Bhutan Map | HD Political Map of Bhutan

Bhutan is a small and landlocked nation situated in the eastern range of the Himalayan mountains. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and commitment to sustainability, Bhutan is often referred to as the “happiest country in the world.”

History:

Bhutan has a long history dating back over 1,400 years. The early history of Bhutan is shrouded in mystery, with much of it passed down through oral traditions and religious texts. The country was unified in the 17th century under the leadership of the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who established a theocratic form of government based on Buddhist principles. This period saw the construction of many of Bhutan’s iconic dzongs (fortresses), which served as both religious and administrative centers.

The country remained isolated from the rest of the world till the mid-20th century. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary king of Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Wangchuck dynasty. The country began to open up to the global community in the 1960s under the reign of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

In 2008, it became a constitutional monarchy, with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck being the head of state. The new constitution established a parliamentary democracy, with the first democratic elections held in the same year. Since then, Bhutan has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Culture:

Bhutan has a rich and distinct culture largely influenced by Buddhism. The country’s traditional dress called the ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women, is worn as a symbol of their Bhutanese identity. The government actively promotes the wearing of traditional dress in public offices and schools to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

Bhutanese art and architecture are also notable, with intricately carved woodwork, colorful paintings, and ornate temples and dzongs found throughout the country. The dzongs, in particular, are impressive structures that serve as both religious and administrative centers. They are often located in strategic positions, such as hilltops or river confluences, and are characterized by their massive walls, courtyards, and prayer halls.

Also, the Bhutanese celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, most of which are mentioned in the Buddhist calendar. The most famous of these is the Tsechu festival, which is held in various dzongs and monasteries across the country. During the Tsechu, monks and laypeople perform traditional mask dances, known as cham, which depict the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan.

Language:

Bhutan’s official language is Dzongkha which is spoken by the majority of the population present there. In addition to Dzongkha, there are several other languages and dialects spoken in Bhutan, reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic composition. These include Sharchopkha, spoken in the eastern regions, and Lhotshamkha, spoken by the ethnic Nepali community in the south.

English is also widely used in Bhutan, particularly in education and government. The use of English has increased significantly since the 1960s, when it was introduced as the medium of instruction in schools. Today, Bhutanese students are taught in both Dzongkha and English, which has helped to bridge the gap between traditional and modern knowledge.

Geography:

The country is landlocked, located in the eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by India to its south and China to its north. Bhutan is known for its beautiful landscapes, such as the towering mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The highest peak in Bhutan is the Gangkhar Puensum which stands at 7,570 meters (24,836 feet) and is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

Bhutan’s geography is characterized by its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems. The country can be divided into three main geographic regions: the southern foothills, the central valleys, and the northern mountains. The southern foothills are characterized by dense subtropical forests and fertile plains, while the central valleys are home to temperate forests and agricultural land. The northern mountains, which form part of the Great Himalayas, are covered in snow and ice and are home to some of the world’s highest peaks.

The country is also home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, such as the endangered snow leopard, red panda, and the Bengal tiger. The country has a high level of biodiversity, with over 5,400 species of plants, 770 species of birds, and 200 species of mammals recorded. Environmental conservation is a top priority in Bhutan, with the country committed to maintaining at least 60% of its land under forest cover.

Economy:

The economy of Bhutan is based primarily on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population, with rice, maize, and potatoes being the main crops. Livestock rearing, particularly of yaks and cattle, is also an important economic activity in the rural areas.

The country has made significant strides in economic development, with a focus on sustainability and Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of progress. The hydropower sector, in particular, has been a major driver of economic growth. Bhutan’s rivers, fed by melting glaciers and monsoon rains, provide a significant source of renewable energy. The sale of hydroelectric power to India generates substantial revenue for the country and has helped to finance various development projects.

Tourism is another important sector of the economy, although it is heavily regulated to ensure that it is sustainable and does not negatively impact the country’s environment and culture. Bhutan follows a “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, which requires tourists to pay a minimum daily fee and book through a licensed tour operator. This approach helps to limit the number of visitors and ensures that tourism revenue is used to support conservation and community development efforts.

Government and Politics:

The Bhutanese government is a constitutional monarchy but has a parliamentary democracy. The King, currently who is King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is serving as the head of state. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.

The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the National Assembly. The National Assembly, along with the National Council, forms the legislative branch. The National Assembly is the lower house of parliament and is composed of 47 members elected by the people. The National Council is the upper house and consists of 25 members, 20 of whom are elected by the people and 5 appointed by the King.

The judiciary is independent and is headed by the Chief Justice of Bhutan. The judicial system is based on a combination of traditional Buddhist principles and modern legal practices. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, followed by the High Court and the district courts.

Education:

Bhutan has made significant progress in education, with a focus on improving literacy rates and access to quality education. The government has implemented various policies to promote education, including free primary education and the establishment of numerous schools and institutions. The literacy rate in Bhutan has been steadily increasing, with the latest figures showing a literacy rate of around 71%.

The education system in Bhutan is divided into several levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 12. Secondary education is divided into three parts which are the lower secondary (grades 7-8), middle secondary (grades 9-10), and the higher secondary (grades 11-12). Tertiary education includes universities and colleges, both within Bhutan and abroad.

Healthcare:

Bhutan’s healthcare system has also seen substantial improvements. The government provides free healthcare services to its citizens, and there has been a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and access to medical services. Bhutan has made significant strides in reducing infant mortality rates and increasing life expectancy.

The healthcare system in Bhutan is based on a three-tier system: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by Basic Health Units (BHUs) and outreach clinics, which are located in rural areas and provide basic medical services. Secondary care is provided by district hospitals, which offer more specialized services. Tertiary care is provided by the national referral hospitals in Thimphu and Mongar, which offer advanced medical treatments and services.

In addition to modern healthcare, traditional medicine is also widely practiced in Bhutan. The Institute of Traditional Medicine Services in Thimphu provides training and research in traditional Bhutanese medicine, which is based on ancient Tibetan practices. Traditional medicine is integrated into the national healthcare system and is available at many health facilities across the country.

Transportation:

Bhutan’s transportation infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped due to its challenging mountainous terrain. However, the government has been working on improving road networks and connectivity within the country. The primary mode of transportation in Bhutan is by road, with a network of highways and roads connecting major towns and cities.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Gross National Happiness Index?

The Gross National Happiness Index is a measure of the overall well-being of the Bhutanese people. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck developed it in the 1970s as an alternative to traditional economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Q2: Is tourism allowed in Bhutan?

Yes, tourism is allowed in Bhutan, but it is heavily regulated to ensure that it is sustainable and does not negatively impact the country's environment and culture.

Q3: What is the national sport of Bhutan?

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and is played throughout the country.

Q4: What is the religion of Bhutan?

Buddhism is the predominant religion of Bhutan.