Here are some interesting Bhutan Facts.
- Population: 857,000 inhabitants (2021). The majority of the people live in the capital city.
- Capital: Thimphu with 203,000 inhabitants
- Name: ‘Kingdom of Bhutan’. The Bhutanese name is Druk Gyal Khap, which means the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’
- Government: Parliamentary monarchy
- Official Language: Dzongkha (Bhutanese)
- Literacy: 66% of all Bhutanese aged 15 and older can read and write
- Religion: Buddhism (75%), Hinduism (24%)
- Currency: 1 Ngultrum equals 100 chhertum
- National day: 17 December
- National symbols: the takin (national animal) and the blue poppy (national flower), the raven (national bird)
- National anthem: ‘Druk Tsendhen’
- History: Bhutan became a democracy in 2008 after the first democratic elections were held in the country. The King of Bhutan is the Head of State.
- King of Bhutan: Bhutan’s king is called Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (born 1980). The ‘Dragon King’ is the fifth king of Bhutan. He is married and has one son.
Geography
Bhutan is a small mountain kingdom in Southern Asia. It is nestled between India and China and is a landlocked country. Mountains and valleys dominate the landscape of Bhutan.
The mountainous country has huge variation in the climate zones ranging from subtropic climate in the south to a polar climate in the north, where there is snow all year round.
Bhutan is sparsely populated and most of the people in Bhutan live in rural areas. Bhutan is one of the least developed countries in the world.
Superlatives
- Bhutan is one of the least populous countries in the world.
- The biggest city of Bhutan is the capital city Thimphu.
- Bhutan’s highest mountain is Gangkhar Puensum with 7,570 m/ 24,836 ft. This mountain is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
- The longest glacier in Bhutan is the Wachey Glacier with 20 km/ 12 miles.
- The longest river in Bhutan is the Manas River with over 376 km/ 234 miles in length.
- Bhutan does not have one single traffic light!
People
Bhutan is one of the least developed and poor countries in the world, however, Bhutan is often referred to as the happiest country in the world.
Bhutan’s government includes a Ministry of Happiness. Wellbeing and happiness of the Bhutanese citizen are said to be amongst the main aims of the Bhutanese government. Regular surveys are conducted in Bhutan to measure the happiness of the people.
However, especially young people, do not want to live anymore only according to traditions, but also embrace the modern lifestyle. And youth unemployment is high in Bhutan. About 13% of all young people are without work.
Archery is considered the national sport of Bhutan. Archery, basketball and cricket are the most popular sports in Bhutan. Buddhism is the official religion of Bhutan. More than 75% of the people practise this religion.
Animals
he national animal of Bhutan is the takin. The takin is also referred to as gnu goat. Takin have short legs, a long nose, horns and a brown shaggy coat. Bhutan is also home to antelopes, snow leopards, blue sheep and red pandas.
Economy
Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas, but controls several mountain passes to India and China.
As the landscape is dominated by mountains, glaciers, valleys and rivers, only about 2% of the country can be used for agriculture.
The main agricultural products of Bhutan are rice, root vegetables or fruits and spices such as cardamon. Although only less than one fifth of the country’s income stems from agriculture more than half of the population work in the agricultural sector.
