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The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, mountainous nation of south Asia, located in the Himalaya Mountains between India and China. The local name for the country, Druk Yul (pronounced dru ü), means "land of the dragon"; it is also called Druk Tsendhen, "land of the thunder dragon", as the thunder there is said to be the sound of roaring dragons.
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| National motto: None | |||||
| Official language | Dzongkha | ||||
| Capital | Thimphu | ||||
| King | Jigme Singye Wangchuck | ||||
| Prime Minister | Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba | ||||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 128th 47,000 km² Negligible | ||||
| Population | Ranked 139th
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| Independence
| August 8,1949 from India | ||||
| Currency | Ngultrum | ||||
| Time zone | UTC +6 | ||||
| National anthem | Druk tsendhen | ||||
| Internet TLD | .BT | ||||
| Calling Code | 975 | ||||
Main article: History of Bhutan
A Buddhist theocracy was established in Bhutan in the early 17th century. The area, historically close to Tibet to the north, came under the influence of the British in India during the 19th century and a protectorate was established in 1910, with Britain (India after 1947) assuming control of foreign affairs, but refraining from interference in internal affairs.
The current monarchy, originally established in 1907, is the only government that uniquely combines the democratic principles with the old. The government policies are framed around the core idea of preserving its traditional culture and values. This governance has, however, ironically generated hatred and rejection from some of the southern Bhutanese, who were reluctant to abide by the new rules and regulations. Since the late 1980s, the tension with the government grew to an extent of terrorism, which resulted in thousands leaving the kingdom. Approximately 100,000 Bhutanese are believed to be stranded, as refugees, in Nepal and India today. The recent political problems in Bhutan have largely arisen because of tensions between the northern Buddhist Drukpa (the ethnic group from which the royal family originate) and other ethnic groups within the country (principally the Hindu southern Bhutanese and eastern Buddhist Sharchop). The royal family and Drukpa people apparently felt threatened by demographic changes in the population of the country and potential demands for a more democratic sytem of rule. The policy of imposing traditional culture included compulsory wearing of the northern Buddhist dress, and was accompanied by discriminatory policies restricting employment and education opportunities for southern Bhutanese citizens. Strict rules were also introduced requiring Southern Bhutanese to prove that they were bona fide citizens and not 'economic migrants' from Nepal. The security situation in the south of the country deteriorated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with terrorist activity by southern Bhutanese directed against the authorities, and the alleged use of force by the government to persuade southern Bhutanese to leave the country. The refugees in Nepal and India have been left in limbo, with the Bhutanese government insisting that they are illegal immigrants, and refusing to allow them to return to Bhutan.
Main article: Politics of Bhutan
Head of state is the King or Druk Gyalpo, presently Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Although his title is hereditary, he can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote from the parliament, the unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu. This body has 154 seats, and is composed of locally elected town representatives (105), religious representatives (12) and members nominated by the king (37), all of whom serve a three-year term.
Executive powers of the monarch was transferred to the council of ministers or cabinet (Lhengye Shungtsog) in 1998. Candidates to the council of ministers are nominated by the king, and elected by the National Assembly, and serving fixed, five-year terms.
Bhutan is divided into 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural):
Main article: Geography of Bhutan
Bhutan is a very mountainous and landlocked nation, situated within the eastern Himalayas. Mountain peaks in the north reach up to over 7000 meters, the highest point being the Kula Kangri at 7553 meters. The southern part of the country has a lower altitude, and contains several fertile and densely forested valleys that flow down into the Brahmaputra river in India. Over 70% of the country is forested.
The majority of the population lives in the central highlands. The country's largest city, the capital Thimphu (population 50,000 ), is located in the western part of these highlands. The local climate varies from tropical in the south to cool winters and hot summers in the central valleys, with severe winters and cool summers occurring in the Himalayas.
Main article: Economy of Bhutan
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive.
Bhutan's main economic partner is India as its border with Tibet is closed. Bhutan's currency, the ngultrum, is interchangeable with the Indian rupee. The industrial sector is essentially non-existent, with any production being of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian contract labour. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources.
Model education, social, and environment programmes in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development organisations, always taking Bhutan's wish for preservation of its traditions into account. The government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare, though detailed controls and uncertain policies in many areas continue to hamper foreign investment. Major hydroelectric projects will lead expansion of GDP in 2002 by an estimated 6%.
Main article: Demographics of Bhutan
About half of the population are indigenous Bhutanese, known as the Ngalop, who are closely related to Tibetan tribes. Major ethnic groups are the Lhotshampa, who originate from Nepal, and the Sharchop (from Assam). While Dzongkha is the official language, many local dialects are spoken in remote mountain villages, some with only a few speakers.
The official religion of Bhutan is the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which is adhered to by about three quarters of the population. A quarter of the Bhutanese are Hindus.
Main article: Culture of Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the most secluded nations in the world, and access for foreigners is restricted to certain areas, although these are expanding. Most of the population lives in small rural villages, and supports itself through agriculture, growing crops or breeding yaks. Buddhist religion forms an important part of life.
Archery is Bhutan's national sport, with traditional competitions being held regularly in most villages. Characteristic for the region is a type of fortress known as Dzong architecture.
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