Bhutan Geography and Demographics

Geography and Climate

• 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

Demographics

• 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%)

Economy

• Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian rupee
• Main industries: agriculture, forestry, and tourism
• Main exports: hydroelectric power, ferrosilicon, and cement
• GDP (nominal): approximately $2.2 billion (2020 estimate)

History and Government

• Monarchy established in 1907, with the Wangchuck dynasty ruling since 1907
• Became a constitutional monarchy in 2008, with a parliamentary system
• Head of state: King Jigme Singye Wangchuck
• Capital city: Thimphu

Culture

• 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

Geography and Climate

• 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

Demographics

• 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%

Economy

• 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

History and Government

• 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

Culture

• 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

Economy

• 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.

Culture

• 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.

Himalayas

• 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

• 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

• 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.