Bhutan

The Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom in South Asia, bordered by China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, unique Buddhist culture, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan stands as a global symbol of peace, environmental preservation, and cultural authenticity.

---

🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Bhutan’s civilization traces back over a thousand years. The country’s modern identity emerged in the 17th century under the unifying leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who established the dual system of governance combining both spiritual and temporal authority.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 7th Century: Buddhism introduced from Tibet

• 1616: Unification of Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

• 1907: Hereditary monarchy established – Wangchuck Dynasty

• 1949: Treaty of Friendship with India

• 1971: Joined the United Nations

• 2008: Transition to a Constitutional Monarchy with democratic elections

Bhutan remains one of the few nations that have never been colonized, maintaining its sovereignty and unique identity throughout history.

---

🧭 Basic National Information

---

⚖️ Government and Leadership

Bhutan’s governance blends monarchy with democracy, emphasizing harmony, environmental care, and people’s happiness over material wealth.

---

🗺️ Administrative Structure

Bhutan is divided into 20 districts (Dzongkhags).
Each district is headed by a Dzongda (Governor) and subdivided into Gewogs (blocks) and Thromdes (municipalities).

20 Districts of Bhutan:

1. Bumthang

2. Chhukha

3. Dagana

4. Gasa

5. Haa

6. Lhuntse

7. Mongar

8. Paro

9. Pemagatshel

10. Punakha

11. Samdrup Jongkhar

12. Samtse

13. Sarpang

14. Thimphu

15. Trashigang

16. Trashiyangtse

17. Trongsa

18. Tsirang

19. Wangdue Phodrang

20. Zhemgang

Each district is subdivided into Gewogs (blocks) and Chiwogs (village clusters).

Local Governance:

• Dzongkhag Administration: District-level governance

• Gewog Administration: Local rural development councils

• Thromde: Urban municipalities managing city affairs

---

Leadership & Governance

• The King is the symbol of unity and custodian of Bhutanese values.

• The Prime Minister leads the executive government under the Constitution.

• Strong commitment to:

  • Gross National Happiness (GNH)

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Cultural preservation

  • Responsible tourism and decentralization

---

Law Enforcement & Safety

• Main forces:

  • Royal Bhutan Police (RBP)

  • Royal Bhutan Army (under monarchy)

  • DeSuung volunteers (disaster and civil support)

• Extremely low crime rate

• High public trust in state institutions

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 113 – Police

  • 112 – Ambulance/Fire

---

🌐 Geography & Environment

• Region: Eastern Himalayas

• Elevation: 160m (southern plains) to 7,570m (Gangkhar Puensum – world’s highest unclimbed mountain)

• Climate: Subtropical (south), temperate (central), alpine (north)

• Forested Area: ~70% of total land area

• Rivers: Wang Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu, Manas River

Bhutan is globally admired for being carbon-negative, absorbing more CO₂ than it emits.

---

🛕 Religion, Language & Culture

Major Festivals:

• Paro Tshechu

• Thimphu Tshechu

• Punakha Drubchen

• Haa Summer Festival

Traditional dress (Gho for men, Kira for women) and Dzong-style architecture symbolize Bhutanese pride and unity.

---

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Bhutan’s economy focuses on sustainability and happiness rather than industrialization. Its main revenue comes from:

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index measures progress across spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing.

---

🎓 Education & Healthcare

• Education: Free and compulsory up to secondary level

• Medium of Instruction: English

• Major Institutions: Royal University of Bhutan, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College

• Healthcare: Free and accessible nationwide

• Life Expectancy: ~72 years

• Special Focus: Traditional medicine integrated with modern health system

---

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Despite its rugged terrain, Bhutan continues to improve road access while maintaining environmental harmony.

---

🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Bhutan offers unmatched Himalayan beauty, ancient monasteries, and spiritual tranquility.
Key attractions include:

• Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Iconic cliffside temple

• Punakha Dzong – Majestic riverside fortress

• Buddha Dordenma Statue (Thimphu)

• Dochula Pass – 108 stupas with panoramic Himalayan views

• Phobjikha Valley – Winter home of black-necked cranes

• Bumthang Valley – The spiritual heartland of Bhutan

---

🌍 Global Role & Relations

---

📝 Summary

Bhutan represents a rare harmony between spirituality, ecology, and governance. Guided by its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the nation proves that progress is not only about material wealth but also about balance — between nature, faith, and human wellbeing.

---

📢 News & Articles

Explore Bhutan through recent insights:

• “Gross National Happiness: Bhutan’s Unique Path to Sustainable Development”

• “The Hidden Monasteries of Paro Valley”

• “How Bhutan Became the World’s First Carbon-Negative Nation”

---

🎯 Our Mission

Through this platform, we aim to offer an authentic and data-driven insight into Bhutan’s people, places, and policies — highlighting its leadership in sustainability, spirituality, and governance.

---

📬 Contact Us

Found something to improve or add?
We welcome your contribution to make this national knowledge hub more accurate and informative.

🌐 Geography & Environment

• Region: Eastern Himalayas

• Elevation: 160m (southern plains) to 7,570m (Gangkhar Puensum – world’s highest unclimbed mountain)

• Climate: Subtropical (south), temperate (central), alpine (north)

• Forested Area: ~70% of total land area

• Rivers: Wang Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu, Manas River

Bhutan is globally admired for being carbon-negative, absorbing more CO₂ than it emits.

---

🛕 Religion, Language & Culture

Major Festivals:

• Paro Tshechu

• Thimphu Tshechu

• Punakha Drubchen

• Haa Summer Festival

Traditional dress (Gho for men, Kira for women) and Dzong-style architecture symbolize Bhutanese pride and unity.

---

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Bhutan’s economy focuses on sustainability and happiness rather than industrialization. Its main revenue comes from:

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index measures progress across spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing.

---

🎓 Education & Healthcare

• Education: Free and compulsory up to secondary level

• Medium of Instruction: English

• Major Institutions: Royal University of Bhutan, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College

• Healthcare: Free and accessible nationwide

• Life Expectancy: ~72 years

• Special Focus: Traditional medicine integrated with modern health system

---

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Despite its rugged terrain, Bhutan continues to improve road access while maintaining environmental harmony.

---

🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Bhutan offers unmatched Himalayan beauty, ancient monasteries, and spiritual tranquility.
Key attractions include:

• Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Iconic cliffside temple

• Punakha Dzong – Majestic riverside fortress

• Buddha Dordenma Statue (Thimphu)

• Dochula Pass – 108 stupas with panoramic Himalayan views

• Phobjikha Valley – Winter home of black-necked cranes

• Bumthang Valley – The spiritual heartland of Bhutan

---

🌍 Global Role & Relations

---

📝 Summary

Bhutan represents a rare harmony between spirituality, ecology, and governance. Guided by its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the nation proves that progress is not only about material wealth but also about balance — between nature, faith, and human wellbeing.

---

📢 News & Articles

Explore Bhutan through recent insights:

• “Gross National Happiness: Bhutan’s Unique Path to Sustainable Development”

• “The Hidden Monasteries of Paro Valley”

• “How Bhutan Became the World’s First Carbon-Negative Nation”

---

🎯 Our Mission

Through this platform, we aim to offer an authentic and data-driven insight into Bhutan’s people, places, and policies — highlighting its leadership in sustainability, spirituality, and governance.

---

📬 Contact Us

Found something to improve or add?
We welcome your contribution to make this national knowledge hub more accurate and informative.