Bhutan: Stains on the happy face

In a rare exposure, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently named the Bhutanese city of Pasakha as the second most polluted city in the world, according to a report by The Diplomat on 16 May 2018. According to its website database, the WHO currently monitors the air pollution of 3000 cities in 103 countries. Thomas Muller, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "The report by The Diplomat highlights Bhutan"s growing struggle to reconcile its industrial economy with the country"s image of being eco-friendly. However, it also highlights an arguably bigger challenge concerning Bhutan"s youth, who are becoming increasingly alienated from traditional culture and values caused by the growing internet access permeating the country. Seen from this perspective, it is not too surprising that the Bhutan authorities see all foreign influences - including Christianity - as a threat to be fought against. Consequently, Christians still have no state recognition."