Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom renowned for measuring national progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP — a philosophy that shapes its environmental policy, cultural preservation, and controlled approach to tourism. All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night, which funds free education, healthcare, and conservation. The country is carbon-negative and constitutionally mandated to keep at least 60% of its land forested. The economy depends on hydropower exports to India and a carefully managed tourism sector. Naturalisation is exceptionally rare and requires 20 years of lawful residence, making Bhutan one of the world's most restrictive countries for long-term residency and citizenship.