Bhutan Geography Quiz and Flashcards

Located in the Himalayas in South Asia
Landlocked country, bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north
Total area: 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi)
Terrain: mountains and valleys, with elevations ranging from 100 to 7,000 meters (330 to 23,000 ft)
Climate: varies from subtropical to temperate to polar, depending on elevation

Population: approximately 771,608 people (2020 estimate)
Ethnic groups: Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), and indigenous/nomadic tribes (15%)
Languages: Dzongkha (official), Nepali, and English
Religions: Buddhism (75%), Hinduism (25%)

Unique cultural identity, with a blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions
Festival traditions: Tshechu (mask dances) and Losar (New Year)
Traditional clothing: Gho (men) and Kira (women)
Cuisine: rice, noodles, and spices, with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients

Bhutan is located in the Himalayas in South Asia
The country is landlocked and bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north
It has a total area of 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi)
The terrain is characterized by mountains and valleys, with elevations ranging from 100 to 7,000 meters (330 to 23,000 ft)
The climate varies from subtropical to temperate to polar, depending on elevation

Bhutan has an estimated population of approximately 771,608 people as of 2020
The Ngalop ethnic group makes up 50% of the population, while the Sharchop group makes up 35%, and indigenous/nomadic tribes make up 15%
The official language is Dzongkha, while Nepali and English are also spoken
Buddhism is the dominant religion, practiced by 75% of the population, while Hinduism is practiced by 25%

The Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN) is the currency, pegged to the Indian rupee
The main industries in Bhutan are agriculture, forestry, and tourism
The country's main exports include hydroelectric power, ferrosilicon, and cement
The estimated nominal GDP of Bhutan is approximately $2.2 billion as of 2020

The monarchy was established in 1907, with the Wangchuck dynasty ruling since then
Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008, with a parliamentary system
The head of state is King Jigme Singye Wangchuck
The capital city is Thimphu

Bhutan has a unique cultural identity, blending Buddhist and Hindu traditions
The country is known for its festival traditions, including Tshechu (mask dances) and Losar (New Year)
Traditional clothing includes the Gho for men and Kira for women
Bhutanese cuisine focuses on local and sustainable ingredients, with popular dishes featuring rice, noodles, and spices

60% of Bhutan's population is engaged in agriculture, with rice, maize, and potatoes being the main crops.
Bhutan is rich in hydroelectric power, with several power plants generating electricity for domestic use and export.
The country's tourism industry is limited and controlled, focusing on high-value, low-impact tourism.
Bhutan's development philosophy prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, focusing on sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Bhutan has made significant efforts to preserve its unique culture, including traditional architecture, festivals, and dress.
The country holds colorful Tsechu festivals annually in honor of Guru Rinpoche, featuring masked dances and traditional music.
The Gho (for men) and Kira (for women) are the traditional and mandatory national dress.

Bhutan is a mountainous country, with peaks ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 meters.
The Himalayas in Bhutan are a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
The country offers several trekking routes and mountaineering opportunities, including the famous Snowman Trek.

Buddhism is the official state religion of Bhutan, with around 75% of the population practicing Vajrayana Buddhism.
Guru Rinpoche is the patron saint of Bhutan, credited with introducing Buddhism to the country in the 8th century.
Bhutan is home to numerous monasteries and temples, many of which are rich in history and cultural significance.

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, with a population of around 100,000.
The city is a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with a focus on sustainable development.
Thimphu is home to several attractions, including the National Memorial Chorten, the Textile Museum, and the Changangkha Lhakhang temple.