Separated by China, Bhutan and Mongolia are the only two states where the Vajrayana school of Buddhism is the dominant practice. It shares close relations with Tibet, and as such does not have formal diplomatic ties with any of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Bhutan developed a close relationship with Britain and then independent India after the rise of Communism in Tibet. I thought Bhutan may be one of the 22 countries Britain hadn't invaded, but no. The Bhutan War of 1864/65 started as a peace-keeping mission to end a Civil War. I am trying to wrap my head around Colonialism. How could it have been led by Liberals as a result of the European enlightenment, and with missionary zeal? Does liberal mean what I think it does? Bhutan is still only recognised by 52 countries despite being the home of the idea of Gross Domestic Happiness. Warm fuzzy dangerousness. It's a strange world.
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