Bhutan

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. It shares borders with China to the north and northwest and India to the south and southeast. With a population of over 800,000 and an area of 38,394 square kilometres, Bhutan is a small but stunningly beautiful nation. It is a democratic constitutional monarchy, led by a King as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The Je Khenpo serves as the head of the state's religion, Vajrayana Buddhism.

The country's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to towering Himalayan peaks in the north, including Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain. Bhutan is rich in wildlife, such as the rare Himalayan takin and golden langur. The capital city, Thimphu, is home to nearly 15% of the population.

Bhutan’s history is closely tied to the spread of Buddhism. During the 16th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal united the valleys of Bhutan and established both spiritual and civil governance. Bhutan remained independent, avoiding colonisation, and later formed close ties with Britain and, after 1947, with India. Bhutan joined the United Nations in 1971 and today maintains relationships with many countries around the world.

Today, Bhutan is known for its commitment to economic freedom, peace, and low corruption. It is also a leader in hydropower and faces challenges from climate change, especially the melting of its glaciers.

Etymology

The name "Bhutan" may come from the Tibetan word "Böd" for Tibet, meaning "end of Tibet" in Sanskrit. Bhutan is also called Druk yul, or "Land of the Thunder Dragon", after the country's main Buddhist beliefs.

Old maps from Europe used names like Bohtan or Bottan, but these often referred to Tibet instead. It wasn’t until the late 1700s that explorers began to clearly separate Bhutan from Tibet.

History

Main articles: History of Bhutan and Timeline of Bhutanese history

Bhutan has a long and rich history. Evidence such as stone tools and structures suggests people lived there as far back as 2000 BCE. The country’s history is closely tied to Buddhism, which arrived in the 7th century. Important Buddhist temples were built during this time by Tibetan kings.

Over the centuries, Bhutan developed its own unique culture and governance. In the 17th century, a Tibetan lama named Ngawang Namgyal united the country and built strong fortresses called dzongs. These forts still play important roles today. Bhutan faced conflicts with neighboring regions, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, but managed to keep its independence. In 1907, Bhutan became a hereditary monarchy under King Ugyen Wangchuck. The country signed treaties with British India and later with independent India, maintaining control over its internal affairs while allowing guidance on foreign relations.

In recent decades, Bhutan has modernised significantly. It introduced television and the internet in 1999, built schools and hospitals, and improved health and education. In 2008, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy, and a new parliament was established. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan continues to develop while preserving its cultural heritage.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Bhutan

Bhutan is a small country in the eastern Himalayas, nestled between China to the north and India to the south. It is mostly made up of tall mountains with deep valleys. The land rises from about 200 meters in the south to over 7,000 meters in the north, creating a wide range of climates and wildlife.

The northern part of Bhutan is very cold and home to high mountain peaks, including Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. The central region has forests and rivers, where most people live. The southern part has warmer forests and foothills that lead down to plains in India. Bhutan’s many rivers and forests help make it a rich place for animals and plants to live.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Bhutan and Elections in Bhutan

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The current monarch is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan is Tshering Tobgay, leader of the People's Democratic Party. Bhutan became a democracy in 2008, evolving from its earlier monarchical system.

The Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King") serves as the head of state. The government includes the National Council, an upper house with elected members, and the National Assembly with elected lawmakers. The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, and the legal system is influenced by both traditional Bhutanese law and English common law.

Bhutan has strong relations with neighboring India, particularly in areas like trade and defense. It also maintains diplomatic ties with many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and was the first country to recognize Bangladesh’s independence that same year. It is a member of many global groups, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bhutan

Bhutan's economy is small but has grown quickly in recent years. Its main sources of income include agriculture, forestry, tourism, and selling hydroelectric power to India. Agriculture is important, with many people working on farms growing rice, fruits, and other crops. Bhutan also makes money by generating electricity from its rivers and selling it to India.

The country uses its own currency, the ngultrum, which is tied to the Indian rupee. Bhutan has been developing new technology areas, such as green technology and internet businesses. Despite progress, many people still live with very little money. The government works closely with India on trade and development projects.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bhutan

Bhutan had a population of 777,486 people in 2021. The country has a median age of 24.8 years, and for every 1,000 females, there are about 1,070 males. Around 66% of people in Bhutan can read and write.

Bhutan’s largest city and capital is Thimphu. Other important towns include Damphu, Jakar, Mongar, Paro (where the international airport is), Phuentsholing, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, and Trongsa.

The main groups of people in Bhutan are the Ngalops and Sharchops. The Ngalops, who are closely related to Tibetan culture, are the political leaders. The Sharchops are the largest group and follow a different form of Tibetan Buddhism. There are also people known as Lhotshampa, who have Nepali roots and live mainly in southern Bhutan.

Bhutan’s official language is Dzongkha, which is part of the Tibetan language family. English is used in schools, and many other languages are spoken across the country. Most people in Bhutan follow Vajrayana Buddhism, which is the country’s state religion, while a smaller group practices Hinduism.

Bhutan began modern schooling in the 1960s. Today, it has universities and colleges, and primary education is free for everyone. Healthcare is also free, with people living about 70 years on average.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Bhutan

Bhutan has a rich and unique culture that has stayed mostly the same because it was isolated from the rest of the world until the mid-1900s. The country’s traditions are deeply tied to its Buddhist roots, with Hinduism also playing a big role, especially in the south. The government works hard to protect Bhutan’s culture and traditions. Because of its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Bhutan is often called The Last Shangri-La.

Bhutanese culture includes special clothing, beautiful architecture, and lively festivals. Traditional buildings, called dzongs, serve as both religious and government centers. People wear special clothes for men and women, with men wearing a robe called a gho and women wearing a dress called a kira. Festivals feature colorful dances and music, keeping old customs alive. Archery is the country’s most popular sport, enjoyed in villages with much celebration and fun.