As the United States navigates the frenzy of the national elections, a tiny new democracy in Asia is peacefully headed toward its first general election. The mystical, once-isolated Kingdom of Bhutan will become the world’s newest democracy on Monday, March 24, 2008. Bhutan’s story is unparalleled as its king voluntarily abdicated the throne in favor of his eldest son who is helping Bhutan to move from an absolute hereditary monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy.  Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Druk Phuntsum Tshogpa Party are quietly campaigning for seats in what will be Bhutan’s new National Assembly.

The Land of Gross National Happiness

Nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan is just starting to pique the interest of the world outside its cosseted realm.  Bhutan is the country that brought the credo of Gross National Happiness to the world. Bhutan has been “green”—deeply committed to the environment and sustainability—for decades. The country’s cultural preservation is unmatched among native cultures around the world.

World's First CD-ROM Stamps Help Fund Bhutan’s Infrastructure

For four decades, Bhutan has used the technology of the day in a series of postage stamp "firsts"—to tell Bhutan's history, provide a virtual visit to its mystical land, and even tell some of the history of the world. These stamps helped to fund Bhutan's national treasury and economic development, including roads, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure. Bhutan was the first country in the world to release talking stamps that played on phonograph, silk stamps, steel stamps, scented stamps, sculptural stamps, and many others.

The latest in the series of postage stamp "firsts" by Bhutan are mini CD-ROM stamps that fit into exquisitely decorated self-adhesive envelopes. When affixed to a larger envelope, the CD stamp actually can be used as postage. Bhutan plans to continue its environmental, cultural and economic sustainability with the sale of these computer-age stamps, which are the world's first to feature documentaries of a country. The stamps are developed by Creative Products International of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Bhutan’s new CD-ROM stamps can be used as postage, added to a collection, or displayed in a frame. Bhutan’s new CD-ROM stamps are available now at www.bhutanpostagestamps.com.  Additional information is at www.BhutanToday.net.