Bhutan

Bhutan

Bhutan, the last Buddhist kingdom in the world is located in South Asia in Eastern Himalayas. It is the 2nd least populous country after the Maldives. Bhutan’s capital city is Thimphu. Bhutan is the least corrupted country and is well known for the unique identity it has built based on Buddhism. In the year 2008, Bhutan transitioned from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Climate

• • The climate of Bhutan differs with elevation.
• • Southern region - subtropical climate.
• • The higher region or, highland - temperate climate.
• • Northern region - polar-type climate with snowfall.
• • Western region - excess rainfall.
• • Eastern and Central Bhutan- cool winters, warm summers, it enjoys a temperate climate.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The country’s red rice is exported to Europe and North America, oranges and apples are largely exported to Bangladesh.

Geography

Bhutan is located in South Asia, in the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas. Located at latitudes 26°N and 29°N, and longitudes 88°E and 93°E, Bhutan is landlocked by Tibet in the North, Indian state Arunachal Pradesh in the East, the state of Sikkim and Chumbi valley in the West, and the part of Assam and West Bengal in the South. The elevation of Bhutan varies from 200m in the southern region to the lofty 7,000m in the north. The diverse climate conditions combined with geographical diversity bestows Bhutan an excellent range of ecosystems and biodiversity. The country is the world’s first carbon negative country with more than 70% of its total land under forest cover.

Economy

Bhutan's economy is smallest in the world, but it is the 2nd fastest growing economy with 22.2% annual growth. Ngultrum is Bhutan's currency; its value is equal to Indian Rupee.

Culture and society

Bhutan is well known for its unique and rich cultural heritage that has remained unexploited due to country’s seclusion from the outside world. Bhutanese culture and traditions are deeply rooted in Buddhism.

• • Dress- Gho for men and Kira for women.
• • Architecture - The traditional construction methods used is stone masonry, intricate woodwork without nails or iron bars.
• • Music and dance - Traditional gaiety features at Tshechus are masked dance accompanied by traditional music. The traditional music is of folk and religious genres.
• • Cuisine - National dish- Ema Datshi.
• • Sports - Archery.

Biodiversity

• • 11 June 1992- Bhutan signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity.
• • 25 August 1995- became a member of the convention.
• • Animals- Rare species- blue sheep, snow leopard, wild water buffalo, takin, etc.
• • Plants- 5, 400 species

Languages- Dzongkha and English

Transport

Air - The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro Airport that operates flights to Singapore, Thailand, Kathmandu, India, and Bangladesh.

Road- Lateral Road is Bhutan's primary east-west corridor, which connects the major centers of the country.