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Bhutan is a small landlocked Himalayan Kingdom about 300km long and 150km wide, encompassing 38,394 sq km. The high Himalayas to the north separate the kingdom from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, while the rugged eastern region borders the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. The landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding seven thousand metres.
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact due to its isolation from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. For centuries, Bhutan remain undiscovered by the rest of the world. A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the country to maintain its independence throughout its history. The Kingdom ended its self-imposed isolation only in 1961 and embarked on the path of modern development in a fine balance with its ancient traditions.
One of the main attractions for international visitors is the country's culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Due to its largely unspoilt natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has aptly been referred to as The Last Shangri-la.
With a development philosophy based on the principles of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is becoming increasingly known for its unique cultural heritage, pristine ecology and wildlife, unparalleled scenic beauty of its majestic virgin peaks and lush valleys, unspoiled countryside, terraced rice fields, impressive architecture, warm and hospitable people and a devout Buddhist culture that makes this Himalayan Kingdom very special.
However, Bhutan is seen to be inaccessible to many foreigners. There is a widespread misperception that Bhutan has set limits on tourist visas. However it is the high tourist tariff and requirement to go on packaged tours in the government’s efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions of the country, that makes Bhutan an exclusive tourist destination
Bhutan at a Glance
| Total Area: |
38,394 square kilometers (about 300km long and 150km wide) |
| Location : |
Landlocked between China (Tibet) and India |
| Altitude: |
100m above sea level in the South to over 7,500 m. above sea level in the North. |
| Population : |
672,425 (2007) : 364,482 male and 307,943 female. |
| Language : |
Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now the national language. English is widely spoken in main towns and it is the medium of education in secular schools while Choekey, classical Dzongkha is used in traditional and monastic schools.Local people are also familiar with Hindi and Nepali. |
| Political System: |
Democratic Constitutional Monarch |
| State Religion : |
Drukpa sect of Kargyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion and the population is predominantly Buddhist. Hinduism is the second dominant religion, being most prevalent in the southern regions. Both religions co-exist peacefully and receive support from the government, and enjoy royal patronage.Christians and non-religious communities account for less than 1% of the population. |
| Capital: |
Thimphu |
| Political System: |
Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
|
| Time : |
6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time |
| Terrain: |
It can be divided into three major geographic regions from North to South; the high Himalayas of North, the hills and valleys of the central and the foothills and plains of the South. |
| Altitude : |
100 m above sea level in the south to over 7,500 m above sea level in the north |
| Longitude : |
88 45’ - 92 10’ East |
| Latitude : |
26 45’ - 28 15’ North |
| Local time : |
6 hrs ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time |
| Exchange Rate : |
1USD = Ngultrum 38.75 (Jan, 2008) |
| Forest coverage : |
72.5% of the land area |
| Cultivated area : |
7.8% of total land |
| Life expectancy |
62.2 years (Male 61; Female 64.4) |
| Literacy rate : |
59.5% |
| Country code: |
975 |
National Tree: Cypress
National Flower: Blue Poppy
National Bird: Raven
National Sport: Archery
National Animal: Takin
Geography
 The northern region of Bhutan consists of an arc of glaciated mountain peaks with an extremely cold climate at the highest elevations. Most peaks in the north are over 23,000 feet (7,000 m) above sea level with the highest point being Gangkhar Puensum, which has the distinction of being the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, at 24,835 feet (7,570 m).
The Black Mountains in central Bhutan form a watershed between two major river systems: the Mo Chhu and the Drangme Chhu. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 4,900 feet and 8,900 feet (1,500 m and 2,700 m) above sea level, and fast-flowing rivers have carved out deep gorges in the lower mountain areas. Woodlands of the central region provide most of Bhutan's forest production. The Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh, and Manas are the main rivers of Bhutan, flowing through this region. Most of the population live in the central highlands.
In the south, the Shiwalik Hills are covered with dense, deciduous forests, alluvial lowland river valleys, and mountains up to around 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level. The foothills descend into the subtropical Duars Plain. Most of the Duars is located in India, although a 6–9 mile (10–15 km) wide strip extends into Bhutan. The Bhutan Duars is divided into two parts: the northern and the southern Duars. The northern Duars, has rugged, sloping terrain and dry, porous soil with dense vegetation and abundant wildlife while the southern Duars has moderately fertile soil, heavy savannah grass, dense, mixed jungle, and freshwater springs. Mountain rivers, fed by either the melting snow or the monsoon rains, empty into the Brahmaputra River in India.
