The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked nation in the Himalaya Mountains,witha total size of 38,394 Square KM, sandwiched between India and the People’s Republic of China in South Asia. The local name for the country is Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon).Bhutan is also known as Menjong (Land of Medicinal Plants). The independence of Bhutan has endured for centuries and it has never been colonized in its history. Bhutan is divided into 20 districts. Thimphu is the Capital and the largest city and Phuentsholing is it’s Financial Center (Commercial Hub). Tourism:Tourism in Bhutan is unique and the Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable, eco-friendly approach in line with the country’s popular philosophy of Gross National Happiness.Bhutan opened to Tourism in the year 1974. To have minimal impact on its pristine environment and unique culture and tradition, Bhutan has adopted “Low Volume and High Value” tourism policy; meaning all the visitors to Bhutan have to pay minimum daily tariff of $250 during peak season (March, April, May, September, October,and November) and $200 during lean season (December, January, February, June, July, and August). However, this price covers accommodation, meal, transportation, guide services, entrance fees,and all government related taxes.Bhutan receives an average of 50,000 International tourists and 100,000 Regional tourists (Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians) annually. Climate: Bhutan is divided into three climatic zones;Tropical in the South, Temperate in the Central and Polar type, year-round snow in the North. Bhutan experiences all four seasons in a year; Summer in June, July and August, Autumn in September, October and November, Winter in December, January and February and Spring in March, April,and May.The temperature in Bhutan varies hugely from region to region and from season to season. During winter months, the temperature drops below freezing in the northern region and averages around 15 Degree Celsius in the south. During summer, the temperature in the northern region averages between 10 to 15 Degree Celsius and Southern regions in between 25 to 35 Degree Celsius.Spring and autumn seasons are the best seasons for visiting Bhutan.
Economy: Currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (BTN), which officially is a peg to Indian Rupee (INR). Indian rupees are also accepted as a legal tender in Bhutan.Bhutan’s economy depends on hydroelectric sale, Agriculture, Industry,and Tourism. Agriculture provides a livelihood to about 55% of the population but agrarian practices are limited largely to subsistence farming. While industrial sectors are growing each day, Bhutan as of now is focused on Hydropower development. The country has the potential of generating 30,000 MW of hydropower.
Languages: Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan and its alphabets have been derived from Tibetan alphabets. Around 24 dialects are spoken and among these Dzongkha, Sharchopkha and Lhotshamkha are the three primary languages spoken. Dzongkha is usually spoken by Ngalops (people of West), Sharchopkha by Sharchops (people of East) and Lhotshamkha by Lhotshampas (people of South). Ethnic Groups: Bhutan has three primary ethnic groups; Ngalops, Sharchops,andLhotshampas. In general, people of Western Bhutan are referred to as Ngalops, Eastern as Sharchops and Southern as Lhotshampas. Religion: Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion and accounts for about half the population. Sports: There are numbers of traditional sports that Bhutanese people have practiced throughout generations. These sports are played more as a celebration, rather than as competitive sports.Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Its playing style is totally different from that of international competition. Cuisine: Bhutanese cuisine offers a variety of dishes that includes both dried and fresh vegetables and meat. Bhutanese love to have chili and cheese in almost all their vegetarian dishes. Rice is a mandatory item in Bhutanese food and the specialty of Bhutanese food is showcased by families during festivals, ceremonies,and social gatherings. Different delicacies are found in different places of Bhutan, the food habits in Bhutan are surely rich in taste and in nutrients.Bhutanese food habits leave a mouthwatering experience.
Art and Architecture: Art and Architecture also has an important place in Bhutanese culture. It is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and is illustrated through ZorigChusum (The Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts), Dzong architecture, Chortens (Stupa) and Lhakhangs (Monasteries). All Bhutanese art and architecture are vested in the theme of harmonious coexistence of human beings and the environment that surrounds them. They form an essential part of Bhutanese culture and lifestyle.Bhutan’s architecture remains distinctively traditional. Bhutan replete with myths and legends, where the best of traditional culture thrives and the latest global developments are enthusiastically embraced.
Conservation of the Environment: Enshrined in the country’s constitution are Bhutan’s resolve and commitment to “Maintain at least sixty percent of the country under forest cover at all times.” Sustainable Development: Social and economic development is the core of Bhutan’s development policy so that people may enjoy higher standards of health care, education, and social services and less hardship. To address the needs of present and future generations, Bhutan envisions higher standards of living and access to modern amenities and technology across all parts of the country. A crucial element of this growth and development is equality, which will enable the benefits of development to reach the poorest and the weakest. Preservation of Culture: In Bhutan, GNH is also about culture and how people live life as human beings, as families, and as a society-our value that we aspire to individually and collectively. Our distinct architecture, cultural events, traditions, and rituals are all aspects of the Bhutanese way of life. The challenge is more profound today than ever before to restore and maintain these elements through cultural preservation. Democracy: Bhutan transitioned from Absolute Monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy in the year 2008. 5th King Jigme KhesarNamgyal Wangchuck is the present Ruler of Bhutan and Dr. LotayTshering is the present Prime Minister of the 3rd democratically elected Government. Surprising Bhutan: Bhutan holds many surprises. This is a country where buying cigarettes are illegal, where the rice is red and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It’s also a deeply Buddhist land, where school kids wear the Gho and Kira (traditional male and female clothing, respectively), and where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product.