The population of Bhutan had been estimated based on the reported figure of about 1 million in the 1970s when the country had joined the United Nations and precise statistics were lacking.[15] Thus, using the annual increase rate of 2–3%, the most population estimates were around 2 million in 2000. A national census was carried out in 2005 and it turned out that the population was 672,425. Consequently,United Nations Population Division reduced its estimation of the country's population in the 2006 revision[16] for the whole period from 1950 to 2000.
TheHimalayan mountains in the north rise from the country's lushsubtropical plains in the south. In theBhutanese Himalayas, there are peaks higher than7,000 metres (23,000 ft) abovesea level.Gangkhar Puensum is Bhutan's highest peak and is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Thewildlife of Bhutan is notable for its diversity, including the Himalayantakin andgolden langur. The capital and largest city isThimphu, with close to 15% of the population living there.
Bhutan and neighbouringTibet experienced thespread of Buddhism, which originated in theIndian subcontinent during the lifetime ofthe Buddha. In the first millennium, the Vajrayana school of Buddhism spread to Bhutan from the southernPala Empire of Bengal. During the 16th century,Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified thevalleys of Bhutan into a single state. He defeated three Tibetan invasions, subjugated rival religious schools, codified theTsa Yig legal system, and established a government of theocratic and civil administrators. Namgyal became the firstZhabdrung Rinpoche and his successors acted as the spiritual leaders of Bhutan, like theDalai Lama in Tibet. During the 17th century, Bhutan controlled large parts ofnortheast India,Sikkim andNepal; it also wielded significant influence inCooch Behar State.
The precise etymology of "Bhutan" is unknown, although it is likely to derive from theTibetanendonym "Böd" forTibet. Traditionally, it is taken to be a transcription of theSanskritBhoṭa-anta (भोट-अन्त) "end ofTibet" throughNepaliBhuṭān (भुटान), a reference to Bhutan's position as the southern extremity of the Tibetan plateau and culture.[27][28][29]
Since the 17th century, Bhutan's official name has beenDruk yul (literally, "country of theDrukpa Lineage" or "the Land of the Thunder Dragon," a reference to the country's dominant Buddhist sect); "Bhutan" appears only in English-language official correspondence.[29] The terms for the Kings of BhutanDruk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"), and the BhutaneseendonymDrukpa, "Dragon people," are similarly derived.[30]
Names similar to Bhutan—including Bohtan, Buhtan, Bottanthis, Bottan and Bottanter—began to appear in Europe around the 1580s.Jean-Baptiste Tavernier's 1676Six Voyages is the first to record the nameBoutan. However, these names seem to have referred not to modern Bhutan but to theKingdom of Tibet. The modern distinction between the two did not begin until well into the Scottish explorerGeorge Bogle's 1774 expedition. Realising the differences between the two regions, cultures, and states, his final report to theEast India Company formally proposed calling theDruk Desi's kingdom "Boutan" and thePanchen Lama's kingdom "Tibet". The EIC's surveyor generalJames Rennell firstanglicised the French name as "Bootan" and then popularised the distinction between it andGreater Tibet.[31]
The first time a separate Kingdom of Bhutan appeared on a western map, it did so under its local name "Broukpa".[31] Others includeLho Mon ("Dark Southland"),Lho Tsendenjong ("Southland of theCypress"),Lhomen Khazhi ("Southland of the Four Approaches") andLho Menjong ("Southland of theHerbs").[32][33]
Bhutan, shaded in green in the centre of three Himalayan regions, shown on a 1912 map of Western Asia
Stone tools, weapons, elephants, and remnants of large stone structures provide evidence that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, although there are no existing records from that time. Historians have theorised that the state ofLhomon (lit.'southern darkness'), orMonyul ("Dark Land", a reference to theMonpa, an ethnic group in Bhutan andArunachal Pradesh, India), may have existed between 500 BC and AD 600. The namesLhomon Tsendenjong (Sandalwood Country) andLhomon Khashi or Southern Mon (country of four approaches), have been found in ancient Bhutanese and Tibetan chronicles.[34][35]
Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the mid of7th century AD. The Tibetan kingSongtsen Gampo[36] (reigned 627–649), a Buddhist convert, extended the Tibetan Empire into Sikkim and Bhutan.[37] He ordered the construction of two Buddhist temples,Jambay Lhakhang inBumthang in central Bhutan andKyichu Lhakhang inParo Valley.[38] Buddhism was propagated in earnest[36] in 746[39] under King Sindhu Rāja (also Künjom;[40] Sendha Gyab; Chakhar Gyalpo), an exiledIndian king who had established a government in Bumthang at Chakhar Gutho Palace.[41]: 35 [42]: 13
The Portuguese cannons in the National museum of ParoTrashigang Dzong, built in 1659
By the 10th century, Bhutan's religious history had had a significant impact on its political development. Various subsects of Buddhism emerged that were patronised by the variousMongol warlords.[43]
Bhutan may have been influenced by theYuan dynasty, with which it shares various cultural and religious similarities.[44]
After the decline of theYuan dynasty in the 14th century, these subsects vied with each other for supremacy in the political and religious landscape, eventually leading to the ascendancy of theDrukpa Lineage by the 16th century.[38][45]
Sketch of Bhutan's interior, 1783Painting of Bhutan, 1813British envoys in Bhutan's royal court in 1905Athrikhep (throne cover) from the 19th century. Throne covers were placed atop the temple cushions used by highlamas. The central circular swirling symbol is thegankyil in its mode as the "Four Joys".
Locally, Bhutan has been known by many names. The earliest Western record of Bhutan, the 1627Relação of thePortugueseJesuitsEstêvão Cacella andJoão Cabral,[46] records its name variously asCambirasi (among theKoch Biharis[47]),Potente, andMon (an endonym for southern Tibet).[31] Until the early 17th century, Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warringfiefdoms, when the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leaderNgawang Namgyal, who had fled religious persecution in Tibet. To defend the country against intermittent Tibetan forays, Namgyal built a network of impregnabledzongs or fortresses, andpromulgated theTsa Yig, a code of law that helped to bring local lords under centralised control. Many suchdzong still exist and are active centres of religion and district administration.PortugueseJesuitsEstêvão Cacella andJoão Cabral were the first recorded Europeans to visit Bhutan in 1627,[48] on their way to Tibet. They met Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, presented him with firearms, gunpowder and a telescope, and offered him their services in the war against Tibet, but the Zhabdrung declined the offer. After a stay of nearly eight months Cacella wrote a long letter from theChagri Monastery reporting on his travels. This is a rare extant report of the Zhabdrung.[49][50]
When Ngawang Namgyal died in 1651, his death was kept secret for 54 years. After a period of consolidation, Bhutan lapsed into internal conflict. In 1711, Bhutan went to war against theRaja of the kingdom ofKoch Bihar in the south. During the chaos that followed, the Tibetans unsuccessfully attacked Bhutan in 1714.[51] This period was marked by an increase in Bhutan's influence in Koch Bihar.[52]
In the 18th century, the Bhutanese invaded and occupied the kingdom of Koch Bihar. In 1772, theMaharaja of Koch Bihar appealed to the BritishEast India Company which assisted by ousting the Bhutanese and later attacking Bhutan itself in 1774. A peace treaty was signed in which Bhutan agreed to retreat to its pre-1730 borders. However, the peace was tenuous, and border skirmishes with theBritish were to continue for the next hundred years. The skirmishes eventually led to theDuar War (1864–65), a confrontation to control of theBengalDuars. After Bhutan lost the war, theTreaty of Sinchula was signed betweenBritish India and Bhutan. As part of thewar reparations, the Duars were ceded to theUnited Kingdom in exchange for a rent of₹50,000. The treaty ended all hostilities between British India and Bhutan.
