Economics Explained Bhutan: The Country That Doesn’t Want to Be Rich
Dec 5, 2023
Bhutan, a country in the Himalayas, intentionally makes itself unattractive to regular tourists to protect its unspoiled landscape and culture. It has high prices and restrictions for tourists, and bans mountain climbing. Bhutan's unique economic philosophy focuses on gross national happiness and utilizes its mountainous terrain for hydroelectric power and Bitcoin mining.
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Happiness Over GDP
- Bhutan prioritizes Gross National Happiness over GDP and intentionally limits mass tourism to protect culture and environment.
- The country accepts lower material wealth to preserve unspoiled landscapes and traditional ways of life.
Tourism For The Wealthy Only
- Bhutan charges tourists $200 per day and keeps very few hotels to keep visitor numbers tiny and elite.
- A week for a couple can cost thousands, making Bhutan a destination mostly for the wealthy.
Luxury Access, Limited Flights
- Luxury resorts in Bhutan charge extreme nightly rates because visitor volume is deliberately low.
- Many wealthy guests arrive by private jet since regular international flights are restricted.