Bhutan Country Profile

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.