Globalisation is having a huge impact on countries across the world. But not all countries have bought into the consumerist dream. This film is about Bhutan -- a country pursuing an alternative economic path.
Bhutan is a tiny country in the Himalayas bordering on China and India. Until recent years it's been off-limits to outsiders and out of touch with the outside world.
People have little material wealth but the country claims to be achieving unique levels of contentment. The people's Buddhist faith and the way they live in harmony with their environment, it seems, have been the foundations of their "gross national happiness". Visitors come here to discover the secret of their happiness.
But in recent years things have begun to change. Tourism has become big business. People are leaving the countryside and the cities are growing.
Perhaps most dramatically television has come to Bhutan, bringing with it 46 channels exposing people to advertising and programmes from all over the world.
On the positive side people can now understand discuss world events. On the down side consumerism is taking off.
New fashions, pop music, mobile phones are appearing. Electronic goods and cosmetics are coming to the shops. Traditional dress is giving way to trendy T-shirts. Young people are becoming more violent. Drugs and AIDS have become significant problems.
People are worried that young people are neglecting Buddhism for computer games and Nike. People are working harder to buy material goods and there are fears that community life is breaking down.
How will the forces of globalisation affect this unique mountain kingdom? Will they be able to retain their happiness despite the forces of globalisation?
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