Everything you need to know about Bhutan: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Bhutan: Himalayan Kingdom with Parliamentary Democracy

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan with capital at Thimpu is nestled between India and China and has many beautiful Buddhist Monasteries and Dzongs like the Taktshang monastery. Early Bhutanese had migrated from Tibet and some evidence prove its existence since 2000B.C. Britishers had attempted to control the country’s affairs, however, it could not colonize it until in late 1950’s as it was almost detached from the rest of the world. However, its people carried on their agricultural activities and retained their traditional values, which are preserved till date. Since 1907, Bhutan has been a monarchy ruled by the Wangchuk dynasty but in 2007 it became a Parliamentary democracy with King as the Constitutional Monarch.

Fast Facts About Bhutan:

· National Name: Kingdom of Bhutan
· Capital: Thimphu
· Total area: 18,147 sq mi (47,000 sq km)
· Total Population: 2,376,680
· Currency: Ngultrum
· Languages: Dzongkha (official), Tibetan dialects (among Bhotes), Nepalese dialects (among Nepalese)
· Ethnicity/ Races: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
· Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
· GDP (Per Capita): $5,200
· Life Expectancy: 62 years (male), 67 years (female)
· Literacy: 47% (2003 est.)

Geography and Climate of Bhutan:
Bhutan is referred as ‘Switzerland of Asia’ in context to its shape, area and mountainous location. This inland country, being landlocked by other countries has no access to sea. But Bhutan has considerable Hydropower potential and is exporting its surplus power to India. The southern part of the country is characterized by tropical plains and is largely arable, which constitutes only two percent of the agricultural land. Thimpu, its capital lies in the highlands, which is most populous part of the country.

Extreme weather in the mountains and humid temperatures in the coastal plains characterize the climate of Bhutan. The temperatures vary according to different terrains in the area. Generally, winters are cold, summers are hot and the occurrence of landslides becomes evident during the rainy season.

Culture and Cuisine of Bhutan:
Bhutanese people are known for having a rich cultural heritage, which has been handed down from the centuries. The Buddhist monasteries located here depict the ancient and spiritual aspect that conveys the pious teachings of Buddha. Besides this, this country boasts of having an egalitarian society where women have the right to land ownership and also typically an “anchor mother” heads a Bhutanese family.

Bhutan is a unique country in that it measures the country’s development in terms of Gross National Happiness instead of the regular GDP.

Bhutanese people celebrate Tshechus festival, which is held in honor of Guru Rimpochey, and usually almost all the local villagers participate in it along with innumerable tourists. Apart from this, music also forms a predominant part in their lives. Drukpa music is the popular one amongst the native music, which includes zhungdra, boedra and rigsar.

A typical Bhutanese dish consists of chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat, mutton and rice. They love spicy food and thereby the dishes include a varied range of spices such as chilli, cardamom, ginger, garlic, turmeric and caraway. A vegetarian dish ‘Ema Datshi’ is also popular. Besides this, the popular beverages include butter tea, brewed rice wine and beer.

Tourism in Bhutan:
Bhutan offers a plethora of tourist sites. However, it is in late 20th century only, the Bhutanese government has allowed an access to the tourists, as it wanted to preserve its unique culture. Some of the major sites are Thimpu and Paro valley that attract tourists from worldwide. Paro is the most modernized city of Bhutan and yet it retains the historical relics of the past.

Other Tourist Attractions in Bhutan include:

· Tongsa
· Bumthang Valley
· Wangdiphodrang
· Mongar
· Punakha
· Phajoding
· Thrumsingla National Park
· Chamkhar Town (Bumthang)
· Memorial Chorten