Bhutan Country Profile

Study Notes

Geography and Climate

Located in the Himalayas in South Asia
Bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north
Landlocked country with a total area of approximately 38,117 km²
Diverse geography, including mountains, valleys, and subtropical plains
Climate ranges from subtropical to temperate, with cold winters and mild summers

Demographics

Population: approximately 771,608 (2020 estimate)
Ethnic groups: Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), and Lhotshampa (15%)
Official language: Dzongkha
Other languages spoken: Nepali, English, and other local dialects
Majority of the population practices Buddhism (around 75%), with Hinduism being the second-largest religion

Economy

Economy based on agriculture (mainly rice, corn, and wheat) and forestry
Hydroelectric power is a significant contributor to the country's economy
Tourism is a growing industry, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices
Currency: Ngultrum (pegged to the Indian rupee)

Government and Politics

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system
King: Jigme Singye Wangchuck (abdicated in 2006) and Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (current king)
Prime Minister: head of government, responsible for executing the country's policies
Bicameral parliament: National Assembly (lower house) and National Council (upper house)

Culture

Unique and rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on Buddhism
Traditional festivals (tsechus) are an essential part of Bhutanese culture
National dress: Gho (men) and Kira (women)
Bhutanese architecture is characterized by the use of dzongs (fortresses) and temples
Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a philosophy that guides the country's development, emphasizing the well-being of citizens over economic growth

Geography and Climate

Bhutan is situated in the Himalayas, South Asia, bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north.
It is a landlocked country with a total area of approximately 38,117 km².
The country's diverse geography features mountains, valleys, and subtropical plains.
The climate varies from subtropical to temperate, with cold winters and mild summers.

Demographics

The estimated population of Bhutan is approximately 771,608 as of 2020.
The ethnic groups in Bhutan are Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), and Lhotshampa (15%).
The official language is Dzongkha, while other languages spoken include Nepali, English, and local dialects.
Around 75% of the population practices Buddhism, with Hinduism being the second-largest religion.

Economy

The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops being rice, corn, and wheat.
Forestry is another significant contributor to the economy.
Hydroelectric power is a crucial sector, generating revenue for the country.
Tourism is a growing industry, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The national currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian rupee.

Government and Politics

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
The king serves as the head of state, with Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicating in 2006 and Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck being the current king.
The prime minister is the head of government, responsible for executing the country's policies.
The bicameral parliament consists of the National Assembly (lower house) and National Council (upper house).

Culture

Bhutan has a unique and rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on Buddhism.
Traditional festivals, known as tsechus, are an essential part of Bhutanese culture.
The national dress for men is the Gho, and for women, it is the Kira.
Bhutanese architecture is characterized by the use of dzongs (fortresses) and temples.
The Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy guides the country's development, prioritizing the well-being of citizens over economic growth.

Description

Learn about Bhutan's geography, climate, demographics, and more. This quiz covers the country's location, borders, land area, and diverse geography, as well as its population, ethnic groups, and climate.