Bhutan - The happiest Buddhist country in the world

Bhutan is known as the happiest country in the world, with its unique culture and 75% of its Buddhist population.

The mother and son walked through the bridge that hung the prayer flags.About 75% of Bhutan's population follow Buddhism Vajrayana lineage.

Surrounded by colorful Buddhist paintings, an old man turns his prayer wheel (prayer wheel) at the temple in Punakha, west of Bhutan.The prayer wheel is meticulously carved with thousands of mantras.Local people think of turning the wheel as well as reading these mantras thousands of times.

The windows of the shops in the capital Thimphu sell modern goods, but the architecture is still in the traditional style.Bhutan remained outside the influence of Western culture until 1999, when television and Internet were used in this country.

A booth in Thimpu market.The Indian rupee was widely used in Bhutan until 1974, when the country issued its own currency - the ngultrum.

Monks performed a dance at the festival in Bumthang, central Bhutan.Bhutan's towns often host Tsechus every year, with performances surrounding religious and historical themes.

The Drukgyel Dzong monument, formerly a fortress and monastery, is located in the hillsides of Paro town, west of Bhutan.This work was destroyed by fire in the 1950s, and is now a tourist attraction.

The monk modified the costume before entering the monastery in central Bhutan.The deep belief in Buddhism is one of the main factors for this country to use GNP (total national happiness), instead of GDP (gross domestic product) to measure prosperity.

A Buddhist fan turns the temple wheel at Thimpu.Traditional culture remains strong in Bhutan.People often wear national costumes in everyday life.

Students in Punukha town are waiting for the bus before dzong - a type of fortress and monastery in Bhutan.The country has about 18 dzong active, under the role of religion and administrative center.

Terraced fields and gentle hills are often seen in rural Bhutan.Traditional farming is very popular here.Bhutan intends to have 100% organic agriculture by 2020.

The soldiers after the flag-off ceremony at Tashichho Dzong, the power center of the Bhutanese government.The country had a dedicated monarchy until 2008, after which the government turned to a constitutional monarchy.

Local people watch Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu in the evening.Built in 1216, the temple complex, this administrative work is the center of power of Bhutan.

The prayer flags hung at the observation point overlooking Taktsang Palphug, a hundred-year-old monastery, which is considered the national symbol of Bhutan.Located on a cliff by the Paro valley, this ancient temple is a pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people.

Photo: CNTraveler