In Bhutan: Kingdom celebrates the birth of its prince by planting 108,000 trees

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan celebrated the birth of the crown prince by planting over 108,000 trees across the country.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan celebrated the birth of the crown prince by planting over 108,000 trees across the country, Mashable reported.

Bhutan’s King Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema on the arrival of their first child decided to hold a tree plantation ceremony to celebrate and pray for the new-born.

 

In Buddhism, trees are considered to be the provider of life.

Each trees planted represents a prayer from the person planting it that the prince grows up to be healthy, strong and wise like the tree. The number 108 is also considered to be sacred in Buddhism.

 

The King married Queen Pema in 2011 in an elaborate fairytale wedding ceremony that was the biggest media event in Bhutanese history.

 

Bhutan is famously known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and follows a policy of Gross National Happiness, which measures the quality of life of its citizens.

Its focus is on balancing economic growth with protecting its environment. According to the country's laws, 60% of the total area will always be under forest cover. It currently has around 75% forest cover.

Bhutan had no roads or currency until the 1960s, and only began admitting foreign tourists in 1974 -- but the country has since developed rapidly.

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