Marktonderzoek in Bhutan

Marktonderzoek in Bhutan

SIS Internationaal Marktonderzoek & Strategie


Bhutan is a remote, tiny kingdom nestling in the Himalayas. It lies between its powerful neighbors, China and India. Drak Yul, the country’s Bhutanese name, means Land of the Thunder Dragon.

The Wangchuck monarchy has been in power in Bhutan since 1907. For centuries, Bhutan cut itself off from the outside world. It feared that outsiders would undermine its monarchy and culture. It opened in the 1970s, with television and the Internet appearing only in 1999.

What Is Market Research in Bhutan?

Market research in Bhutan analyzes the unique cultural and economic landscape of this Himalayan kingdom. With a population that values Gross National Happiness over GDP, market research here often emphasizes consumer well-being and sustainability.

Key Aspects:

  • Economic Context: Bhutan’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, hydropower, and tourism. The emphasis on sustainable development influences consumer preferences.
  • Methodologieën: Both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys and focus groups, are used to gather insights on local consumer behaviors and attitudes.
  • Uitdagingen: Geographic isolation and a small population can limit data collection efforts, making tailored approaches essential.
  • Benefits: Effective market research helps businesses understand local needs, allowing them to create products and services that align with Bhutanese values and preferences.

Belangrijkste industrieën

SIS Internationaal Marktonderzoek & Strategie

Most of the activity comes from cottage industries because craggy mountains extend across the terrain. Thus, it’s expensive and difficult to build roads and other infrastructure.

Agriculture, hydropower, and forestry are Bhutan’s main sources of income. Over 50 percent of its people live off these industries.

Bhutan’s main export is hydropower to India. Once Bhutan sorts out chronic construction delays, it can spur growth in the near future.

The economy has grown at a moderate pace post-pandemic, and all the data points to that growth continuing over the next few years. Moreover, the country’s modest tax burden supports economic freedom. On the downside, Bhutan has a growing trade deficit. Rising import costs have also impacted the country’s financial health. The government is responding. It has put systems in place to control the prices of essential goods.

Bhutan Market Research & GNH Strategy

Strategic Market Considerations for Bhutan (GNH Focus)

Key Aspect Underlying Driver / Characteristic Strategic Implication for Businesses
Gross National Happiness (GNH) The core development philosophy prioritizes collective well-being, sustainability, and cultural preservation over rapid GDP growth. Market entry and product development must align with GNH values, emphasizing **sustainability**, local community benefit, and ethical practices.
Economic Pillars The economy is driven primarily by **hydropower exports** (to India), agriculture, and controlled, high-value tourism. Opportunities exist in supporting the hydropower sector and in niche, eco-friendly tourism and hospitality services (especially those benefiting rural areas).
Menselijk kapitaal Access to English-speaking, skilled human resources, as many Bhutanese study abroad and return home. Ease of sourcing highly educated local talent for sophisticated roles, reducing the need for extensive expatriate staffing.
Rural vs. Urban Population Despite rapid growth in the capital (Thimpu), around 60% of the population still resides in rural areas, dominated by the informal sector. Requires a dual market strategy: focusing on modern consumer goods/services in urban centers and agricultural/basic needs in the dispersed rural landscape.
Operational Challenges Geographic isolation and mountainous terrain make infrastructure development and logistics expensive and difficult. Requires resilient supply chains and high-cost tolerance. Market research methodologies must be tailored to overcome communication and access barriers.

Buurten

Thimpu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan and the third-highest capital city in the world. La Paz is the highest, and Quito is the second-highest.

Paro is a small town in a valley with the same name. It’s an excellent location for those who like being close to nature and a wonderful place to visit if you want to see sacred spaces.

Trongsa Dzong is another excellent place to visit in Bhutan. Located in the country’s center, it sits atop a cliff and provides a beautiful view of the Black Mountains and the surrounding valleys.

Voordelen en sterke punten in de markt

SIS Internationaal Marktonderzoek & Strategie

Bhutan has shifted to a new strategy. In 2008, it became a democratic constitutional monarchy. Since then, it has based everything on the principle of Gross National Happiness. In fact, Bhutan has made tremendous progress in promoting gender equality and reducing extreme poverty.

The country’s valleys have abundant water resources, which create the ideal conditions for developing the hydropower sector. This move has spurred further growth. Another key point is that the entire country has access to low-cost electricity.

 

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Consumentenbasis

Bhutan is experiencing rapid change. The population of the capital, Thimpu, has grown almost fivefold in the last few decades. Despite so many people moving to urban areas, 60 percent of Bhutanese still live in rural areas. The informal sector dominates the economy. Only 23 percent of employment is “regular paid.” Officially, Bhutan is a secular state, but three-quarters of the people practice Buddhism.

Reasons to Grow Your Business in the Bhutanese Market

Setting up a business in Bhutan is a great choice. The country offers many advantages. Our tourism market research in Bhutan has shown great potential. It’s so great that the government has had to put a cap on visitor arrivals.

Bhutanese often study abroad and then return home. Thus, you will have access to skilled human resources, many of whom are English-speaking.

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Over SIS Internationaal

SIS Internationaal biedt kwantitatief, kwalitatief en strategisch onderzoek. Wij bieden data, tools, strategieën, rapporten en inzichten voor besluitvorming. Wij voeren ook interviews, enquêtes, focusgroepen en andere marktonderzoeksmethoden en -benaderingen uit. Neem contact met ons op voor uw volgende marktonderzoeksproject.

Foto van auteur

Ruth Stanat

Oprichter en CEO van SIS International Research & Strategy. Met meer dan 40 jaar expertise in strategische planning en wereldwijde marktintelligentie is ze een vertrouwde wereldleider in het helpen van organisaties om internationaal succes te behalen.

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