Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan has long been considered a unique country with many interesting things such as measuring the happiness index, producing excess hydroelectric power and choosing tourists.
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| The Bhutanese government is well aware of the impact that tourism can have on its unique landscape and culture, and has placed special restrictions on tourism since opening up to the public in order to create “high-value, low-impact” tourism. Photo: Huffington Post. |
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| This policy aims to attract tourists who respect the unique culture and values of local people, while providing them with unforgettable experiences. Photo: BBC. |
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| All visitors (individuals or groups) must sign up for pre-planned, pre-paid, guided private tours or programs. Most foreigners are not allowed to backpack in Bhutan. Photo: Kingdom of Bhutan. |
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| The minimum tour package in Bhutan costs $200 a day ($250 in peak season). Of that, $65 a day will be spent on free education and health care, reducing poverty rates. Photo: Travel Triangle. |
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| Visitors can buy a postmark with their face for $4 to send letters and postcards to family in Thimphu. Photo: Whenshetravelstheworld |
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| Bhutan is the only country located entirely within the Himalayas. It is also one of the smallest countries in Asia, with an area of 38,394 square kilometers. Photo: Steve Razzetti. |
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| Bhutan's population is around 740,000, mainly Buddhist. Photo: Photoburst. |
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| The tiny kingdom generates its surplus electricity from hydropower. All Bhutanese citizens get free electricity, while the rest is exported to neighboring countries (earning $36.5 million in 2015). Bhutan has 1.3 million tons of coal reserves, but only uses about 1,000 tons per year. Photo: Glacierhub. |
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| Bhutan is the only country in the world that absorbs more CO2 from the air than it emits. Thanks to 72% forest and low levels of industry, the green kingdom absorbs 6 million tons of C02 from the Earth each year, while emitting only 1.5 million tons. Photo: Lynsey Addario |
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| Bhutan bans the export of timber and timber products to ensure at least 60% of the country is covered by forests. Plastic bags are also banned in this green, clean and beautiful kingdom. Photo: Mygola. |
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| Bhutan's Thimphu is one of only two capitals in the world without traffic lights. The government plans to install them, but they have been met with opposition from residents who say they are ineffective and prefer police enforcement. Photo: Ajourneyofathousandsteps. |
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| Bhutanese value happiness over wealth. The idea of Gross National Happiness was created by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Instead of measuring wealth like other countries, the Bhutanese king values the living conditions and satisfaction of his people. Photo: Always Bhutan. |
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| This is also one of the countries that has never been invaded or ruled. Bhutan's culture is completely preserved, not much influenced by outside countries. Photo: Kingdom of Bhutan. |
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| Bhutan's Gangkhar Peunsum is the world's highest unclimbed mountain. Since 2003, the Bhutanese government has banned climbing the mountain to protect local religious beliefs. Photo: Mfaucher. |
According to Zing
