History

There is evidence that Bhutan was inhabited by as early as 2,000 BC but not much is known of these early inhabitants. Buddhism has and continues to play a significant role in our history ever since it was introduced in the eight century. The temples of Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kyerchu Lhakhang in Paro are said to have been built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, during that time. The arrival of a famous Indian teacher, Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche as he is known in Bhutan, roughly a hundred years after the building of the temples is another significant event. Today, Guru Rinpoche continues to occupy a central role in our lives - from the first prayers we learn to recite as a child to the several festivals that are performed in our dzongs - he is considered a second Buddha by many. The consolidation of Bhutan began in the 17th century with the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel from Tibet. He unified several powerful local lords, established a code of law, and built a network of dzongs. During his time as both secular and religious leader, several invasions from the north were repelled. Following his death, the country remained stable for some time before once again disintegrating into conflict between rivalling houses and religious sects. It was only in 1907 when the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned that Bhutan began its present path towards modernity and development.

National Dress

Bhutanese men wear the gho while women wear the kira as our national dress. We wear our gho and kira, along with western casual wear, as our daily clothing. However for special functions like weddings or other celebrations we choose our best intricately woven ghos and kiras. The gho and kira is also required when we visit government offices, sacred monasteries and temples.

Economy

Instead of Gross Domestic Product, Bhutan pursues Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its development philosophy. This approach prioritizes our psychological well-being, the preservation of our culture, the conservation of our natural environment, and good governance, among others, instead of only economic indicators. GNH ensures that our economic policies lead to sustainable development. Until very recent times, our economy was primarily based on agriculture. Even today, the majority of our population is engaged in growing crops and animal husbandry. Hydropower is a major revenue earner for the government given our ample water resources. Tourism, guided by a “high value, low volume” strategy, is another growing part of the economy. Recognizing the importance of small cottage industries, innovation and information technology, major investments are being made and policy changes being pursued to enable Bhutan’s economy to evolve.