Here’s a random little fact that might blow your mind: there’s exactly one country in the world that doesn’t officially recognize the independence of the United States.
And no, it’s not Russia, not China. Not even North Korea. It’s… Bhutan.
The mountain kingdom up in the Himalayas, squeezed between India, Nepal, and China. That’s the one. You might know it as the country that measures success with happiness instead of money. Or the one with cliffside monasteries that look straight out of a fantasy movie.
Out of every single nation on Earth, Bhutan is the only one that never said, “the United States is officially independent.”
Sounds very dramatic, but is not really, and here’s why
Bhutan’s not mad. It’s just doing Its thing.
So, why doesn’t Bhutan recognize the U.S.?
Because it doesn’t officially recognize any of the big players. Not France, not Russia, not the United Kingdom, not even China. Basically, none of the heavyweights that sit on the UN Security Council.
It’s not that the country has an issue with them. It’s just… that’s how Bhutan handles diplomacy.
Instead of rushing into global alliances, Bhutan keeps its official friendships really small. Like, just a few neighbors small. Its closest ties are with India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. That’s about it.
Even though Bhutan joined the United Nations back in 1971 and has a mission in New York, it never set up embassies with the big powers-and it goes both ways: There’s no U.S. embassy in Bhutan, but no Bhutanese embassy in Washington either.
Neutrality is the game plan
Here’s the thing: Bhutan is tiny—just over 700,000 people—and it’s wedged between two giants, India and China. That’s not exactly a stress-free neighborhood.
Instead of picking sides or risking pressure from powerful countries, they keep things neutral. Its strategy is simple: stay independent, focused on its own people, and avoid messy international politics.
And the truth is that it fits perfectly with Bhutan’s whole vibe. The country is shaped by Buddhist values, which emphasize balance and protecting what really matters. For Bhutan, that means its culture, its environment, and its independence.
Not recognizing the independence of the United States (or any other superpower) isn’t about dislike. It’s just part of the plan: keep life uncomplicated, keep the circle small, and keep outside influence in check.
The U.S. and Bhutan are cool, just not “Officially” cool
Now, don’t get the wrong idea. Bhutan and the U.S. aren’t enemies. Far from it.
They actually have a good relationship. II’s not in the usual embassy-and-diplomatic-ties kind of way but it works.
Over the years, the two countries have worked together on things like protecting the environment, improving health, and supporting development. And since they’re part of the United Nations, its representatives often meet U.S. officials in New York.
It’s more like a casual friendship. The kind where you hang out, help each other out, but never make it “Facebook official.”
Why Bhutan’s approach makes sense
Here’s this tiny kingdom, surrounded by superpowers, and instead of trying to play the global chess game, it just… doesn’t. It protects its culture, avoids pressure, and puts its energy into making life better for its citizens.
When the country decides to avoid official and formal ties with other countries like United States, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and China, they manage to stay neutral, independent, and true to itself.
It works perfetcly with the philosophy of the country, it keeps them safe. And it seems to be okay with the other countries too.
Buddhist wisdom? I don’t know. But what I know is that next time someone asks you which country doesn’t recognize the independence of the United States, you’ll have the answer. And you’ll also know why it’s not a feud, not a snub, not some secret rivalry.