Bhutan’s Democratic Growing Pains

Abstract

Bhutan has attracted international attention by pioneering the Gross National Happiness index, gaining a reputation for promoting holistic societal well-being instead of the more typical focus on economic growth. Yet a decade and a half since becoming a democracy, Bhutan is experiencing growing pains. A dearth of job opportunities has prompted more young people to emigrate. And minority rights are still not secure, particularly those of Nepali-speakers, after many were declared noncitizens in the 1990s.