This country provides free land, electricity, water, healthcare, education to its citizens, but you must follow one rule of…
Bhutan, a neighboring country of India, is often regarded as a paradise. Here, if you wish to build a house, the king provides land free of charge. Basic necessities such as food, electricity, and education are also provided for free. Most remarkably, healthcare is entirely free, regardless of the illness. Isn’t that a place like heaven? Such a system is rare in today’s world, but Bhutan ensures these benefits for its citizens, with just one condition that must be met.
In Bhutan, there are no beggars or homeless individuals. Every citizen has a home, and the people generally lead happy lives. Healthcare services are universally free, with government hospitals and health centers offering free treatment and medicines. For severe medical conditions, the government even covers the cost of treatment abroad.
Although Bhutan now has television and internet access, these services were banned for many years to prevent the negative influence of foreign cultures on its way of life. This ban was lifted by the king in 1999, making Bhutan the last country in the world to adopt television.
In 2008, Bhutan established the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Committee to prioritize the inner peace and well-being of its people. Even the national census includes a section where individuals can indicate whether they are satisfied with their lives. The country also has a Ministry of Happiness, which measures Gross National Happiness. The quality of life in Bhutan is determined by a balance between financial and mental well-being.
No one is homeless in Bhutan
In Bhutan, no one is homeless. If someone loses their home, they simply need to approach the king, who provides them with a piece of land where they can build a house and grow vegetables. Bhutanese people generally consider themselves happy and content with their lives. Education, from primary to higher secondary levels, is free. Government schools and colleges do not charge tuition fees, and in special cases, the government provides scholarships for higher education abroad.
In rural Bhutan, a certain amount of electricity for domestic use is provided free of cost, particularly benefiting small families and low-income households. Farmers receive subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, and equipment from the government. Many agricultural resources are either provided for free or sold at highly subsidized rates.
Bhutanese people traditionally wear distinct clothing. Men don knee-length robes called ghos, while women wear long dresses known as kiras. A person’s status and social rank can be identified by the color of the scarf draped over their left shoulder. Commoners wear white scarves, while nobles and monks don yellow ones.
For a long time, Bhutan remained isolated from the world. It was only in 1970 that foreign tourists were first allowed to visit. Even now, authorities closely monitor foreign influence.
However, Bhutan is rapidly modernizing. In the capital city of Thimphu, smartphones and karaoke bars have become common. With a predominantly young population, social media has been widely embraced. This has led to a surge in street fashion and more open discussions about politics.
Bhutan is a global leader in environmental conservation. Plastic bags were banned as early as 1999, and tobacco is nearly illegal. By law, 60% of the country must remain forested. The nation is committed to tree planting and even set a world record in 2015 when volunteers planted 50,000 trees in just one hour.
Despite its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, Bhutan has intentionally avoided mass tourism. The country prioritizes preserving its environment and cultural heritage.
Bhutan’s primary export is electricity, which it sells to India through hydropower. Other exports include timber, cement, agricultural products, and handicrafts. Although Bhutan has a military, it lacks a navy due to being landlocked and has no air force. India assists Bhutan in managing its air defense needs.
Bhutanese people religion and tradition
Most Bhutanese people practice Buddhism, a religion that emphasizes respect for all living beings. As a result, vegetarianism is quite common in the country. The staple food is rice, but due to the high altitudes, regular rice cannot be grown. Instead, Bhutanese people cultivate red rice, which is hardier and has a distinct taste. Tea is a significant part of their culture, with people enjoying black and green tea prepared with salt, black pepper, and a spoonful of butter.
Women hold a place of honor in Bhutanese society. Property, including homes, livestock, and land, is traditionally passed down to the eldest daughter rather than the sons. Additionally, Bhutan has strict laws against the import or use of chemical products, ensuring that all food and resources are cultivated naturally and locally within the country.
Marrying foreigners are not allowed here
Marriage in Bhutan is bound by unique traditions. Citizens are legally prohibited from marrying foreigners, except for members of the royal family or those closely associated with it. Marriage rituals are deeply rooted in cultural customs, and after completing the necessary ceremonies, a couple is recognized as a family. Typically, the husband moves into the wife’s home, and once he earns enough, they may move to a separate house.