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Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Bhutan.

Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a unique and captivating country nestled in the Himalayas. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Bhutan:

Gross National Happiness (GNH) Over GDP: Bhutan is the only country in the world to officially measure its progress and well-being through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than just Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This philosophy, introduced in the 1970s, prioritizes the spiritual, physical, and mental well-being of its citizens, guiding all policy and development plans.

Carbon-Negative Country: Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country. It absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces, thanks to its extensive forest cover (over 70% of the country is forested) and its commitment to exporting renewable hydropower. The constitution mandates that at least 60% of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times.

No Traffic Lights: The capital city of Thimphu is famously the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Instead, policemen direct traffic at major intersections, a system the locals prefer after an attempt to install traffic lights was quickly reversed.

Highest Unclimbed Mountain: Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,570 meters (24,836 feet), is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Bhutanese law prohibits climbing mountains above 6,000 meters, deeming them sacred abodes of deities.

Strict Tourism Policy ("High Value, Low Impact"): Bhutan follows a "high value, low impact" tourism policy. International visitors (excluding citizens of India) are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per day, which contributes to free healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. This ensures a more exclusive and sustainable tourism experience.

Traditional Dress Code: Most Bhutanese people still wear their traditional clothing daily. Men wear a knee-length robe called a "gho," and women wear an ankle-length dress called a "kira." This helps preserve their unique cultural identity.

Late Adoption of Television and Internet: Bhutan was one of the last countries in the world to introduce television and internet, only doing so in 1999. This was a conscious decision to preserve their culture and traditions from potential negative influences of modernization.

Sacred Black-Necked Cranes: The black-necked crane is a highly revered and endangered bird in Bhutan. It is culturally sacred, and anyone found guilty of killing one faces severe penalties, including the risk of life imprisonment. An annual festival celebrates their arrival.

Archery as the National Sport: Archery is not just a sport but a deeply ingrained cultural activity in Bhutan. Competitions are vibrant, with singing, dancing, and elaborate rituals accompanying the matches.

Unique Architecture: Bhutanese traditional architecture is highly distinctive, characterized by small arched windows, sloped roofs, and colorful woodwork. These traditional building methods are so valued that they are being codified to ensure their preservation.

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