Bhutan

Contentment comes first

Nation: Bhutan National Day: 27.07.00

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan presents itself in the form of a lhakhang, a Buddhist temple. Buddhist religion is deeply rooted and alive among Bhutan's population. It assigns people a role as guardians of nature. Protecting the country's exceptional biodiversity upholds this religious tradition. Inside the temple Bhutan presents model environmental protection projects, which are given priority over short-term commercial profit. "Gross domestic contentment is more important than gross domestic product," says King Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan, summing up his country's philosophy. The lhakhang with its open courtyard gives visitors an opportunity for retreat, rest, reflection or prayer.