Bhutan, the small Himalayan kingdom known for introducing Gross National Happiness (GNH), is grappling with an alarming trend: its young people are leaving the country in droves. Despite the country's free healthcare, education, rising life expectancy, and economic growth over the past three decades, Bhutan is witnessing a sharp increase in outmigration.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay calls it an “existential crisis,” stating that the success of Gross National Happiness has ironically made young Bhutanese more desirable in foreign job markets.
A Nation That Valued Its Isolation Historically, Bhutan has been a secluded nation. For centuries, it remained largely isolated, protecting its unique Buddhist culture. Foreign tourists were only allowed to visit in the 1970s, and television was introduced much later, in 1999.
Bhutan's culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, with prayer flags fluttering across the land and prayer wheels filled with scriptures spun by the Bhutanese, especially older generations. The capital city, Thimphu, still lacks traffic lights, and the roads are often shared by both cars and cows.
Dasho Kinley Dorji, former editor of Bhutan's first newspaper, reflects on the nation’s nervousness, especially in relation to its larger and more powerful neighbors, India and China. He emphasizes that Bhutan's strength lies in maintaining its distinct identity. "What we had in the past, what is old, is actually very valuable," he says.
The country is still largely agricultural, with many families living in multigenerational farmhouses. Bhutan unified under its first king in 1907, and the monarchy has remained central to the nation’s identity.
The Vision of Gross National Happiness It was the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who, in the 1970s, introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness as a guiding principle for the nation’s development. At an international summit in Cuba, he famously stated that Bhutan valued "Gross National Happiness" more than Gross National Product.
Since then, the country has focused on creating a society where economic growth is balanced with the preservation of culture and the well-being of its people. "People matter. Our happiness, our well-being matters," said Prime Minister Tobgay. Every five years, surveys measure the nation's happiness, with the results influencing government policies.
Bhutan’s commitment to environmental sustainability is also central to its philosophy. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested, and Bhutan remains one of the only carbon-negative countries in the world, thanks to its reliance on hydroelectric power.
Bhutan’s Transition to Democracy Despite its traditional roots, Bhutan is a modern democracy. In 2008, the country transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, with the people electing their first prime minister. The fourth king, who had initially introduced democracy, stepped down in favor of his son, the current fifth king. Though there were concerns among the people, the monarchy’s move to embrace democracy has been widely regarded as a peaceful transition.
The Crisis of Outmigration Despite these advancements, Bhutan is now facing a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the country's economy, particularly tourism, which is one of its main revenue sources. As young Bhutanese discovered better job prospects abroad, particularly in Australia, the number of those leaving the country has risen to an alarming 9% of the population.
Prime Minister Tobgay has acknowledged the severity of the situation, calling it a "very difficult" challenge for Bhutan.
Plans for a New City of Mindfulness In response to this crisis, Bhutan’s king has launched a bold initiative to reverse the outmigration trend. His plan involves the creation of a new city, Gelephu Mindfulness City, in the country’s southern region. The city will serve as a hub for economic development while preserving Bhutan’s values and traditions.
The king enlisted Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the city, which will feature neighborhoods nestled between rivers and connected by unique bridges. These bridges will also serve as public spaces, such as Buddhist centers, healthcare facilities, and universities. The city will be built using local materials, and no skyscrapers will be allowed.
The city will be developed in phases over the next two decades, and it will be free from polluting industries. Wildlife corridors will be integrated to protect the region’s diverse wildlife, including elephants.
A New Vision for Bhutan’s Future The king is working closely with a team of international experts to attract investment for the project, which is expected to cost billions. The city will operate on clean energy and will be a model of sustainable, technologically advanced living. It is hoped that the new city will attract technology companies, including those in artificial intelligence, and create job opportunities for Bhutanese both at home and abroad.
Prime Minister Tobgay envisions a future where Bhutanese citizens run multinational companies, while also maintaining the nation’s commitment to happiness and environmental sustainability. "When we say we follow the principles of Gross National Happiness, we do not mean we are happy with less… We also want to be rich. We want to be technologically high standard," said Dr. Lotay Tshering, former prime minister and leader of the project.
A Call for National Unity In a public address last December, the king presented his vision for the new city to the Bhutanese people, asking for their help in realizing the project. Namgay Zam, a former journalist, recalls that during the king's speech, he directly asked the nation: "Will you help me?" The king’s request left the audience in stunned silence, but it signified a new era of national collaboration.
The future of Bhutan hinges on the success of this new city, and it remains to be seen whether it will stem the tide of outmigration and secure a prosperous future for the country’s youth.