Bhutan Kingdom unveils 'mindfulness city' project

With a population of just 800.000, Bhutan is nestled between China and India in the eastern Himalayas and promotes the idea of ​​"gross national happiness" rather than economic growth at all costs.

Despite this objective, it suffers from a high unemployment rate which forces thousands of young people to emigrate every year in the hope of a better life.

Authorities hope to reverse this trend by creating a special economic zone on its border with India around Gelephu, currently a modest town of 10.000 people.

A document distributed to the press on Tuesday describes the future city as the ideal host country for foreign companies, particularly in the computer data storage or artificial intelligence sectors, wishing to use the country's significant hydroelectric capacities.

It will host a brand new airport capable of handling 5 million passengers per year.

"The city will be a haven for creativity and knowledge sharing, with public spaces for learning and collaboration," enthused its architect, Bjarke Ingels, at a forum in Paro.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday announced the appointment of a board to steer the project, led by Singaporean Mun Leong Liew, who headed the city-state's airport authority.

Bhutanese authorities have not given any details on the timeline for construction of the new city or the cost of its work.

Last year, the country limited the number of foreign visitors to about 100.000, out of concern for its environment and the ravages of overtourism, charging almost every one a $100 daily fee.