Bhutan is a small landlocked country located between India and China. Because it is situated in the middle of the Himalayas, it is very mountainous with beautiful forests and a peaceful culture.

The people of Bhutan care deeply about protecting nature. According to the country’s constitution, the government must keep at least 60 percent of the nation’s land forested in perpetuity. Because of strict restrictions on animal slaughter, much of Bhutan's meat is imported from India.

Gross National Happiness Index

Bhutan is known as the “Kingdom of Happiness” for its unique focus on Gross National Happiness, or GNH. Instead of prioritizing money or economic growth, the GNH measures the happiness and well-being of Bhutan’s citizens. Bhutan believes that the country’s success should be based on how happy people are, not how rich they are.

No Traffic Lights

Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is unique because it has no traffic lights. Rather than relying on signals, police officers sit in small booths at key intersections to direct traffic by hand. Many residents prefer this system because automated signals feel too impersonal in a society that values human connection.