The Himalayan Consensus: Happiness, Micro-Finance, and Community Development

Abstract

Thimphu, 2007. The Buthanese capital is precious, almost like a European village built on the side of pine-crested hills, only the houses are not chalet but Bhutanese-style stone and wood, and the hilltops dominated by Tsong, Bhutanese castles with thick high walls and layered arching rooftops. Tsong contain a monastery that serves as combined government, religious, and community center for a region or town. Thimphu’s main street runs parallel to the river, from which side alleys with traditional markets spread. In autumn it is brilliant, and the colors of late fall spread gold and purple.