During the 1870s, power struggles between the rival valleys ofParo andTongsa led to civil war in Bhutan, eventually leading to the ascendancy ofUgyen Wangchuck, thepenlop (governor) ofTrongsa. From his power base in central Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck defeated his political enemies and united the country following several civil wars and rebellions during 1882–85.[53]
In 1907, an epochal year for the country, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously chosen as the hereditary king of the country by the Lhengye Tshog of leading Buddhist monks, government officials, and heads of important families, with the firm petition made byGongzimUgyen Dorji.John Claude White, British Political Agent in Bhutan, took photographs of the ceremony.[54] The British government promptly recognised the new monarchy. In 1910, Bhutan signed theTreaty of Punakha, asubsidiary alliance that gave the British control of Bhutan's foreign affairs and meant that Bhutan was treated as an Indianprincely state. This had little real effect, given Bhutan's historical reticence, and also did not appear to affect Bhutan's traditional relations with Tibet. After the newUnion of India gainedindependence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, Bhutan became one of the first countries to recognise India's independence. On 8 August 1949, a treaty similar to that of 1910, in which Britain had gained power over Bhutan's foreign relations, was signed with the newly independent India.[34]
In 1953, KingJigme Dorji Wangchuck established the country's legislature—a 130-memberNational Assembly—to promote a more democratic form of governance. In 1965, he set up a Royal Advisory Council, and in 1968 he formed a Cabinet. In 1971, Bhutan was admitted to theUnited Nations, having held observer status for three years. In July 1972,Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended to the throne at the age of sixteen after the death of his father, Dorji Wangchuck.
Leaders of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal at the 16th SAARC Summit in Thimphu, 2010
Bhutan's sixth Five-Year Plan (1987–92) included a policy of 'one nation, one people' and introduced a code of traditional Drukpa dress and etiquette calledDriglam Namzhag. The dress element of this code required all citizens to wear thegho (a knee-length robe for men) and thekira (an ankle-length dress for women).[55] A central plank of the Bhutanese government's policy since the late 1960s has been to modernise the use ofDzongkha language. This began with abandoning the use ofHindi, a language that was adopted to help start formal secular education in the country, in 1964.[56] As a result, at the beginning of the school year in March 1990, the teaching of the Nepali language (which shares similarities with Hindi) spoken by ethnicLhotshampas in southern Bhutan was discontinued and all Nepali curricular materials were discontinued from Bhutanese schools.[55]
In 1988, Bhutan conducted a census in southern Bhutan to guard against illegal immigration, a constant issue in the south where borders with India are porous.[57] Each family was required to present census workers with a tax receipt from the year 1958—no earlier, no later—or with a certificate of origin, which had to be obtained from one's place of birth, to prove that they were indeed Bhutanese citizens. Previously issued citizenship cards were no longer accepted as proof of citizenship. Alarmed by these measures, many began to protest for civil and cultural rights and demanded a total change to be brought to the political system that existed since 1907. As protests and related violence swept across southern Bhutan, the government in turn increased its resistance. People present at protests were labeled "anti-national terrorists".[58] After the demonstrations, the Bhutanese army and police began identifying participants and supporters engaged in the violence against the state and government. They were arrested and held for months without trial.[55] Soon the Bhutanese government arbitrarily reported that its census operations had detected the presence in southern Bhutan of over 100,000 "illegal immigrants" although this number is often debated. The census operations, thus, were used as a tool for the identification, eviction and banishment of dissidents who were involved in the uprising against the state. Military and other security forces were deployed for forceful deportations of between 80,000 and 100,000Lhotshampas and were accused of using widespread violence, torture, rape and killing.[59][60][61] The evictedLhotshampas became refugees in camps in southern Nepal. Since 2008, many Western countries, including Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, have allowed resettlement of the majority of this group of Lhotshampa refugees.[58]
In 1999, the government lifted a ban on television and internet, making Bhutan one of the last countries to introduce television. In his speech, the King said that television was a critical step to the modernisation of Bhutan as well as a major contributor to the country'sgross national happiness,[63] but warned that the "misuse" of this new technology could erode traditional Bhutanese values.[64]
A new constitution was presented in early 2005. In December 2005, Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate the throne in his son's favour in 2008. On 9 December 2006, he announced that he would abdicate immediately. This was followed by the first nationalparliamentary elections inDecember 2007 andMarch 2008.
In July 2021 during theCOVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan became the first world-leading nation in its role of vaccinating 470,000 out of 770,000 people with a two-dose shot ofAstraZeneca vaccines.
