The Taipei International Book Exhibition opened yesterday at the Taipei World Trade Center, featuring more than 450 writers and 800 publishers worldwide. And the organizers have chosen the Himalayan kingdom Bhutan as this year's Guest of Honor in an attempt to promote the theme of "happiness."

The soulful rendition of a traditional Bhutanese folk song highlights the nation's emphasis on the happiness of its citizens, rather than the national economy.

Bhutan is the theme nation of this year's Taipei International Book Exhibition, and 300 unique books on an array of subjects, including religion, nature, and education, will be on exhibit at the Taipei World Trade Center.

Three of the nation's most precious publications will also make their overseas debut at the exhibition: "Eight Thousand Verses of Transcendental Wisdom,"

which dates back to the 12th century; "Wish-Granting on Behold--The Biography of Padmasambhava"; and a handwritten decree written by Bhutan's first king in the 17th century.

More than 700 literary and cultural events will be held during the exhibition, and 400 domestic and foreign writers, including China's Yu Hua, will be holding seminars.

Yu will be bringing with him his latest work, which was banned in China.

Reading transcends borders, and 59 nations are taking part in this year's TIBE.

The six-day event will close on February 14th.

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