Bhutan is a South Asian country. Bhutan is located on the southern slope of the Himalayas and has an area of 47,000 km2. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the east, south and west. The most important cities are Timphu, the capital, with 62 500 residents (2004) and Phuntsholing (60 400 residents) (2004).
The climate is monsoon, with great influence of altitude. In less elevated regions, the climate is stifling, with very high rainfall. In the high mountain, the temperature is quite low and the precipitation, often in the form of snow, is less frequent.
Economy
The country’s economy is based on agriculture, producing oranges, corn, potatoes, sugar cane, apples, peppers, wheat and barley. India is Bhutan’s main trading partner.
Environmental indicator: the value of carbon dioxide emissions, per capita (metric tons, 1999), is 0.5.
Population
The population is 2,279,723 residents (est. 2006), which corresponds to a population density of 47.5 residents/km 2. The birth and death rates are respectively of 33.65% and 12,7%. Average life expectancy is 54.78 years. The value of the Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.511 (2001) (IDG without data). The largest ethnic groups are Bhotia, with 50%, Nepalese (Gurung), with 35%, and Sharchop, with 15%. The majority religion is Buddhist (70%), followed by Hindu (25%) and Muslim (5%). The official language is Dzongkha (a Tibetan dialect).
History
This country of the Himalayas, known as the Land of the Dragon, was ruled by monks until 1907, when they were replaced by a monarch (Druk Gyalpo), known as the Dragon King. Currently the king is assisted by a national assembly. For Bhutan democracy and rights, please check homeagerly.
Countryaah.com: Offers a full list of airports in the country of Bhutan, sorted by city location and acronyms.
Abbreviationfinder.org: Provides most commonly used abbreviations and initials containing the country name of Bhutan. Listed by popularity.
1UpTravel.com – Maps of Bhutan
Check out the political and a small map of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a southern Asian country, lying between China and India. Includes links to its flag and geography.
