Bhutan is globally renowned for its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), a concept enshrined in national policy since the 1970s. More important than material wealth, GNH is a holistic approach to development based on four core pillars: sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, conservation of the environment, preservation and promotion of culture, and good governance. This principle guides government policy and is deeply interwoven with the nation's Buddhist identity, aiming to create conditions for happiness rather than pursuing it directly.

In a remarkable achievement that aligns with its environmental pillar, Bhutan is the only country in the world officially recognized as carbon negative. Its vast forests, which cover approximately 71% of the country, act as a massive carbon sink, absorbing more carbon dioxide than the nation emits. Government estimates suggest Bhutan sequesters around 6.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually, a feat that underscores its constitutional mandate to maintain a minimum of 60% forest cover for all time.

Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation is demonstrated by its extensive protected areas. More than half of the country, 51.4% precisely, is designated as national parks, nature reserves, and biological corridors. These protected zones are interconnected, allowing wildlife to roam freely across the landscape. This network helps sustain the nation's incredible biodiversity, which includes over 5,400 species of plants and 770 species of birds, as well as rare and iconic animals like the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, red panda, and the golden langur.