Climate
The climate in Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and polar-type climate, with year-round snow, in the north. Bhutan experiences five distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters while central and eastern Bhutan is temperate and drier than the west with warm summers and cool winters. The northern region has severe alpine climate and is perpetually under snow. Rainfall can differ within relatively short distances due to rain shadow effects.
HISTORY
 According to archeological artefacts unearthed so far Bhutan was inhabited and existed 4000 years ago. Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. These early inhabitants were followers of Bon, an animistic tradition that was the main religion of the Himalayan region before advent of Buddhism. The chronicled history of the Kingdom however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the 8th century. In 747, A.D., the Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rimpoche or the Precious Master, visited the country and introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has played a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country. In the centuries that followed, Lamas or Buddhist teachers and local nobility established their own separate domains throughout the country.
Another important chapter in Bhutanese history unfolded in the early part of the 13th century when the Buddhist teacher, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, introduced the Drukpa Kagyu school of Mahayana Buddhism in the western Bhutan. Over the years many other saints and religious figures helped shape Bhutan's history and develop its religion.
The most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1652), a leader of the Drukpa Kargyu School of Buddhism. Shabdrung was born in 1954 at Gor-gong in Tibet in the family of prince-abbots and was installed as the 18th prince-abbot of the Drukpa monastery at Ralung in 1606. following, theological and succession disputes about him, he was forced into exile to Bhutan in 1616. During his 35 year reign, Shabdrung consolidated the country under a unified power, constructed several important Dzongs (fortress), monasteries, and religious institutions and firmly established Drukpa Kargyu as the state religion, established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity that he came to be known as the founder of Druk Yul as a nation.
After the demise of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the country was torn with civil strife until 1907 when Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously elected by all regional governors and the central monastic body to be the First Hereditary King of Bhutan. The establishment of monarchy ushered in an era of peace and stability and most significantly unified the country under a central authority. It also set in motion a process of contact with the outside world and laid the foundation for the country as a modern nation state.
Over the years, the Kings of Bhutan have taken the country and its people into the 21st century, transforming a subsistence farming society into a modern nation. Bhutanese people are now on the path to democracy, a revolutionary move initiated from the throne, the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. But monarchy remains the soul of the Bhutanese nation and will continue to be a vital institution in a rapidly changing society. The Kings of Bhutan are known for their selflessness, dynamism, farsightedness and love for their people. The institution of monarchy has attained its highest level. The King is the primary symbol of national unity and peace and harmony.
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS
Three factors have exerted great influence on the course of Bhutan’s development. The first being continuous culture. As Bhutan was never conquered or colonised, the country developed a culture relatively fee from outside influence, the institution of monarchy, and deep sense of nationhood. The second factor is the environment, which is protected by mountains, often difficult terrain. Thirdly, Vajrayana Buddhism has given the country a view of the world on which the Third and Forth Kings based their policies of developing Bhutan’s potential in every field. This continuing development of Bhutan has been crystallized in a philosophy crafted by the Fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, known as Gross National Happiness (GNH) in the late 1980s. The concept of GNH defines Bhutan’s development objective as improvement in the happiness and satisfaction of the people rather than growth of Gross National Product (GNP). GNH has been the overarching development philosophy of Bhutan as the concept has guided the country’s development policies and programmes. GNH suggests that happiness is the ultimate objective of development. It recognizes that there are many more dimensions to development than those associated with Gross National Product (GNP), and that development should be understood as a total process that seeks to maximize happiness rather than purely economic growth.
The country believes that for a holistic development of the individual and society, it is essential that development achieves a sustainable balance between the economic, social, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of the people. This has led to the declared objective of viewing development as a continuous process towards maintaining balance between the material and the intangible needs of individuals and society. The concept reminds the country that the means must always be considered in terms of the end and, therefore, every step in material development and change must be measured and evaluated to ensure that it will lead to happiness, not just more development.
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Religion
The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect of Kargyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Ever since its introduction in the 8th century, Buddhism has shaped the nation’s history and played a vital part in the life of its people. Bhutanese language and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. Just as the Kingdom’s history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, prayer flags and prayer wheels mark the countryside, providing a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.
