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The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, mountainous nation of south Asia,
located in the Himalaya Mountains between India and China. The local name for the country, Druk Yul
(pronounced dru ü), means "land of the dragon"; it is also called Druk Tsendhen, "land of the thunder dragon",
as the thunder there is said to be the sound of roaring dragons.
History
Main article: History of Bhutan
A Buddhist theocracy was
established in Bhutan in the early 17th century. The area, historically
close to Tibet to the north, came under the influence of the British in India during the 19th century and a protectorate was established in 1910, with Britain assuming control of
foreign affairs, but refraining from interference in internal affairs.
The current monarchy, originally established in 1907 adopted a policy of driving out non-native Bhutanese, which has caused approximately 100,000 Nepalese and Indians to flee to neighbouring countries.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Bhutan
Head of state is the King or Druk Gyalpo, presently Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Although his title is hereditary, he can be removed by a two-thirds majority
vote from the parliament, the unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu. This body has 154 seats, and is composed of locally elected
town representatives (105), religious representatives (12) and members nominated by the king (37), all of whom serve a three-year
term.
Executive powers of the monarch was transferred to the council of ministers or
cabinet (Lhengye Shungtsog) in 1998.
Candidates to the council of ministers are nominated by the king, and elected by the National Assembly, and serving fixed,
five-year terms.
Districts
Bhutan is divided into 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural):
- Bumthang
- Chukha (old spelling
Chhukha)
- Dagana
- Gasa
- Haa
- Lhuntse (old sp Lhuntshi)
- Mongar
- Paro
- Pemagatshel (old sp
Pemagatsel)
- Punakha
- Samdrup Jongkhar
- Samtse (old sp Samchi)
- Sarpang
- Thimphu
- Trashigang (old sp Tashigang)
- Trashiyangste
- Trongsa (old sp Tongsa)
- Tsirang (old sp Chirang)
- Wangduephodrang (old sp Wangdipodrang)
- Zhemgang (old sp
Shemgang)
Geography
Main article: Geography of Bhutan
Bhutan is a very mountainous and landlocked nation, situated within the eastern Himalayas. Mountain peaks in the north reach up to over 7,000 m, the highest point being the Kula Kangri at 7,553 m. The southern part
of the country has a lower altitude, and contains several fertile and densely forested valleys that flow down into the Brahmaputra river in India.
The majority of the population lives in the central highlands. The country's largest city, the capital Thimphu (population
50,000[1] ), is located in the western part of these
highlands. The local climate varies from tropical in the south to cool winters and
hot summers in the central valleys, with severe winters and cool summers occurring in the Himalayas.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Bhutan
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood for more
than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate
the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure
difficult and expensive.
Bhutan's main economic partner is India as its border with Tibet is closed. Bhutan's currency, the ngultrum, is
interchangeable with the Indian rupee. The industrial sector is essentially non-existent, with any production being of the
cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian contract labour. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources.
Model education, social, and environment programmes in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development
organisations, always taking Bhutan's wish for preservation of its traditions into account. The government has made some progress
in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare,
though detailed controls and uncertain policies in many areas continue to hamper foreign investment. Major hydroelectric projects
will lead expansion of GDP in 2002 by an estimated
6%.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Bhutan
About half of the population are indigenous Bhutanese, known as the Ngalop, who are closely related to Tibetan tribes. Major
ethnic groups are the Lhotshampa, who originate from Nepal, and the Sharchop (from Assam). While Dzongkha is the official language, many local dialects
are spoken in remote mountain villages, some with only a few speakers.
The official religion of Bhutan is the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which is adhered to by about three quarters of the population. A quarter of the
Bhutanese are Hindus.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the most secluded nations in the world, and access for foreigners is restricted to certain areas, although
these are expanding. Most of the population lives in small rural villages, and supports itself through agriculture, growing crops
or breeding yaks. Buddhist religion forms an important part of life.
Archery is Bhutan's national sport, with traditional competitions being held
regularly in most villages. Characteristic for the region is a type of fortress known as Dzong architecture.
Miscellaneous topics
- Music of Bhutan
- Communications in Bhutan
- Transportation in Bhutan
- Military of Bhutan
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