B2- Upper Intermediate
Bhutan is perhaps one of the only few countries that put a huge emphasis on its people’s happiness. While this has been admired all over the globe, the country also faces some challenges.
For a long time, Bhutan remained isolate from the rest of the countries. They were never colonized so they were able to keep their Buddhist culture and traditions intact.
However, the King wanted to introduce modernization into the country while still preserving its traditional culture and natural environment. This is when he invited experts from other countries to develop the idea of Gross National Happiness.
Listen to the audio and read the transcript about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/250306
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to take center stage” mean? “Unlike other Asian countries, Bhutan was never colonised, so its Buddhist culture and traditions are intact – they’re complete and unspoiled. As a result, the happiness of Bhutan’s people took centre stage, it became the most important thing.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
- What does “brain drain” mean? “As well as being a futuristic eco-city, the Mindfulness City hopes to stop Bhutan’s brain drain by attracting workers back home to Bhutan.” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
- Explain “social fabric”. “So, his idea was: ‘How could we modernise and open our country without losing its culture, its environment, and its very strong social fabric?’” Use this term in a sentence and give 2 synonyms or similar expressions.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things that make you happy?
- “Happiness means different things to different people.” Share your thoughts on this.
- What is your opinion about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness or GNH? Do you think the government in every country should do the same? Explain.
- What can you say about The Mindfulness City? Is there a city in your country that is a lot like it? Talk about this place.
- “Briefly, Gross National Happiness means preserving Bhutan’s natural environment and culture through sustainable and eco-friendly development. Bhutan’s government sees these goals as more important than growing the economy at any cost.” Share your perspective on this.