People
 Bhutan is a rich mosaic of cultures, lifestyles, languages and belief systems. In a country with a population of just over half a million, as many as 19 different dialects and a few languages are spoken. This is attributed to the fact that in the past, Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication. It is for the same reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.
The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan. People wear colourful dresses, the men wear a Gho, a long robe tied around the waist by a slim fabric belt, or Kera. Kira, the main garment of women is an ankle length wrap-around dress secured by a belt around the waist, and fastened at the shoulders with silver brooches called Korma.
There is no rigid class system in Bhutan and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights and opportunities as with men. Both men and women are free to choose their partners for marriage and both can initiate a divorce.
Monks are held in great respect and play an important part in community life. Representatives of the monk body are present at all important occasions. In the past, it was common for one son from each family to enter the monastic order, a custom that is less prevalent today.
Culture
 Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures are not remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago. Vibrant festivals are celebrated and social principles like the Driglam Namzha (age old etiquette and code of conduct) are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.
Bhutan’s traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music, which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. In addition, secular performances such as dance, songs, traditional instrumental music, drama based on biographies of religious personalities hold a special place in the lives of the people as they play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, colour and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users.
Food and Drink
Traditional Bhutanese food always features spicy red and green chillies, either dried or fresh. Most Bhutanese love eating spicy food. The national dish, ema datsi, a dish of ema (chilli) cooked in datsi (cheese), is a favourite among Bhutanese and a growing number of foreigners. For meat lovers, meat is easily available in most restaurants. For vegetarians, there are restaurants who serve vegetarian meals and almost all the restaurants have a vegetarian option in their menu. In ratio, there are more restaurants that cater to non- vegetarians than vegetarians. Liquor is easily available in bars with the exception of Tuesday (dry day). The legal drinking age is 18 years and above. If you have not tasted red rice, make sure that you ask for red rice. Hotels and restaurants usually offer Bhutanese, Continental, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine.
Architecture
Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. The characteristic style and color of every building and house in the Kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries), Chortens (stupas), Palaces, bridges and vernacular housing that can be seen across the countryside from the diverse but harmonious architectural expressions of the cultural heritage and living traditions of the Bhutanese people. The unmatched combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is reflected in all structures. Traditional shapes, colours and patterns Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own. Among the diverse architecture expressions of the country, the castle-like Dzongs, with their massive stone walls, large courtyards and beautiful architectural details and galleries built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and constructed entirely without a single nail represent a unique unique architectural marvel.
Arts and Crafts
The most exciting and vital aspects of the Bhutanese tradition and heritage are found in its art and crafts. Much of Bhutan’s spiritual and intellectual life is manifested through its arts. Bhutanese arts are not primarily concerned with abstract concepts of ‘beauty’ (that may appeal to few), but with interpretation of values and beliefs that are held by the vast majority and which embody the eternal stream of life or consciousness. It is a subjective process deeply imbued with a strong sense of morality, with many art forms epitomizing the eternal struggle between forces of good and evil.
Bhutanese art and crafts, particularly those that are religious in their thematic content follow strict iconographic rules. Merit can be earned only if the prescribed rules are strictly followed. The use of creative energy is used mostly in secular artistic ventures. Zorig Chusum or the 13 aspects of Bhutanese arts and crafts include shinzo (woodwork), dozo (stonework), jinzo (clay crafts), lugzo (bronze casting), parzo (wood, slate and stone carving), lazo (painting), shagzo (wood turning), garzo (black smithy), troeko (silver and gold smithy), tsharzo (bamboo and cane crafts), dhezo (papermaking), thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (tailoring).
The skills of Bhutan’s craftsmen, working with bronze, silver and other fine metals, is seen in myriad ways; statues of deities, doors and pillars of temples, bells, trumpets, swords, tables, candlesticks, rich boxes, and jewelry.
Wooden crafts include a wealth of items from bowls to finely worked bamboo hats, baskets, butter containers, and bows and arrows.
Sports
Traditional sports and games form a crucial part of Bhutanese national culture. The people of Bhutan are sports lovers. Traditional games and sports as Degor (Discus), Pungdo (Shot put), Khuru (Dart), Soksum (Javeline), Keshi (Wrestling) form an integral part of Bhutanese life. Modern sports such as Football, Golf, Tennis, Basketball, Boxing, Shooting, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball and Martial Arts, are encouraged along with safeguarding the old ones. Representatives of the country participate regularly in South Asian Federation (SAF) and the Olympic games.
