In today’s bonus episode, I want to talk about Bhutan, Bhutan is a tiny Himalayan kingdom often described as “the world’s happiest country.”
Bhutan is famous for some pretty unusual things. It measures something called “Gross National Happiness”. Television and the internet were only introduced there in 1999. Tourists have to pay expensive daily fees just to visit. It is one of the few carbon-negative countries on Earth, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. And it has one of the coolest national flags.
I think many people have the impression that Bhutan is a peaceful Buddhist kingdom hidden in the mountains, protected from the chaos of modern life.
But how accurate is this impression? Can a country prioritize happiness over economic growth? And is Bhutan as happy as the internet claims?
In this episode of Thinking in English, we’ll explore Bhutan’s geography and history, its long period of isolation, its gradual opening to the modern world, and the famous idea of Gross National Happiness. We’ll also look at the realities of life in Bhutan today.
So, let’s find out: what is Bhutan really like?
Unlock the full episode and join the conversation by becoming a Patreon member today!
Interactive Transcript
Listen Here
Spotify
PatreonTranscript
Vocabulary Games and Activities!
Learn and practice vocabulary from this Thinking in English episode.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
