Bhutan Country Profile

Geography and Climate

• Located in the Himalayas, bordered by India (south, east, and west) and China (north)
• Total area: 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi)
• Elevation: 100-7,000 meters (328-23,000 ft) above sea level
• Climate: Varied, ranging from subtropical to polar, with heavy monsoon rainfall

Government and Politics

• Constitutional monarchy since 2008
• King: Jigme Singye Wangchuck (abdicated in 2006), succeeded by Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
• Prime Minister: Head of government, elected by the National Assembly
• National Assembly: Unicameral parliament with 47 members, elected for 5-year terms

Economy

• Main industries: Agriculture, forestry, mining, and tourism
• Main exports: Hydroelectric power, timber, and minerals
• Currency: Ngultrum (pegged to the Indian rupee)
• Unique economic indicator: Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing sustainable development and cultural values

Culture and Demographics

• Population: Approximately 771,608 (2020 estimate)
• Ethnic groups: Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), and minority groups (15%)
• Languages: Dzongkha (official), Sharchop, and Nepali
• Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism (75%), Hinduism (25%)
• Unique cultural practices: Preserved traditional architecture, vibrant festivals, and emphasis on Buddhism and spiritual values

History

• Unified under the Wangchuck dynasty in 1907
• British protectorate from 1910 to 1949
• Signed treaty with India in 1949, gaining independence
• Gradual transition to democracy, with the first parliamentary elections in 2008

Geography and Climate

• Bhutan is located in the Himalayas, sharing borders with India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north.
• The country covers a total area of 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi).
• Elevation ranges from 100-7,000 meters (328-23,000 ft) above sea level.
• Bhutan's climate varies from subtropical to polar, with heavy monsoon rainfall.

Government and Politics

• Bhutan has been a constitutional monarchy since 2008.
• King Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicated in 2006 and was succeeded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
• The Prime Minister is the head of government, elected by the National Assembly.
• The unicameral National Assembly consists of 47 members, elected for 5-year terms.

Economy

• Main industries in Bhutan include agriculture, forestry, mining, and tourism.
• Hydroelectric power, timber, and minerals are the country's main exports.
• The national currency is the Ngultrum, pegged to the Indian rupee.
• Bhutan's unique economic indicator is Gross National Happiness (GNH), prioritizing sustainable development and cultural values.

Culture and Demographics

• Bhutan's population is approximately 771,608 (2020 estimate).
• Ethnic groups include Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), and minority groups (15%).
• Dzongkha is the official language, with Sharchop and Nepali also spoken.
• The majority of the population practices Vajrayana Buddhism (75%), with Hinduism practiced by 25%.
• Bhutan is known for its preserved traditional architecture, vibrant festivals, and emphasis on Buddhism and spiritual values.

History

• The Wangchuck dynasty unified Bhutan in 1907.
• Bhutan was a British protectorate from 1910 to 1949.
• In 1949, Bhutan signed a treaty with India, gaining independence.
• The country transitioned to democracy, with the first parliamentary elections held in 2008.

Get to know Bhutan, a country located in the Himalayas, with its unique geography, varied climate, and system of government. Learn about its monarchy, prime minister, and more.