The country of Bhutan, is a small kingdom hidden between India and China, known to be one of the happiest places on earth. This isolated Buddhist kingdom gained its fame because the King in the 70’s declared that for them gross national happiness (GNH) is more important than GDP (gross domestic product).

The country has its own measures for success, and it is clear that the priority is the well-being of its citizens over any policy.

Bhutan’s education minister told the media in 2012:

“GNH is an aspiration, a set of guiding principles through which we are navigating our path to a sustainable and equitable society. We believe the world needs to do the same before it is too late.

Prime Minister asks for special gift for King of Bhutan

The Buddhist state continues to show its priorities, as when celebrating the 40th birthday of the king of Bhutan, he asked for something unusual as a gift. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck asked the inhabitants to adopt a dog or plant a tree in honor of his birthday.

The request was made through the Prime Minister, Dr. Lotay Tshering, who said that this would be a way of saying thanks to the country and the king for everything.

The prime minister posted on Facebook :

“Plant a tree and take care of it, adopt a stray dog, or commit to managing waste in your neighborhood. A personal commitment like this would be the best gift for His Majesty.

Many people liked the request made by the minister on Facebook, also congratulating the King of Bhutan on his birthday.

According to the Humane Society International (HSI), they have worked hand in hand with the government of Bhutan, to help the welfare of street buts. At one point, a spay and neuter program was created as a strategy to reduce the rate of stray dogs.

Kelly O’Meara of the Humane Society International said in an emailed statement:

“The King of Bhutan is famous for declaring that national happiness is more significant than Gross Domestic Product, so acts of kindness like adopting a stray dog ​​are a perfect way to celebrate his birthday.

“After almost 10 years of HSI’s dog sterilization project in Bhutan, we can see that dogs are healthier and people are happier. We have empowered local veterinarians by sharing our skills and experiences so that our work can continue long into the future.

Thanks to this work, the kingdom of Bhutan has been able to combat the huge population of homeless dogs that plagued the country.

Without a doubt, the King of Bhutan teaches us what are the true priorities that must be taken into account to be happy.