanese people are very friendly and happy, and the

natural beauty of this country is breathtaking. So if you plan a visit, I’m willing to bet

it’ll be an unforgettable trip!

So, would you like to visit Bhutan? Let me know down in the comments! If you learned

something new today, then give this video a like and share it with a friend. But – hey!

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