When Covid-19 swept the world, Bhutan — with limited hospitals and a mountainous terrain — achieved one of the lowest death rates anywhere. Leadership and community made the difference.
A king on the road
His Majesty the King travelled the country throughout the pandemic, often on foot and through remote mountain areas, to check on border posts and quarantine facilities and to encourage frontline workers and citizens.
Volunteers and trust
Thousands of volunteers, known as DeSuups (Guardians of Peace), supported health workers, delivered supplies and kept communities safe. High public trust meant guidance was followed closely.
A record vaccination campaign
In spring 2021 Bhutan vaccinated the great majority of its eligible adults in about a week — among the fastest campaigns in the world — with vaccines reaching remote villages by road, on foot and by helicopter. The country recorded remarkably few deaths throughout the pandemic.
Reopening with purpose
When Bhutan reopened to tourists in September 2022, it renewed its High Value, Low Volume policy — returning to tourism with a clear sense of what kind of travel it wants to welcome.
Header photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
