Everything Everywhere Daily Bhutan
Oct 7, 2025
Discover Bhutan, a hidden gem in the Himalayas known for its breathtaking landscapes. Learn about its unique blend of Buddhist culture and modern governance. Explore how Bhutan transformed from isolation to rapid development while prioritizing Gross National Happiness over GDP. The podcast delves into the country's dual political system and its intriguing history, including conflicts with Tibet and colonial ties with Britain. Additionally, hear about innovative initiatives like hydropower projects and the surprising venture into Bitcoin mining.
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Geography Shapes Population And Climate
- Bhutan is extremely mountainous with 98.8% of its land covered by mountains, concentrating population in central valleys.
- The country's elevation range creates climates from polar in the north to subtropical in the south.
Buddhism Molded Bhutanese Identity
- Tibetan Buddhism deeply influenced Bhutan from the 7th century and grew as monks fled Tibetan turmoil in the 9th century.
- The Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma schools shaped religious life and governance through centuries.
The Hidden Death That Kept A Kingdom Stable
- Nagwan Namgryal (Zhabdrung Rinpoche) unified Bhutan in the 17th century and created forts and a legal code to centralize power.
- His death in 1651 was concealed for 54 years to prevent instability while his relatives led behind the scenes.