Bhutan Legalizes Television in 1999, Ending Global Isolation
Bhutan, a secluded Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, made global headlines in 1999 when it became the last country worldwide to legalize television.
Seattle Tacoma, WA, July 24, 2026 —
In 1999, the Kingdom of Bhutan, a remote nation nestled in the Himalayas, achieved a significant milestone by legalizing television. This move marked Bhutan as the final country across the globe to adopt television, ending a long period of self-imposed isolation from broadcast media.
Until this decision, Bhutan had remained a holdout against the widespread influence of television, a medium that had become commonplace in most parts of the world decades earlier. The kingdom, known for its unique Buddhist culture and commitment to preserving its traditions, had maintained a cautious approach to foreign influences and modern technologies.
The legalization of television was a deliberate step taken by the Bhutanese government, signaling a gradual opening up to the outside world. The decision was met with considerable international attention, as it highlighted the kingdom’s unique path in managing its development and cultural identity in the face of globalization.
Further details regarding the specific circumstances, discussions, or immediate impacts of this legalization were not provided in the available information. The timeline for the rollout of television services and the initial public reception remain unelaborated.
Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.
