ABSTRACT
The Kingdom of Bhutan, in the Himalayas of south-central Asia, is well known for its unique development philosophy. It measures Gross National Happiness (GNH), in which the progress of the country is guided by the well-being and happiness of its population. Bordered by China and India, Bhutan is also close to Nepal and Bangladesh. It holds a strategic location in the region, controlling several major mountain passes into the Himalayas. Ethnically, the population of 857,423 is 50 percent Ngalop; other groups include Nepali and Lhotshampas. Languages spoken include Dzongkha (the official language), Sharchokpa, and Lhotshamkha, as well as other foreign languages. The Bhutanese are predominantly Lamaistic Buddhist; there are also Indian and Nepali-influenced Hindus. As much as 43 percent of the population lives in urban areas, including about 200,000 in the capital of Thimphu.
