Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has long been praised internationally for pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative to GDP-focused economic growth.Introduced by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the late 1970s, GNH emphasizes well-being, compassion, and Buddhist values over pure economic metrics.

The idea was enshrined in the country's constitution and successfully promoted at the United Nations, leading to the establishment of the International Day of Happiness.However, the article argues this image is largely a successful marketing strategy that masks serious human rights issues.

While promoting non-violence and happiness, Bhutan forcibly expelled around 150,000 Lhotshampa people of Nepali origin in the late 20th century, stripping many of citizenship and displacing them to refugee camps in Nepal and later resettling them in countries like the United States and Australia.This ethnic cleansing affected roughly one-sixth of the population.Remaining minorities often face second-class status, and the country enforces traditional Buddhist-based dress and behavior codes.Bhutan ranks low in global press freedom and freedom of expression indices.Internet and television were only legalized in 1999.

In international happiness surveys, Bhutan has performed modestly, often in the lower third, and has not participated in the World Happiness Report since 2019.Its own GNH measurements show slight improvements but are criticized as subjective and manipulated.

The piece portrays GNH as a diplomatic tool that helped the tiny nation navigate between India and China while concealing internal policies that contradict its peaceful image.