Nine things you did not know about Bhutan

Things you know about the shy and elusive country would always be far less than what you know about it but here are nine fun things you should know about this fascinating country.

1. Gross national happiness – Bhutan measures its progress not by Gross national product but rather by Gross National Happiness.

2. Tourism Tariff for $250 per day – A visitor from countries other than India, Bangladesh or Maldives is required to pay a tariff of $250 for each day they spend in Bhutan. This covers all the expenses (such as accommodation, food, transportation and guides) that you may have as a traveler.

3. Carbon Sink – Bhutan is the only country in the world that is a carbon sink which means that it absorbs more carbon than it emits into the environment thanks to hydropower.

4. Hydroelectricity – Bhutan generates 100% of electricity from hydropower. It runs on clean energy.

5. For the love of King and Queen – Bhutan loves its king and queen. The country is enamoured by their romantic love story. Their posters and pictures are found everywhere from government offices to local shops and hotels.

6. The National dress – Bhutan requires its citizens to wear the national dress for all official purposes from visiting the dzong to when they go casting their votes during elections.

7. Smoking is illegal but they love their betel nut – You won’t see people smoking in Bhutan but you will be greeted with red mouths and smell of betel nut. The stench is quite unbearable, the only thing that doesn’t agree with your senses in Bhutan

8. Highest unconquered mountain in the world – Since mountaineering is banned in Bhutan, the highest mountain in the world with unconquered summit is in Bhutan.

9. The Indian connection – India is Bhutan’s greatest trading and development partner. We build their roads, invest in their hydroelectric projects in turn they sell us their electricity and hear our word on their foreign relations. The Bhutan-India friendship is solid. You can even use Indian currency in Bhutan and hear the Kishore Kumar oldies on the bus.