Bhutan is on the southern slopes of the easternHimalayas, landlocked between theTibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and the Indian states ofSikkim,West Bengal,Assam to the west and south, and the Indian state ofArunachal Pradesh to the east.[67][68] It lies between latitudes26°N and29°N, and longitudes88°E and93°E. The land consists mostly of steep and highmountains crisscrossed by a network of swift rivers that form deep valleys before draining into the Indian plains. In fact, 98.8% of Bhutan is covered by mountains, which makes it the most mountainous country in the world.[69] Elevation rises from 200 m (660 ft) in the southern foothills to more than 7,000 m (23,000 ft). This great geographical diversity combined with equally diverse climate conditions contributes to Bhutan's outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems.[4]
Snowfall in Bhutan
Bhutan's northern region consists of an arc ofEastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows reaching up to glaciated mountain peaks with an extremely cold climate at the highest elevations. Most peaks in the north are over 7,000 m (23,000 ft) above sea level; the highest point is 7,570-metre (24,840 ft)-tallGangkhar Puensum, which has the distinction of being thehighest unclimbed mountain in the world.[70] The lowest point, at 98 m (322 ft), is in the valley ofDrangme Chhu, where the river crosses the border with India.[70] Watered by snow-fed rivers, alpine valleys in this region provide pasture for livestock, tended by a sparse population of migratory shepherds.
TheBlack Mountains in Bhutan's central region form a watershed between two major river systems: theMo Chhu and the Drangme Chhu. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 1,500 and 4,925 m (4,921 and 16,158 ft) above sea level, and fast-flowing rivers have carved out deep gorges in the lower mountain areas. The forests of the central Bhutan mountains consist ofEastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests in higher elevations andEastern Himalayan broadleaf forests in lower elevations. The Woodlands of the central region provide most of Bhutan's forest production. TheTorsa,Raidāk,Sankosh, andManas are Bhutan's main rivers, flowing through this region. Most of the population lives in the central highlands.
In the south, theSivalik Hills are covered with denseHimalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, alluvial lowland river valleys, and mountains up to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level. The foothills descend into the subtropicalDuars Plain, which is the eponymous gateway to strategic mountain passes (also known as dwars or dooars; literally, "doors" inAssamese,Bengali,Maithili,Bhojpuri, andMagahi languages).[67][71] Most of the Duars is in India, but a 10 to 15 km (6.2 to 9.3 mi)-wide strip extends into Bhutan. The Bhutan Duars is divided into two parts, the northern and southern Duars.
The northern Duars, which abut the Himalayan foothills, have rugged, sloping terrain and dry, porous soil with dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. The southern Duars have moderately fertile soil, heavysavanna grass, dense, mixed jungle, and freshwater springs. Mountain rivers, fed by melting snow or monsoon rains, empty into theBrahmaputra River in India. Data released by the Ministry of Agriculture showed that the country had a forest cover of 64% as of October 2005.
Bhutan's climate varies with elevation, from subtropical in the south totemperate in the highlands andpolar-type climate with year-round snow in the north. Bhutan experiences five distinct seasons: summer,monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan are temperate and drier than the west with warm summers and cool winters.
Bhutan has a rich primate life, with rare species such as thegolden langur.[74][75] A variant Assamese macaque has also been recorded, which is regarded by some authorities as a new species,Macaca munzala.[76]
More than 770 species of bird have been recorded in Bhutan. The globally endangeredwhite-winged duck has been added recently in 2006 to Bhutan's bird list.[78]
The 2010 BBC documentaryLost Land of the Tiger follows an expedition to Bhutan. The expedition is notable for claiming to obtain the first footage of tigers living at 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) in the high Himalayas. The BBC footage shows a female tiger lactating and scent-marking, followed a few days later by a male tiger responding, suggesting that the cats could be breeding at this elevation. Camera traps also recorded footage of other rarely seen forest creatures, includingdhole (or Indian wild dog), Asian elephants, leopards and leopard cats.[79]
In Bhutanforest cover is around 71% of the total land area, equivalent to 2,725,080 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, up from 2,506,720 hectares (ha) in 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 2,704,260 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 20,820 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 15% was reported to beprimary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 41% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area was reported to be underpublic ownership.[80][81]
More than 5,400 species of plants are found in Bhutan,[82] includingPedicularis cacuminidenta. Fungi form a key part of Bhutanese ecosystems, withmycorrhizal species providing forest trees with mineral nutrients necessary for growth, and with wood decay and litter decomposing species playing an important role in natural recycling.
