Ulaanbaatar, July 8, 2024 /MONTSAME/. We interviewed Dr. J Lkhagvademchig, a lecturer at the Anthropology and Archeology Department of the School of Arts and Sciences of the National University of Mongolia.

-In anticipation of the State Visit of the King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Mongolia, Mongolians have been eagerly sharing information and impressions on the Kingdom of Bhutan and Bhutanese people, sharing positive. What would you like to share about the Kingdom of Bhutan?

-I think we should begin with the name “Bhutan.” The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, likening the sound of the howling snowstorms coming from the Himalayan peaks with the roar of a dragon. The population of the country is over 700 thousand.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India. Having adopted its Constitution in 2008, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy.

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan states that the Kingdom of Bhutan will have political parties and parliamentary governance. But the people of Bhutan asked, “Why should we have political parties when we have the King?” However, the King of Bhutan addressed this concern with a statement: “Bhutan must have a parliament and political parties.” Thus, Bhutan had two parties: the Bhutanese People’s Democratic Party and the All People’s Party. The Bhutanese people did not initiate to establish any political party. So, with the Decree of the King of Bhutan, the Kingdom of Bhutan got to have a parliamentary system and two political parties. Ethnically, Tibetans (with a complexion similar to Mongolians) make up 50 percent, Nepalese account for 35 percent, and the rest are indigenous peoples. Bhutan uses the Tibetan writing system though Bhutanese people speak Dzongkha, which is intelligible for people who speak Tibetan.

The Vajrayana practice of Buddhism spread into Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Mongol origin nations. The majority of Bhutanese people are Buddhists and regard Buddhism as the state religion.

-The Bhutanese initiated the Gross Happiness Index in 1975. However, in the United Nations Report Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world. Why the Bhutanese considered it significant to have the Happiness Index?

The concept of development emerged after the end of the II World War. At first, we saw the development of a country, measured in economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product. The Kingdom of Bhutan isolated itself from the outside world until the 1950’s. It established a cooperation agreement with the Republic of India in 1949.

The 4th King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided that Bhutan should open up to the outside world to develop, but the King believed the development based on economy like most of the countries in Asia was incompatible with Buddhism, their culture, tradition, and national character. Therefore, the “Gross National Happiness”, a policy that fits more to their national character was developed.

The meaning of the term in the Dzongkha language would be “Gathing the kindles of the joys and happiness of the people.” This was not adequately translatable to the English language. So, it was termed “Gross National Happiness”, starting 1970s. The 4th King of Bhutan stated that this term is the roadmap of the country’s development. In recent years, this political policy of Bhutan has become its foreign policy. Bhutan’s territory and population are small. Therefore, it is Bhutan’s image in international relations to be “The Happiest Nation”.

As the Kingdom of Bhutan has a monarch, it fosters good relations with other monarchies. Namely, the King of Bhutan paid a State Visit to Japan twice. Bhutan has good relations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Bhutan has created an “image” of an independent country that preserves the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition in Asia and is implementing a policy of interacting with Asian countries through Buddhism.

How is "Gross National Happiness" measured?

-Well-maintained governance and economy, and the preservation of environment, culture, and tradition are the four main pillars for human happiness, states the Constitution and Foreign Policy. Additionally, issues related to health, education, and societal development have been prioritized and categorized into nine areas.

One interesting indicator in measuring happiness is the index of how many hours a person works and sleeps. If an individual sleeps less than 8 hours, the happiness index decreases.

What methods are used to determine a person's sleeping hours?

-This is a very interesting question. Research typically uses two methods: numerical data and surveys. I believe the survey method is used to determine one's sleeping hours.

Mongolia and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 2012. How were the relations before establishing diplomatic relations?

-Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. Before establishing diplomatic relations, our two countries had interactions during the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR). Prominent figures such as the Head of Mongolian Buddhists Gombojav and others from the MPR established the international organization called the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP). When the 5th General Assembly of the ABCP was held in Ulaanbaatar in 1979, representatives from Bhutan came to Mongolia for the first time.

I think this was a continuation of Mongolia's search for a third neighbor, which began in 1911. At that time, it could be said that Mongolians pursued a third neighbor policy through Buddhism.

The 6th assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was held in Ulaanbaatar in 1982, with also two Bhutanese representatives participating. The Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists, Most Venerable Khamba Lama of Gandantegchinlen, Gaadan, visited Bhutan in 1985 to attend the international conference. Additionally, Bhutan's representative, Tsani Lopon, visited Mongolia in 1986. Before establishing diplomatic relations, our two countries maintained relations through Buddhism and the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace. I believe in the future Mongolia will continue to expand its relations with Bhutan through Buddhism and tourism.

- As you mentioned earlier, His Majesty the King of Bhutan maintains good relations with other monarchies. In what way is the upcoming state visit of the King of Bhutan to Mongolia remarkable?

- It is indeed noteworthy that the King of Bhutan will be paying a State Visit to Mongolia, despite it not being a monarchy. Previously, His Majesty also visited Singapore, which, like Mongolia, is not a monarchy. This upcoming State Visit marks the first visit of the King of Bhutan to Mongolia. As for Bhutan, it is clear that the country aims at intensifying relations with Mongolia. For Mongolia, I think that foreign policy steps will be taken not only towards Bhutan, but also Southeast Asia.

- Bhutan is an agricultural country with a small population. There is information that the number of tourists visiting Bhutan equals half of its population. Why does this country adhere to strict policies in the tourism sector?

- According to the articles addressing this issue, it is considered that "welcoming many foreign tourists is not in line with its culture and civilization." Therefore, the country restricts the number of foreign tourists it receives. A daily tax of USD 200 is imposed, attracting relatively wealthy tourists to visit. Additionally, the country has implemented limits on the number of tourists it accepts each day. I'm unsure of how these policies may have changed today.

When I was in India, scholars have told that due to Bhutan's lack of developed industrial sectors beyond tourism, many young people prefer to leave for countries like Australia rather than remain in their homeland. Perhaps, Bhutan is implementing open policies aimed at retaining its youth.

- How has Bhutan determined its future development trend?

- The Gross National Happiness Index is a development trend reflected in Bhutan's Constitution and foreign policy, initially declared by the Fourth King. However, the current Fifth King, born in 1980, is discussing a different approach. His Majesty speaks of "Valuable Development," stating, "While we remain committed to the Gross National Happiness principle, the methods of its implementation may evolve." With young people increasingly connected to the world through the Internet, the new generation seeks different priorities. So, the young King and the new generation of Bhutan may shape policies to develop their country in alternative ways.

- Why did the father of this King abdicate the throne in his 40s, passing it to his son?

- It can be described as, “The generation is changing. My reign ends here. Now Bhutan will be governed by young people and a new generation.”