The Story of Bhutan
The story of the Kingdom of Bhutan is almost like a fairy tale.
Located between China and India, Bhutan is a small Buddhist country in the Eastern Himalayas, roughly the size of Switzerland.
Led by enlightened monarchs and a constitution that ensures a democracy, the average population of 750,000 is thriving in a society dedicated to social development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. This holistic approach is locally called "Gross National Happiness," or GNH. All developments driven by GNH aim to improve happiness and the well-being of the Bhutanese people. Education and healthcare are free for every citizen, and each Bhutanese person has the right to his or her own piece of land.
Over the years, the country has preserved its GNH by following the Buddhist principles of contentment and compassion. With its pristine environment, Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world and is one of the few actively fighting against climate change every day. Even its constitution states that Bhutan must retain at least 60 percent forest cover at all times.
About the Weavers
Our women weavers are well-paid and work from the comfort of their own homes. In Bhutan, weaving is a tradition that has been passed on for generations. Our weavers choose to practice this art, which is regarded as a creative, rewarding, and highly respected endeavor in their culture. At Anna in Bhutan, we are inspired by this and by the country's matriarchal society, where women are the decision-makers of the family.
