Bhutan — Himalayan kingdom, 780,000 inhabitants. World's only country measuring Gross National Happiness.
- Bhutan measures 'Gross National Happiness' (instead of GDP). Since 1972. 4 pillars: sustainable economy, environmental protection, culture, good governance.
- Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country Absorbs 6× more CO2 than it emits. 71% of territory forests (constitutionally min 60%).
- Bhutan opened to tourists in 1974 Previously closed. Today daily tax $200/tourist (high value, low impact). Tourist number limit.
- Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) — Bhutan's symbol Monastery on 900 m cliff. Buddhist guru Padmasambhava meditated here (8th c.). Pilgrimage 3 h on foot.
- Bhutan has 2 UNESCO pre-list sites (planned). No full UNESCO yet. Dzongs (fortress-monasteries): Punakha, Trongsa — beautiful.
- TV legalized in 1999 Last country in the world. Plus internet 1999. Smartphones 2014. Slow modernization protects culture.
- Bhutan has 1 airport + 8 pilots in the world Paro Airport — most difficult to land (mountains 5500 m + short runway). Only 8 pilots have authorization.
- Vajrayana Buddhism — state religion 75% of inhabitants. Plus Hinduism (22%). Monks 10% of population (most in the world after Tibet).
- Bhutan single-use plastic ban Since 1999 (first country in the world). Plus cigarette ban (since 2004, world's strictest law).
- Official language: Dzongkha Plus 53 local languages. English in schools (compulsory). Bhutanese wear gho (men) + kira (women) — national costumes.
Sources: National Statistics Bureau Bhutan, Tourism Council Bhutan, UNESCO.