Bhutan

The Kingdom of Happiness, Harmony, and Himalayan Majesty

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a small, landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by India and China. Globally celebrated for its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan is known for its pristine environment, spiritual heritage, and monarchical stability. It is one of the few remaining Buddhist kingdoms in the world.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Early history shaped by Tibetan Buddhism and local chieftains.

  • Unified as a nation-state in the early 17th century under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

  • Became a hereditary monarchy in 1907 under King Ugyen Wangchuck.

  • Maintained independence during British colonialism in South Asia.

  • Transitioned to a democratic constitutional monarchy in 2008 under the current king’s leadership, adopting a modern constitution.

  • Strong focus on environmental preservation, cultural identity, and balanced development.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Kingdom of Bhutan (འབྲུག་ཡུལ་)
Capital Thimphu
Continent Asia (South Asia/Himalayan Region)
Official Language Dzongkha
Currency Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), Indian Rupee (INR also accepted)
Area Approx. 38,394 sq. km
Population Approx. 800,000 (2024 est.)
Time Zone Bhutan Time (UTC+6)
ISO Code BT
Internet TLD .bt
Calling Code +975

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
King (Druk Gyalpo) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (2024–present)
Government Type Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
Legislature Bicameral – National Council (upper) and National Assembly (lower)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Bhutan

Administrative Divisions (Dzongkhags)

Bhutan is divided into 20 Dzongkhags (Districts):

  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 Government Structure

  • Bhutan follows a three-tier governance:

    • Central Government

    • Dzongkhags (Districts)

    • Gewogs and Thromdes (urban municipalities)

  • Local governments are elected under the Local Government Act.

  • Dzongdas (district administrators) and elected Gewog Tshogdes (block councils) manage development at the grassroots level.

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

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 2.9 billion

  • Key sectors:

    • Hydropower (major export to India)

    • Agriculture – rice, maize, potatoes

    • Tourism (high-value, low-impact policy)

    • Handicrafts and cottage industries

  • Trade: Primarily with India; also China, Bangladesh, Japan, and Thailand

  • Focus: Sustainable growth, digital economy, economic diversification

Education & Institutions

  • Free basic education up to grade 10

  • Instruction medium: English

  • Key institutions:

    • Royal University of Bhutan (RUB)

    • Sherubtse College

    • Royal Institute of Management

  • Priority: ICT education, teacher development, higher education access

Healthcare

  • Free universal public healthcare

  • Health facilities in almost every gewog

  • Major hospitals:

    • Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (Thimphu)

    • Regional hospitals in Mongar, Gelephu

  • Focus areas: maternal health, NCDs, traditional medicine (Sowa Rigpa)

Transport & Connectivity

  • Main Airport: Paro International Airport

  • Domestic airports: Bumthang, Gelephu, Yonphula

  • Road: East-West Highway connects most of the country

  • No railway system

  • Internet and mobile connectivity expanding into rural areas

Tourism & Attractions

  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) – iconic cliff-side temple

  • Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, Thimphu Tashichho Dzong

  • Himalayan treks: Jomolhari, Snowman Trek

  • Festivals: Tshechus – Buddhist mask dance festivals

  • High-altitude biodiversity and bird-watching in protected areas

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism

  • National dress: Gho (men), Kira (women)

  • Architecture: no traffic lights, dzong-style buildings, prayer flags

  • Cuisine: Ema Datshi (chili cheese), red rice, momos

  • Values: community harmony, spiritual practice, loyalty to king and country

Summary

Bhutan is a unique and forward-thinking Himalayan kingdom, where development is measured not by GDP alone, but by the happiness and well-being of its people. With its sustainable policies, peaceful society, and rich cultural identity, Bhutan sets an inspiring example of how tradition and progress can go hand in hand.