Bhutan Overview

Country Profile

Bhutan is located to the south of the eastern Himalayas and is also known as the Kingdom of Bhutan. It covers an area of 38 square kilometers and has a population of 810,000, 65% of whom are of the Bhutan family. The others are Nepalese. Bhutan’s official language is “were long,” and Tibetan Buddhism is the national religion. The currency is Nuzha Mu. The capital is Thimphu (thimbu).

Bhutan National Flag

The flag consists of two triangles, while at the center is a White Dragon. Orange symbolizes the power of the king. The “Dragon” is both a symbol of state power and also the country’s name (Dragon of the country). White is a symbol of loyalty and purity.

History Summary

Since the 7th century, the Tibetan dynasty has had possession, becoming an independent tribe in the 9th century. In the 12th century, a religious and political entity formed. The British invaded in the late 18th century. The Kingdom of Bhutan was established in 1907. In January 1910, with the signing of the United Kingdom’s “Punakha Treaty,” Bhutan accepted the provisions of British “guidance” in foreign relations. After India’s independence, in August 1949 India signed with Bhutan “a permanent peace and friendship treaty,” Bhutan accepting the provisions of Indian “guidance” in foreign relations. After 1961, Bhutan’s King has, on many occasions, maintain his country’s sovereignty and independence. In 1971, Bhutan joined the United Nations, and became in 1975 a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. In 1985, Bhutan became a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Economy and Culture Overview

Bhutan is economically backward, with main industries of agriculture and forestry. Main crops include rice, barley, and maize. The country ranks first in the world in forest cover, at 71%. Main tree species are Baltic Tree, oak, pine, fir, spruce, and birch. Valley soil and climate are suitable for growing fruit trees, and the country is rich in a variety of temperate and subtropical fruits, as well as the famous wooden flowers.

Bhutanese people still retain a vibrant, dramatic interpretation of classical religious dance. Lamaism is the state religion, with Lamas presiding over worship, weddings, and funerals. Each has a shrine for prayer. Bhutanese men and women like to wear very colorful clothing. Crow is the God of Bhutanand is therefore never hurt. However, it is considered unlucky for crows to nest in the houses of people, so there are many uninhabited houses in Bhutan.
Bhutanese stamps are produced in Singapore, Japan, France and other countries. It has the world’s first 3D stamps, made of fine silk and printed as thin as 0.025 mm.

Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital, is located in the northwest, up the Sangke Xi River. At an altitude of 1381 meters, it was built in 1577 and is said to be the biggest case of Bhutan. Lamaism is sacred, and there is a magnificent palace within the castle. There are also many temples and royal tombs.

Bhutan Map