12/11/2024
Read More 👉 By Chad Guzman (2024)
Bhutan, a small Buddhist kingdom between China and India, stands out globally for its commitment to sustainability, with over 70% of its land covered in forests, making it the only carbon-negative country. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, known as the Druk Gyalpo or Dragon King, emphasizes development that aligns with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.
In December 2023, the Oxford-educated King announced plans for a new “Mindfulness City” in the Gelephu region on Bhutan’s southern border with India. This city, covering 617,000 acres—larger than Singapore—aims to create economic opportunities while staying true to Bhutan’s spiritual and sustainable values. It will feature “conscious and sustainable businesses” to support the nation’s growth, reduce emigration, and create jobs for Bhutan’s population of 770,000.
The city’s development includes a dryport and an airport, with a design inspired by Buddhist heritage and an emphasis on minimal environmental impact, similar in vision to other futuristic urban projects like Saudi Arabia’s the Line. While there is no fixed timeline for completion, the project represents Bhutan’s forward-thinking approach to urban development that prioritizes both its cultural identity and environmental goals.