What Makes Bhutanese Happy?

Bhutan, the last standing Buddhist Kingdom in the Himalayan Mountains between India and China is the “Happiest Country” in Asia.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan’s Fourth King)

It is the only country in the world that measures happiness called “Gross National Happiness” which started when it opened up to globalization and developed by Bhutan’s fourth king, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Generally, there are three major aspects that contribute to a person’s happiness; health, education, and contentedness.

Contentedness– What makes them really happy people, first and foremost, is they are the type of people who are satisfied and contented with their lives in Bhutan, less materialistic and living in a simple life away from complicated things. They are contented with their earning, although they could potentially earn much more than that as long as they are closer to their families. However small it may be, they are very happy already.

Bhutan citizens also balance their material and spiritual happiness. They don’t care if they have or don’t have the latest gadgets. They’re happy to be alive. A living proof that money can’t buy happiness.

Health – They don’t exert much of their energy in facing gadgets and being in the social media world. They don’t sleep late just wasting their time in the internet. Instead, most of them sleep at least eight hours every night. Being well- rested results to their happiness, productivity and overall health. Living in mountains is more preferable. It means less pollution. Imagine living in a peaceful place and having a wonderful view of the nature. It is not only enjoyable and soothing to the hearts and minds of Bhutan people.

Education – Another thing is, they truly care for their environment. Forests and animals were protected. Livings in harmony with good surroundings also make them happy. Bhutan people, as Buddhists, practice to live well and are inspired to do good deeds to be closer to reincarnation as they will become better beings when reborn.