Contents: Preface. 1. An introduction/Rajesh S. Kharat. 2. Bhutan through the prism of Buddhism/Chokey Namgyal Bhutia. 3. Political parties and participation/Vikash Kumar. 4. Youth and political transition/Besii Kholi. 5. Economic development in Bhutan: challenges and prospects/Chunku Bhutia. 6. Gross national happiness: philosophy of development strategy/Kunal Allay. 7. Climate change: impact, response and policy/Shakoor Ahmad Wani. 8. Healthcare system/Beena Kirad. 9. Education policy of Bhutan/Vijoyeta Deori. 10. Tourism in Bhutan/S.K. Gautam. 11. Women: socio-economic status/Priyadarshini Verma. 12. Media as a public voice/Sandeep Kumar. 13. Borderland communities: curse or blessing?/Chaphiak Lowang. Bibliography. Index.

Bhutan was under absolute hereditary monarchy until 2008 when she made a transition into a constitutional monarchy in which Parliament plays major role in policy making and governance. Yet, the King continues to wield extraordinary authority! Over the last decade the spectacular developments have taken place in the Kingdom’s social, cultural, economic and political life. Present study endeavors to evaluate critically democratic Bhutan’s overall development in the arenas of health, education, environment, spirituality, political system, gender-sensitivity, minority rights, etc and examine effectiveness of the corresponding governmental policies. The study inquires deeply into the emergent issues connected with the shift from two-party to multi-party system and other ensuing matters: political participation, voting pattern, civil-society engagement in the governance-processes, role of media, etc.

Bhutan is one of the most under-studied country, consequently, there are very few publications focusing on various developments in Bhutan. The present work will certainly fulfill this gap as it provides an up-to-date account of the evolving political, socio-economic and cultural realities in a democratic Bhutan. (Jacket)