ABSTRACT
The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is known around the world for its adoption of the principles of ‘Gross National Happiness’ (GNH), which lays emphasis on balancing equitable socio-economic development with spiritual well-being and cultural and environmental conservation. The cultural landscapes of Bhutan are a unique refl ection of this philosophy. This philosophy in turn is guided largely by the Buddhist value of the ‘middle path’. Buddhism is an integral part of the lives of the majority of the Bhutanese people and, therefore, Buddhist symbols and values dominate their lives and the cultural landscapes of the country.
