Introduction of Bhutan
INRODUCTION OF BHUTAN
Bhutan, also known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a small Himalayan kingdom located between India and China. Known for its stunning natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable development, Bhutan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
One of the main attractions in Bhutan is its pristine natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and rushing rivers. Visitors can explore the country’s national parks and nature reserves, where they may encounter rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the black-necked crane.
Another popular attraction in Bhutan is its rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the country’s unique architecture, colorful festivals, and traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can explore ancient temples and monasteries, and witness traditional Bhutanese dances and music performances.
Beyond these main attractions, Bhutan offers opportunities for hiking and trekking, with scenic routes that wind through the country’s stunning landscapes. Visitors can experience the pristine beauty of the region’s natural environments, and immerse themselves in the local culture and customs.
It is important to note that Bhutan is a small and remote country, and as such, visitors should plan their trip carefully and be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Additionally, Bhutan has a minimum daily tariff for tourists, which includes accommodation, transportation, and meals, but helps to support the country’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
Overall, Bhutan is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable development. With its warm and welcoming locals, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions, Bhutan is a must-visit for any traveler seeking a truly transformative travel experience.
Bhutan is a small and landlocked country in the mountainous area north of India. The Bhutanese themselves call their country Druk-Yul or the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The ruling monarch of the country carries the title Druk Gyalpo or “Dragon King.” Bhutan was settled by Tibetans migrating to the south. One of the Tibetan Buddhist monks established his authority as King, taking the title of Dharma Raja in seventeenth century. Bhutan started to modernize and allowed people from other countries to visit without special invitation from the king during 1960s.
Bhutan, with an area of approximately 38,394.00 Sq. KM, lies in the eastern Himalayan mountain range, has three distinct geographic regions. The low land in the south is known as Duars plain, which receives 200/300 inches of rain a year. It covers with dense subtropical forest and undergrowth and is hot, humid. There is hardly any settlement in this region. Upper region of Duars is the Inner Himalaya region. There is a fertile valleys at an elevations between 1500/2700 m from sea level. This valley is good for agriculture and most of the people are settled in this region. Further to the north along with the Tibetan border, there is main ranges of the Himalayas. The highest peak in Bhutan is 7300 m with Kula Kangra soaring to 7554 m. Yaks graze below this high peaks in summer seasons.
The population of Bhutan is 763,092.00 as of 2019. The Bhutia (also Bhote), Nepalese and Assamese are three different ethnic groups in Bhutan. Bhutia comprise roughly 50% of total population. Nepalese cover about 35% of total population and remaining 15% are Assamese. 75% of Bhutanese follows Buddhism, primarily of the Tibetan variety; formerly the official state religion which is now described in 2008 constitution as the spiritual heritage of Bhutan. Tibetan Buddhism, Nyingma (Rnying-ma-pa) and Kagyu (Bka-brgyud-pa) practiced in Bhutan. Within the Nepalese community, Hinduism are followed. Nearly one fourth of the population follow Hinduism. There are tiny Christian population although proselytization is illegal in Bhutan. The population is young. Nearly one-third is under age 15, while about three-fifths is under 30. Both the birth rate and the death rate are below the global average. The life expectancy is 72 years for women and 70 years for men. Much of Bhutan’s population lives in very small scattered villages.
The Government of Bhutan has established a number of protected areas including the Royal Manas National Park, to preserve wildlife and its natural environment. Sambar deer, Rhinoceroses, Elephant, Tigers and other animals are found in Bhutan, particularly along the Manas and Sankosh rivers in the central & eastern regions and in the country’s forest-covered hills. Jigme Dorji National Park in northwestern Bhutan is unique in spanning all three of the country’s climate zones.
