Bhutan Urban Policy Notes
Despite its small absolute size and population, Bhutan is the most rapidly urbanizing country in South Asia. This urbanization has coincided with strong economic growth as the country shifts toward an economy based on contributions from manufacturi...
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| Format: | Policy Note |
| Language: | English |
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World Bank, Washington, DC
2019
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/401621561012955627/Regional-Development-and-Economic-Transformation http://hdl.handle.net/10986/31938 |
| Summary: | Despite its small absolute size and
population, Bhutan is the most rapidly urbanizing country in
South Asia. This urbanization has coincided with strong
economic growth as the country shifts toward an economy
based on contributions from manufacturing and services
clustered in and around cities. Across the country, there
has also been remarkable convergence in terms of
infrastructure coverage, however the quality of services, as
well as poverty and happiness levels vary widely between
urban and rural areas. As detailed in the 12 Five Year Plan,
Bhutan aims to balance sustainable development with
decentralization for greater administrative authority to
local governments. Yet there remain significant challenges
to local governments in managing urban expansion, forces of
congestion and pollution and ensuring affordability of
housing and equity of access to services. Each of these
factors can reduce the livability, resilience and potential
for economic competitiveness in Bhutan's growing
cities. Based on consultations with the government, the
policy notes provide a current assessment of and policy and
investment recommendations for four critical areas: i)
regional development, ii) municipal governance and finance,
iii) urban resilience and iv) affordable housing. |
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