Ingles basico

1 For over a thousand years, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan has survived in isolation. The size of Switzerland, Bhutan is hidden in the mountains between two giants, India an China. In the past, Bhutan was closed off from the outside word by geography and government policy. The country had no roads, electricity, motor vehicles, telephones, or postal service until the 1960s. That was when Bhutan´s third king began opening up the the country by building roads, establishing schools and health clinics, and pushing for United Nations membership.?

2 Further change came to Bhutan when Jigme Singye Wangchuck became king in 1972. At that time, Bhutan suffered from poverty, and its illiteracy and child mortality rates were among the highest in the world. These were consequences of a long-term policy of isolation. "We paid a heavy price ", the king would say later. Most of the world measures the development of their countries by looking at GNP (Gross National Product), this refers to the amount of money its citizens make each year. However, the king had a different idea, the phrase he invited to describe his approach is "Gross National Happiness". In November 2008, his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wandchuck became Bhutan´s fifth king.

3 Now, guided by the "four pillars of Gross National Happiness" sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good government- Bhutan has pulled itself out if terrible poverty while conserving its natural resources. Nearly three fourths of the country is still forested, rates of illiteracy and infant mortality have fallen dramatically, and the economy is growing. Bhutan´s citizens now have television and the Internet, and in 2006, the king gave up much of his own power and established a democratic government.

4 The real test of Gross National Happiness, however, is just beginning. Can Bhutan maintain its identity in the face of globalization? Can tradition and development be compatible? In the capital city of Thimphu, a seven-year-old boy named Kunzang Norbu may hold the answer. Dressed in cool, urban clothing, he dances to music by the pop star Shakira. Amd who does he think is the world´s coolers person? It´s either American rap singer 50 Cent or Bhutan´s fourth king. With a smile, he says: “I like them both”.

1 Durante más de mil años, el pequeño reino de Bhután ha sobrevivido en forma aislada. El tamaño de Suiza, Bután está escondido en las montañas entre dos gigantes, la India de una China. En el pasado, Bután fue cerrada de la palabra fuera por la geografía y la política del gobierno. El país no tenía carreteras, electricidad, vehículos de motor, teléfonos, o servicio postal hasta la década de 1960. Fue entonces cuando Bhutan's tercer rey comenzó la apertura del país mediante la construcción de carreteras, el establecimiento de escuelas y centros de salud, y empujando para ser miembro de las Naciones Unidas.?

...