The only neighboring country that does not have diplomatic relations with China.

Bhutan, often regarded as the happiest country in Asia, what makes it stand out in the eyes of many?

Despite its long-standing economic challenges, low income levels, and the fact that it only officially graduated from the UN's Least Developed Countries list in 2023, Bhutan's happiness ranking seems to be not entirely linked to material conditions.

So, what factors contribute to this seemingly impoverished country achieving such a high happiness ranking?

Bhutan is located at the southern slopes of the Himalayas, surrounded by China and India, making it almost a landlocked country.

Geographically, Bhutan is very small, approximately the size of 2.5 times the area of Beijing.

More importantly, much of the country is covered by undeveloped forests and sparsely populated mountain regions, leaving very limited land that can be utilized.

This lack of available land and underdeveloped natural resources has hindered Bhutan's economic growth, resulting in its long-standing underdevelopment.

In reality, Bhutan's economy is highly fragile, even ranking among the lowest globally. The UN long classified it as a "Least Developed Country."

According to UN standards, a country is considered "least developed" if its GDP per capita is below $1,035.

This translates to around 7,000 yuan in Chinese currency, meaning that the majority of Bhutan's population lives in poverty.

At the same time, Bhutan's literacy rate is less than 40%, and it only opened up to the internet and mobile phones in 1999, making it the last country in the world to enter the Information Age.

Bhutan's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism, with industrial development remaining very weak.

The entire country seems to be stuck in the last century, with visible poverty and underdevelopment.

However, despite its economic weakness, Bhutan has always insisted on not establishing diplomatic relations with China, which has puzzled many.

After all, as the only neighboring country that does not have diplomatic relations with China, what could be the reason behind Bhutan's stance?

From a geographical and economic perspective, establishing diplomatic relations with China would undoubtedly bring economic leaps, especially by tapping into China's enormous consumer market.

However, in reality, Bhutan does not refuse to establish relations with China.

The country’s political power has always been controlled by India, and India’s complicated relationship with China has limited Bhutan’s foreign policy options.

Despite this, even without formal diplomatic relations, the two countries have maintained friendly interactions.

In 1971, Bhutan voted in favor of China’s return to the UN.

Since 1994, the two countries have engaged in diplomatic and state visits on an annual basis.

India's influence over Bhutan extends beyond the diplomatic realm.

In fact, Bhutan has maintained a semi-closed status on the international stage. In order to preserve its traditional purity, Bhutan has strictly controlled its interactions with the outside world and has one of the strictest entry approval systems for foreign tourists.

Why is Bhutan ranked as the happiest country despite its poverty and backwardness?

The answer behind this might be summed up as "ignorance of poverty."

For outsiders, Bhutan's poverty is almost shocking, but for the people of Bhutan, this poverty has not become an obstacle to their pursuit of happiness.

As the outside world perceives, the lives of Bhutanese people are indeed relatively simple, with an underdeveloped economy, outdated infrastructure, and limited material conditions.

But the Bhutanese do not feel that these shortcomings affect their sense of happiness.

For most people today, the pursuit of a modern material life and happiness seems inseparable.

However, for the Bhutanese, their definition of happiness is entirely different.

A simple life, with spiritual satisfaction after basic needs are met, is their goal.

The people here do not long for luxury and wealth; their goal is peace and tranquility.

This low-desire lifestyle keeps them away from the distractions of material pursuits and gives them a greater sense of inner fulfillment.

Furthermore, Bhutan’s Buddhist culture deeply influences the people’s worldview.

Buddhism emphasizes spiritual practice and inner peace, and the happiness of the people often stems from the pursuit of the spiritual world, not from the chase of material wealth.

In daily life, Bhutanese people do not value material wealth; instead, they believe that meeting basic needs and pursuing spiritual fulfillment is happiness.

Therefore, a simple life has become the core of Bhutan’s happiness.

Due to the influence of Buddhism, Bhutanese people do not want foreign novelties or cultures to affect the next generation.

Interactions with the outside world are kept within a relatively closed space, with the goal of preventing external factors from impacting Bhutan's traditional lifestyle.

In their view, maintaining this isolated state allows them to live a purer life and avoid the anxiety and desires brought about by modernization.

Although Bhutan’s economy is underdeveloped and its material conditions are limited, the Bhutanese government does a relatively good job in terms of welfare protection.

While some poverty issues occasionally arise, the government provides basic healthcare for the people.

In 2004, Bhutan launched a nationwide smoking ban to reduce smoking-related diseases and improve the health of the population.

Bhutan’s healthcare system is considered one of the most unique in the world, with medical expenses entirely covered by the government, realizing truly free healthcare.

Patients do not need to pay any medical fees, as the government provides coverage for every citizen.

Such a social welfare system is almost unimaginable in other countries, especially in less-developed countries, and achieving this is no small feat.

Regarding the social system, Bhutan was once a feudal state.

It wasn’t until 1979, when the new king ascended the throne, that he initiated extensive reforms, gradually abolishing unequal policies and striving to establish a democratic system.

After years of effort, Bhutan finally established an elected government and became a country with an election system, with the king’s position no longer hereditary.

Despite this, the king’s leadership remains deeply loved by the people.

In the first election, the king was still chosen as the head of government, and some Bhutanese even hoped to restore the old feudal system, showing the king’s high status in the hearts of the people.

This small country, with its unique culture, religious beliefs, and closed social state, has created a remarkable sense of happiness.

Although it is economically poor and its infrastructure is underdeveloped, its people have found their own happiness through a low-desire lifestyle and inner satisfaction.

Perhaps, this happiness does not depend on material abundance, but on spiritual fulfillment and social harmony.