Bhutan banks on white gold hydropower

Bhutan leverages its abundant water resources to generate electricity, significantly boosting its economy by exporting surplus power to India. The development of hydropower has transformed Bhutan from a little-developed nation into an emerging powerhouse. However, the reliance on hydropower raises concerns about job creation and environmental impacts, especially with climate change affecting water levels. Bhutan's unique cultural values, including its focus on gross national happiness, play a role in balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

What is Bhutan's 'white gold' that powers its economy?

• Agriculture

• Tourism

• Hydropower

• Gold mining

How has hydropower affected remote areas in Bhutan?

• Increased pollution

• Improved connectivity and access to electricity

• Decreased agricultural productivity

• Reduced tourism

What is Bhutan's goal with its new hydropower projects funded by India?

• To reduce its population

• To become a global leader in technology

• To achieve self-sufficiency

• To increase tourism

What is a concern regarding Bhutan's reliance on hydropower?

• It will lead to deforestation

• It will decrease tourism

• It will increase pollution

• It may not create enough jobs

What unique measure does Bhutan use to assess its national progress?

• Environmental Sustainability Index

• Gross Domestic Product

• Gross National Happiness

• Human Development Index