Bhutan is a mystical Kingdom in the eastern Himalayas. It is today the last bastion
of Buddhist inspired Tibetan culture in the world. As nations across the world lose
their culture and identity, these are things that are growing from strength to
strength in Bhutan. Bhutan is also a living heritage of Himalayan culture. And it is
not as if some despots are imposing cultural continuity and conformity to drive an
agenda of greatness. Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy as the result of the
initiatives of the highly revered and popular Kings, of which Bhutan has two at the
moment. Parliamentary democracy was introduced in 2008. Bhutan is today the
fourth fastest growing economy, never mind the size. There is a high level of parity in
the development of the country, and people enjoy one of the best living conditions in
the world. However, through all these changes, the Bhutanese take pride in being
able to do things that are not only helpful, but are also correct. About 75% of the
country’s total landscape is preserved as natural reserves to be protected for all
times to come. Bhutan’s has an amazing range of ecological diversity and is a
recognized biological hotspot of the world. A controlled tourism policy that ensures
the benefit of tourist reaches people at all level while ensuring that the country’s
resources are not overwhelmed means that Bhutan remains a mystery to be
unraveled.
Facts and Figures
Area: 38,394 Sq/Km (roughly the size of West Virginia and Switzerland)
Elevation: Varying from 180m (600 ft) to 7,550m (21,000ft) above sea level
Population: 634,982 (2005)
Life expectancy at birth: 66.25 (2006)
Capital: Thimphu (The only capital without traffic lights)
International Airport: Paro (only airport), 60 km from Thimphu (45 minutes drive)
Language: Official language “Dzongkha” (‘D’ is silent when pronounced);
English is widely used/spoken in schools and urban areas
Religion: Predominantly Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Tantric
Buddhism)
Local time: Six hours ahead of GMT
Currency: Ngultrum (‘g’ is silent when pronounced): At par with the Indian Rupee
Forest Cover: – 72%. : Agricultural area: – 7.8%
National Game: Traditional Archery
National Animal: Takin – Bodorcas taxicolor
National Flower: Blue Poppy, Meconopis granis
National Tree: Tsenden, Himalyalca cypress
National Bird: Raven, Coruas coraxs