India, June 4 -- Long term developmental shifts in Bhutan have led to a substantial and consistent decrease in the country's death rate per capita over the last sixty years.
The Early Decades of High Mortality
In 1960, the death rate in Bhutan stood at a high of 26.952 per 1,000 persons. This figure began a steady descent throughout the 1960s, reaching 25.134 by 1965 and 22.493 by 1970. The data shows that the mortality rate fell by more than four points in just one decade, signaling the start of a prolonged period of health improvement.
Rapid Progress Through the Late 20th Century
The most dramatic shifts occurred between 1970 and 1990. By 1980, the rate had dropped significantly to 16.773 per 1,000 persons.
* The mortality rate reache...