The Kingdom of Bhutan, situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayan Range, is a little known country despite its full membership of the United Nations since 1971.  Roughly 5,000 tourists per year are allowed to visit this pristine region where millennial traditions co-exist with modern technology.

Under the guidance of its Head of State, His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Royal Government of Bhutan is implementing a unique, long-term political strategy called "Gross National Happiness" (GNH).  This policy is based upon the belief that the primary purpose of development is to bring happiness to the population of Bhutan, rather than aiming solely for an increase in Gross Domestic Product.

The idea of GNH is based on four pillars:

• Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
• Conservation of the fragile Himalayan ecology
• Preservation and promotion of the traditional culture
• Enhancement of good governance

These four principles for a modern government policy are in tune with the Buddhist traditions prevailing in Bhutan from the time this philosophy spread from India northwards in the 9th century.

In a world where material prosperity appears to be the only measuring stick for progress, it is important and highly interesting to investigate this alternative approach by GNH.