 Archery, the national sport, remains the favourite sport and absorbing pastime both for the young and old alike. What perhaps started as an equipment to threaten enemies in the ancient times, archery now is a great competitive and recreational sport in Bhutan. Today traditional annual archery contests are held throughout the country. These contests are important both as reaffirmation of traditional culture and also as popular amusement. The tournament begins with initiation ceremonies and traditional breakfast. The targets are placed at 140 meters apart and because of this great distance the team members gather dangerously close to the target, the archer’s team mates perform a celebratory slow-motion dance sing praises of the shooter who tucks a coloured scarf into belt.
Women decked out in their finest clothes are cheer leaders for the opposing teams at major tournaments. They dance and sing between play, and during the shooting they perform brief routines. No major national or local holiday or festive occasion is complete without an archery game. Archery is considered to be an art, mastered to attain physical dexterity, mental strength and above all, the highest spirit of competition.
Modern sports
The international sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and table tennis are becoming popular. Modern sports are rapidly gaining popularity in Bhutan. The country has been sending competitors to the Olympics and the Asian Games ever since Bhutan joined the international Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia. Some of the popular sports are; Athletics, Archery, Basketball, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball and Golf.
Environment
Flora
 The government’s policy is to maintain 60% of the land under forest cover at all times. The present ratio is higher, with a remarkable 72% of the country covered in forests of fir, mixed conifers, temperate and broadleaf species. Bhutan’s forests also has 7000 vascular plants, 360 orchid species, 46 species of rhododendron, and other rare and endemic species, including over 500 species of medicinal plants. Flowers being rare and therefore considered very valuable in the European Alps such as Edelweiss are growing in thousands in Bhutan. It is a true biodiversity haven for nature lovers and specialists that Botanists consider the whole country as one beautiful park.
Fauna
Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hotspots in the world, harbouring an estimated 770 species of birds which includes the plumage, the Himalayan griffin, the unique high- altitude wader, the ibis bill, the spectacular hornbill, barbets, sunbirds, fulvattas, yuhinas, cuckoos, and many more. The country also has a great variety of endangered species like the black- necked crane, the monal pheasant, peacock pheasant, raven and the Rufous- necked hornbill. Along its southern border, the narrow tropical and subtropical belt supports the Asiatic elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, gaur, wild water buffalo, hog deer, tiger, clouded leopard, hornbill, trogon and other mammals and birds characteristic of indomalayan species. Only 150 kilometers to the north, high Himalayan fauna include the blue sheep, takin, musk deer, snow leopard, wolf and other species characteristic of the Palearctic realm. Bhutan is also known for its wintering populations (about 350 birds) of the vulnerable black-necked crane in the valleys of Phobjikha, Bomdeling and Gyetsa.
Festivals
 Bhutan is a country of festivals. The most important are the religious dance festivals, known as Tsechus, which are held in different districts, at specific times during the year. It is celebrated for three to five days. These festivals are held in the honor of Guru Rinpoche (the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and the Himalayan world) to commemorate his great deeds. Rare dances and sword dances are performed in the courtyards and temples of the Dzongs. The origin of most of the dances can be traced beyond the Middle Ages and are only performed once or twice a year. Each dance has its own significance and is performed by monks and villagers dressed in bright costumes. Many visitors come to Bhutan to witness these festivals held annually throughout the country. The most popular for tourists are those held in Paro during spring, Thimphu and Bumthang in autumn. The Tshechus are important religious festivals and it is believed that by attending them one gains merits and blessings. They are not somber formal religious affairs, but occasions to get together, renew acquaintances and make merry. The atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tshechu) add colour and merriment to the festival by their bawdy antics.
Each valley has is own special celebrations and guardian deities. The high point of the year is the Tshechu- a religious dance festival held in their honour. The Tshechu at Bumthang is well-known for taking place almost entirely during the night and containing exciting fire dances which are intended to help the childless women at the festival conceive during the forthcoming year. Tshechus attract crowds that sometimes travel from the remotest of villages. In a swirl of colour and nice, the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life. The colourful ceremonies, religious theatre and exorcism ritual, are the most striking testimonies to the deep-rooted faith of Bhutan’s society.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 April 2008 )
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