Notes on Bhutan

9 days ago

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Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom known for its unique governance experiments and cultural preservation.
The country has a dual system of governance (cho-sid-nyi) where religious and secular powers share authority, exemplified by dzongs serving as religious, military, and administrative centers.
Bhutan opened to foreign tourism in 1974 with a high-value, low-volume approach and only legalized television and the internet in 1999.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced reforms in the 2000s, including adopting a constitution in 2008 and prioritizing Gross National Happiness over GDP.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a new economic hub and Special Administrative Region designed to blend innovation with cultural and environmental sustainability.
GMC operates under the Diamond Strategy, a 40-year plan to pilot best practices in governance and economic growth before scaling them nationwide.
Bhutan aims to modernize while preserving its identity, avoiding the cultural and environmental pitfalls seen in other rapidly developing regions like Bali and Nepal.
The country’s long-term vision, guided by a benevolent monarchy, contrasts with the short-term focus of democratic electoral cycles.
Bhutan’s development strategy poses a question: Can traditional cultures thrive in a globalized world without losing their essence?
GMC may also position Bhutan as a global center for Vajrayana Buddhism, especially amid uncertainties surrounding the Dalai Lama’s succession.

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