There is more to Bhutan, however than colourful temples, traditional dress and the institutionalisation of well-being. Bhutan is a country where ordinary people as well as government agencies are facing the everyday challenge of maintaining their own cultural identity while finding their place in an increasingly global and technological world. We traveled to Bhutan to learn more about this unique place firsthand by talking with people who live there.

We spoke to people are making a difference: not just the politicians setting the future direction of the country, but also entrepreneurs building businesses in a land where happiness is prioritised over material goods, postage stamp designers whose work helps to raise funds for further economic development, filmmakers who tour remote parts of the country to show their movies and engage with their audiences, and artists taking on a wider social responsibility by helping indebted farmers in the countryside.

Join us for the launch this issue in Amsterdam, on December 2, in the Pakhuis de Zwijger. The entrance is free, but reservation is required. You can order the issue on our homepage in print, digital and hybrid edition.

We are also working on a documentary film presenting the story how design played a critical role in the survival of this small country, in the region where borders are often challenged. The film can be pre-ordered now, with estimated delivery in early 2017.

This issue has been produced with the kind support of the Creative Industries Fund NL.