Thimphu
Bhutan to Blacktown
Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness has led to significant achievements. However, the country now faces challenges that require more adaptable strategies.
Bhutan, often celebrated as the “kingdom of happiness,” has long prioritized Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of its development. This unique approach, introduced by the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the late 1970s, emphasizes a holistic view of progress, integrating both economic and non-economic aspects of well-being. However, recent trends suggest that the GNH framework is struggling to maintain its relevance, as a growing number of Bhutanese citizens are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
The GNH framework comprises nine domains: psychological well-being, health, time use and balance, education, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and resilience, and living standards. These domains are broken down into 33 specific indicators, providing a comprehensive assessment of the Bhutanese population’s well-being. Individuals are categorized into four groups based on their GNH scores: unhappy, narrowly happy, extensively happy, and deeply happy. This system helps policymakers pinpoint areas requiring attention to improve overall happiness.
Guided by the GNH philosophy, Bhutan has made significant strides in various sectors over the past four decades. The nation has maintained an average annual GDP growth of 7.5% since the early 1980s, dropping poverty levels from 36% in 2007 to 10% in 2019. Environmentally, Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country, with a forest cover exceeding 70% and a thriving hydroelectricity export industry. These accomplishments underscore Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Despite these successes, Bhutan faces substantial challenges that question the effectiveness of its GNH-centric approach. Om Dhungel, a Bhutanese refugee now residing in Australia and author of Bhutan to Blacktown: Losing Everything and Finding Australia, offers a critical perspective on the GNH concept. While he acknowledges the positive aspects, Dhungel argues that the framework doesn’t adequately reflect the government’s commitment to the happiness and human rights of all citizens.
Having once been a senior telecommunications engineer in Bhutan, Dhungel recalls his efforts to apply GNH principles when installing phone towers with minimal environmental disruption. Yet, he questions the authenticity of this approach, stating, “At the same time, now we can see its hollowness. Why would people leave a land of gross national happiness?”
Bhutan’s economy faces substantial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the tourism sector—once a key revenue source—to a halt. The sector has not yet recovered, and Bhutan’s status as a least developed country further complicates its economic situation, as it lacks a robust industrial base.
Youth unemployment is another growing concern. With fewer job market opportunities, many young Bhutanese are leaving the country for better prospects. The latest data shows that just over half of women are employed, down from 61.2% in 2019. Meanwhile, youth unemployment, which has steadily risen since 2004, reached 28.6% in 2022. Australia has emerged as a popular destination for Bhutanese emigrants, with 1.5% of the population relocating to the country in 2023 for work and study. This exodus has contributed to a “brain drain,” which has begun to affect public service delivery in Bhutan.
Despite these challenges, economic analysts remain optimistic. The World Bank forecasts that Bhutan’s economy will grow by 7.2% in FY24/25, primarily driven by the industrial sector. This growth is expected to come from increased electricity production due to the commissioning of the Punasangchu II hydropower plant, as well as growth in mining, manufacturing, and forestry. The services sector, particularly tourism, is also expected to recover as the number of tourist arrivals returns to pre-COVID levels.
Recent trends suggest that the GNH framework is struggling to maintain its relevance, as a growing number of Bhutanese citizens are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Bhutan’s challenges extend beyond economic issues. According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, the country now ranks 90th globally, sharply declining from its previous position of 33rd. This drop reflects growing restrictions on media freedom and limited freedom of expression. Furthermore, nearly 20% of participants in the 2022 GNH survey reported feeling disenfranchised, saying they did not feel they had the right to join a political party of their choice. This reveals a broader concern regarding limitations on political freedom and the citizens’ ability to engage freely in the nation’s political landscape.
Another controversial development is Bhutan’s plan to build Gelephu Mindfulness City in the south. Announced by the Dragon King in December, the city will occupy 2.5% of the country’s land and include nine bridges where people can live and work. However, the project has raised concerns due to its location on land currently inhabited by 10,000 people, many of whom are farmers who fear displacement without adequate compensation. Human rights activist Ram Karki and others have expressed concerns about potential injustice for these residents.
Regarding the exodus of Bhutanese citizens to Australia, some, like Chimmi Dorji, president of the Association of Bhutanese in Perth, view the trend as part of modern life. According to Dorji, reports of a mass exodus are exaggerated. He believes that migration for work or study abroad is a routine activity, and most Bhutanese who move to Australia, including himself, plan to return home. “It’s paradise on earth,” he says, referring to his homeland.
Although Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness has led to significant achievements, the country now faces challenges that require more adaptable strategies. Bhutan must integrate its traditional values with practical solutions to contemporary issues. Addressing unemployment, reducing emigration, diversifying the economy, and preserving cultural heritage will be essential for maintaining its unique development model. But can Bhutan balance these efforts to ensure a prosperous future for its citizens? Only time will tell.
The writer is a freelance writer based in Larkana. He can be reached at sjatoi831@gmail.com
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