The country that measures happiness ⏲️ 6 Minute English

TL;DR

Bhutan prioritizes happiness over economic growth.

Transcript

Hello, this is 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I'm Neil. And I'm Pippa. In this programme, we're talking about happiness. So, what makes you happy, Neil? It makes me happy when I'm with a group of old friends and we're having a good laugh. How about you, Pippa? Cats make me very happy. Especially if I see a cat on the street that I don'... Read More

Key Insights

• Bhutan measures success through Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing cultural and environmental preservation over economic growth.
• International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20th, as recognized by the United Nations.
• Bhutan's unique history of never being colonized has allowed its Buddhist culture to remain intact and vibrant.
• The concept of GNH was developed to modernize Bhutan without losing cultural identity and environmental integrity.
• Bhutan faces a brain drain issue, with many skilled workers migrating to other countries for better opportunities.
• The Mindfulness City project aims to reverse brain drain by attracting Bhutanese workers back with eco-friendly and spiritual living conditions.
• Upskilling is a key strategy in the Mindfulness City to enhance local workers' skills gained abroad.
• Bhutan's focus on happiness over economic growth has gained international admiration despite challenges like brain drain.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan?

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a philosophy in Bhutan that prioritizes the happiness and well-being of its citizens over economic growth. It focuses on preserving the country's natural environment and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. This approach influences all governmental policies and decisions, making happiness the primary measure of success.

Q: When is the International Day of Happiness celebrated?

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20th. This day was established by the United Nations to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people around the world. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth.

Q: How has Bhutan's history influenced its cultural preservation?

Bhutan's history of never being colonized has significantly contributed to the preservation of its cultural heritage. This unique aspect has allowed the country to maintain its Buddhist traditions and social fabric intact and vibrant. The absence of colonial influence has enabled Bhutan to develop its policies, like Gross National Happiness, that prioritize cultural and environmental preservation.

Q: What challenges does Bhutan face despite its focus on happiness?

Despite its focus on happiness, Bhutan faces challenges such as brain drain, where skilled workers migrate to other countries for better opportunities. This migration results in a loss of human capital and expertise, impacting the country's development. The government is addressing this issue through initiatives like the Mindfulness City project, which aims to attract Bhutanese workers back home.

Q: What is the Mindfulness City project in Bhutan?

The Mindfulness City project in Bhutan is a multi-million dollar initiative aimed at creating a new city built on spiritual and environmental principles. Powered by renewable energy, it seeks to reverse the brain drain by attracting Bhutanese workers back home. The project emphasizes eco-friendly living and provides opportunities for upskilling, balancing modernization with cultural preservation.

Q: How does the Mindfulness City project address brain drain?

The Mindfulness City project addresses brain drain by creating an attractive living environment that encourages Bhutanese workers who have migrated abroad to return home. By offering a city built on spiritual and environmental principles, along with opportunities for upskilling, the project aims to utilize the skills gained by workers abroad and integrate them into Bhutan's development.

Q: What role does upskilling play in Bhutan's development strategy?

Upskilling plays a crucial role in Bhutan's development strategy by improving the skills of local workers through training and experience. This approach is particularly emphasized in the Mindfulness City project, where returning Bhutanese workers can apply and enhance the skills they acquired abroad. Upskilling helps in building a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the country's sustainable development.

Q: Why is Bhutan's approach to happiness admired globally?

Bhutan's approach to happiness is admired globally because it offers an alternative model of governance that prioritizes citizen well-being over economic growth. By focusing on Gross National Happiness, Bhutan emphasizes the importance of cultural and environmental preservation, setting an example for other countries to consider happiness and sustainability as key components of national success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bhutan emphasizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic growth, focusing on preserving its culture and environment. This unique approach has garnered global attention, highlighting the importance of happiness in governance.

• The country's Buddhist culture remains intact due to its history of never being colonized. GNH guides governmental decisions, prioritizing citizen wellbeing and happiness above economic metrics.

• Bhutan's Mindfulness City project addresses brain drain by attracting skilled Bhutanese workers back home. The initiative combines eco-friendly practices with opportunities for upskilling, aiming to balance modernization with cultural preservation.