Population at crossroads
Analysis of demographic trends and policy implications in contemporary Bhutan national strategy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/a3z3kr75Keywords:
Aspirational mobility, demographic transition, governance, gross national happiness, migration, policy innovation, urbanisationAbstract
Bhutan faces a demographic crossroads marked by rural depopulation, urban migration, and population ageing, challenging its governance model rooted in Gross National Happiness (GNH). This study applies demographic transition theory and policy screening to assess institutional readiness, revealing gaps in youth retention, ageing policy, and coordination. The mixed-methods approach, which combines demographic projections with qualitative analysis, offers a replicable framework for interdisciplinary research and graduate-level pedagogy. It supports curricula in development studies, public policy, and STEM education by fostering systems thinking and culturally sensitive governance. Institutions such as the Royal University of Bhutan can apply these insights to inform curriculum development and capacity building. The study contributes to academic discourse and equips future scholars to navigate complex societal transitions in diverse contexts.
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