BHUTAN

The Kingdom of Bhutan (also Bootan) (IPA: [bu?'t??n] Listen (help·info)) is a landlocked South Asian nation situated between India and Tibet, People's Republic of China. The entire country is mountainous except for an 8-10 mile (13-16 km) wide strip of subtropical plains in the extreme south which is intersected by valleys known as the Duars. The elevation gain from the subtropical plains to the glacier-covered Himalayan heights exceeds 23,000 feet (7,000 m). Its traditional economy is based on forestry, animal husbandry and subsistence agriculture however these account for less than 50% of a GDP now that Bhutan has become an exporter of hydroelectricity[2]. Cash crops, tourism, and development aid (the latter mostly from India) are also significant.

Location

A landlocked country, Butan is located in central Asia, in the eastern Himalayas, with India to the south and Tibet to the north.

Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of the gods and home to the immortals. These descriptions did not stem merely from the majesty and grandeur of the natural surroundings but perhaps alluded to a special environment where communion with the divine was possible through contemplation and meditation. And so since time immemorial, ascetics, scholars, philosophers and pilgrim have been drawn irresistibly to these remote and rugged mountains in their personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness.

BHUTAN is a country nestled in the eastern Himalayas. The country has been visited by a great many saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrims over the centuries who not only came for their personal elucidation, but blessed the land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped every facet of Bhutanese lives. Visitors and guests to the country will be surprised that the culture and the traditional lifestyle is still richly intact and at the degree to which it permeates all strands of modern day secular life. From the traditional woven garments to the prayer flags on high mountain slopes, from the built environment to the natural environment, from the religious mask dances to the folk dances, this cultural heritage is proudly evident and offers a unique cultural setting.

Geography

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

Capital

Thimphu

Population

2,279,723

Climate

Varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas.

Language

Dzongkha (Official)

Monetary Unit

Ngultrum

Largest Cities

Thimphu

Principal rivers

Amo-chu, Wang-chu, Machu

Places to Visit

Thimphu, Paro, Pumakha, Bumthang