Bhutan is located in the Eastern Himalayas in South Asia and bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It is a landlocked country known for its astonishing natural beauty, with dramatic landscapes that include snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests.
The tiny town of Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. The country is also recognized for its unique cultural heritage, with traditional arts, crafts, and the colorful festivals. The political system of Bhutan is constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Bhutan believes in promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its primary development indicator, rather than GDP. The country is known for being one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world and also as ‘kingdom of happiness’.
Also known as the ‘land of the thunder dragon’ tourism in Bhutan is a major industry. Travelers around the world are attracted to the country's unspoiled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and for adventure activities like trekking, and wildlife spotting including cultural and festival tours. Bhutan practices a policy of high-value, low-impact tourism, which aims to preserve the country's unique cultural and environmental heritage.
10 interesting facts about Bhutan
- Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its development using Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GNH index is used to assess the overall well-being and happiness of its citizens.
- Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and by China to the north.
- Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy, with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as the reigning monarch since 2006.
- The national animal of Bhutan is the takin, a goat-antelope found in the eastern Himalayas. The takin is considered a symbol of the country's natural heritage.
- Bhutan is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Tiger's Nest monastery (Paro Taktsang), which is perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro valley.
- Bhutan is one of the last remaining Buddhist kingdoms in the world, with Buddhism being the official religion of the country. The majority of the population follows the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country, meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. The country is known for its conservation efforts and commitment to protecting its pristine environment.
- Bhutan has a unique dress code known as the national dress, which consists of a gho for men and a kira for women. Wearing traditional clothing is mandatory in government offices, schools, and formal events.
- Bhutan is home to the world's highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum, which stands at 24,836 feet. Due to its sacred significance in Bhutanese culture, climbing Gangkhar Puensum is prohibited.
- Bhutanese cuisine is known for its spicy and flavorsome dishes, with rice being the staple food. Ema datshi, a spicy dish made with chili peppers and cheese, is a popular national dish in Bhutan.