The Bhutanese economy is based on agriculture and forestry. More than 60% of the population based on agricultural. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Only 3% of Bhutan’s area is used for farming, since much of the land is mountainous or heavily forested. Rice, wheat, Maize and millet are the main crops grown in the country. Fruit production is important with apples, peaches, plums and apricots among the varieties grown. Livestock raised in the region include cattle, sheep, pigs, chicken and Yaks, an animal adapted to high altitudes. The economy of Bhutan is dependent on India’s financial assistance. The government in its cautious expansion of the tourism sector, encourages visit by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Limited tourism, controlled by the government, began to develop in Bhutan in the mid-1970s. In the early 1990s, however, the tourism industry was privatized, and tourist facilities, and tourist income increased monumentally. In the early 21st century there remained a government-imposed daily tourist tariff to ensure significant tourist input into the economy.
The Government of Bhutan has spent significantly on education and social services, as well as increased allowances to civil servants, government and financial services also expanded since the late 20th century. The services sector including public administration/ defense, finance, trade and restaurants. The public utilities generates more than two fifths of Bhutan GDP. The literacy level has been increased since late 20th century as government has successfully raise the school enrollments. Education is compulsory in Bhutan, though many of the country’s children still do not have access to public schooling. Enrollment rates have risen substantially since the late 20th century. The rate of adult literacy also increased dramatically, although in the 2010s it still reached only about two-thirds, and the rate for women was lower, with slightly more than half of women being able to read and write. Gender parity in education swelled in the 2010s, however, particularly in primary and secondary education, where girls outnumbered boys. Growing numbers of students attend the country’s various colleges, including Sherubtse Degree College—established at Kanglung in eastern Bhutan in 1983 and affiliated with the University of Delhi—as well as several teacher-training colleges and technical-vocational institutes.
Until the 1950s, Bhutan was an absolute monarchy whose sovereign was styled the druk gyalpo (“dragon king”) until 1950s. During the second half of the 20th century, the monarchs increasingly divested themselves of their power, and in 2008 King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, the fifth in a royal line that had been established in 1907, completed the transfer of governmental authority to a popularly elected, multiparty, bicameral legislature. While the monarch remained the titular head of state, the prime minister became the actual head of government. On December 14, 2006, Jigme Singye Wangchuk passed the throne to his Oxford-educated son, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk. This event catalyzed the country’s transition to a fully democratic government. Over the next year the public was trained in the democratic process through a mock vote, and the country’s first official elections—for seats in the National Council, the upper house of a new bicameral parliament—were held on December 31, 2007. Elections for the National Assembly, the lower house, took place in March 2008, completing the conversion of Bhutan’s government to a parliamentary democracy. A new constitution was promulgated on July 18, 2008.
The first legal political party to be registered was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), followed shortly thereafter by the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa; DPT). These two parties were the sole contestants in the subsequent elections of 2007 and 2008; five parties contested the 2013 elections and four contested the 2018 elections. By late 2018 three parties had held the reins of government: the PDP, the DPT, and the newer Bhutan United Party (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa; DNT).
Bhutan’s culture is rooted deeply in Tibetan Buddhism. In the 1990s, Lamas influence government affairs. The Dzong (forts) and monasteries remain centers of political, economic, social and religious life. All festivals with religious music and masked dances are celebrated in Dzongs. Lamas continue the traditions of Buddhist learning. Religion finds architectural expression in numerous Chorten and temples.
Bhutan’s national sport is archery. The Bhutanese are well known for their archery skills and archery competitions are commonly held at the time of festivals and national holidays. Archery was declared the national sports in 1971, when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. Bhutan also maintains an Olympic archery team. Previously, competitions were held only at Dzongkha and Gewog levels. The modern archery tournaments and competitions are held throughout the country. It is played during religious and secular public holidays in Bhutan, festivals between public ministries and departments, between Dzongkha and the regional teams.
Bhutan provides universal health care since 1970s.The medical and Health council act of 2002 incorporates the Medical and Health council as a legal entity to regulate medical schools, courses and professional credentials. There were 32 hospitals across Bhutan as of 2013. Most Dzongkhas had at least one hospital with exception of Gasa.
The sales and consumption of Tobacco is discouraged by the government of Bhutan. The Tobacco control act bans the sale of tobacco, taxes imports and restrict on quantities individuals may possess.