Amazing Facts about Bhutan

Bhutan is an isolated country in Southeast Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is a mysterious country that appears to exist in a parallel universe. Many people find it enchanting, as if it comes right out of a storybook. 

Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country, meaning it generates greater oxygen than what it consumes. It emits approximately 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, but it’s woods absorb three times that much, resulting in a carbon sink.

Amazing Facts about Bhutan

Here are some incredible facts about Bhutan.

1.It is the world’s ONLY carbon-negative country.

Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-neutral country, consuming greater carbon dioxide than it emits.

In recent years, firewood gathering and industrial growth have been a major concern for Bhutan. These activities result in pollution and carbon dioxide emissions of roughly 2.2 million tonnes per year.

However, it remains carbon-negative due to its lush woods, which operate as a carbon sink and absorb the majority of carbon dioxide.

2. Until the 1970s, it was isolated from the rest of the world.

Bhutan was completely cut off from the rest of the world until 1974. In 1974, the country allowed the new king’s coronation to be covered by the media for the first time, 64 years after its discovery.

3.Bhutan has no traffic lights.

Bhutan’s roads are a scary experience, with sharp turns in the hilly areas. They are pathways that herds of animals such as cows and buffaloes use.

Even amid the road, people stop to welcome each other. Bhutanese drivers, on the other hand, drive slowly and cautiously. Therefore, traffic lights are not necessary.

4.The King abdicated the throne for the sake of democracy.

Today’s society represents dirty power and corruption. However, the king of Bhutan’s selflessness is astonishing and inspirational in contrast.

He recognised that Bhutan might not have a good, honest king in the future. Thus, he favoured democracy and held elections in 2005 in conjunction with the adoption of a constitution, transforming Bhutan into a democracy.

This information about Bhutan demonstrates how peaceful the country is.

5. Bhutan has declared a ban on the use of plastic.

Bhutan first banned plastic in 1999. Even after implementing it twice more in 2005 and 2009, it failed due to a lack of alternatives.

They again enforced the ban in 2019 to the pressing demand for trash management in Bhutan. The government is promoting alternatives such as handcrafted carry bags, jute bags, and handwoven bags to educate citizens.

6.Bhutanese share the same birthday.

Remember the time you forgot someone you cared about birthday? Bhutanese, on the other hand, do not face this problem. Bhutanese nationals all officially grow a year elder on New Year’s Day, which is interesting.

If people have forgotten their birthdays due to illiteracy or other factors, it is easier to recall them if they are celebrated on New Year’s Day. The practice shows that Bhutanese place a higher value on the year than the month or day.

7.Bhutan was the last country in the world to introduce television.

Bhutan got its first television in 1990.

This Bhutanese statistic will make you wonder, “How did they survive without television for so long?” Bhutan began broadcasting television in 1999.

It was illegal till then. The Bhutanese government thought it would taint the country’s Buddhist culture.

8.Archery is the national sport.

Bows and arrows play an important role in several Bhutanese myths and stories. Bhutan has an Olympic archery squad as well.

9. In 2019, Bhutan decriminalised homosexuality.

Acts of gay nature are punishable by up to a year in jail under the Penal Code of 2004. However, Bhutan removed two provisions of the statute that declared “unnatural sex” criminal in 2019.

Bhutan, congratulations!

10. All citizens have access to free education and healthcare.

The government has launched a programme to ensure that everyone has access to general health and educational services. Most people still receive their schooling from monasteries, but the government is making efforts to improve literacy.

11. It is against the law to kill anything.

Bhutan is a country that values animals because of this reason.

No animals or birds are allowed to be killed in Bhutan. This legislation stems from Buddhist teachings’ traditional ideals, which prohibit the murder of any living entity. They are also very concerned about environmental protection.

They do, however, eat a lot of meat. All the beef comes from outside the country. The government has recently considered outright prohibiting its consumption.

12.Bhutan has a unique national animal.

Bhutan’s national animal is the goat-antelope “Takin.” It eats on leaves, grass, and bamboo shoots and is endemic to Bhutan.

People can frequently find these animals lurking among mineral mines because salt is an integral part of their diet.

Conclusion

Bhutan is an isolated country in Southeast Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is a mysterious country that appears to exist in a parallel universe.  

This article discusses fascinating facts about Bhutan like national sports, national animals, etc. We hope they have helped you see the country in a new light. 

Visit Bhutan to learn about the fascinating culture and to feel it for yourself!