The EasternHimalayas has been identified as a globalbiodiversity hotspot and counted among the 234 globally outstandingecoregions of the world in a comprehensive analysis of global biodiversity undertaken byWWF between 1995 and 1997.
According to the Swiss-basedInternational Union for Conservation of Nature, Bhutan is viewed as a model for proactiveconservation initiatives. The Kingdom has received international acclaim for its commitment to the maintenance of its biodiversity.[83] This is reflected in the decision to maintain at least sixty per cent of the land area underforest cover, to designate more than 40%[84][85] of its territory as national parks, reserves and other protected areas, and most recently to identify a further nine per cent of land area as biodiversity corridors linking the protected areas. All of Bhutan's protected land is connected to one another through a vast network of biological corridors, allowing animals to migrate freely throughout the country.[86] Environmental conservation has been placed at the core of the nation's development strategy, the middle path. It is not treated as a sector but rather as a set of concerns that must be mainstreamed in Bhutan's overall approach to development planning and to be buttressed by the force of law. The country's constitution mentions environmental standards in multiple sections.[87]
Although Bhutan's natural heritage is still largely intact, the government has said that it cannot be taken for granted and that conservation of the natural environment must be considered one of the challenges that will need to be addressed in the years ahead.[88] Nearly 56.3% of all Bhutanese are involved with agriculture, forestry or conservation.[87] The government aims to promote conservation as part of its plan to target Gross National Happiness. It currently has net negative[86] greenhouse gas emissions because the small amount of pollution it creates is absorbed by the forests that cover most of the country.[89] While the entire country collectively produces 2,200,000 metric tons (2,200,000 long tons; 2,400,000 short tons) of carbon dioxide a year, the immense forest covering 72% of the country acts as acarbon sink, absorbing more than four million tons of carbon dioxide every year.[86] Bhutan had a 2018Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.85/10, ranking it 16th globally out of 172 countries.[90]
Bhutan has a number of progressive environmental policies that have caused the head of theUNFCCC to call it an "inspiration and role model for the world on how economies and different countries can address climate change while at the same time improving the life of the citizen."[91] For example, electric cars have been pushed in the country and as of 2014[update] make up a tenth of all cars. Because the country gets most of its energy fromhydroelectric power, it does not emit significant greenhouse gases for energy production.[89]
In practice, the overlap of these extensive protected lands with populated areas has led to mutual habitat encroachment. Protected wildlife has entered agricultural areas, trampling crops and killing livestock. In response, Bhutan has implemented an insurance scheme, begun constructing solar powered alarm fences, watch towers, and search lights, and has provided fodder and salt licks outside human settlement areas to encourage animals to stay away.[92]
The huge market value of theOphiocordyceps sinensis fungus crop collected from the wild has also resulted in unsustainable exploitation which is proving very difficult to regulate.[93]
Bhutan has enforced a plastic ban rule from 1 April 2019, where plastic bags were replaced by alternative bags made of jute and other biodegradable material.[94]
Executive power is exercised by theCouncil of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. Judicial power is vested in the courts. The legal system originates from the semi-theocraticTsa Yig code, and was influenced byEnglish common law during the 20th century. Thechief justice is the administrative head of the judiciary.
Bhutan maintains strong economic, strategic, and military relations withIndia.[105][106] In February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was substantially revised, clarifying Bhutan's full control of its foreign relations, as well as its independence and sovereignty. Whereas the Treaty of 1949, Article 2 stated: "The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan. On its part the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations," the revised treaty now states "In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other." The revised treaty also includes this preamble: "Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity", an element absent in the earlier version. By long-standing agreement, Indian and Bhutanese citizens may travel to each other's countries without apassport or visa, but must still have their national identity cards. Bhutanese citizens may also work in India without legal restrictions.
Bhutan does not have formal diplomatic ties with China, but exchanges of visits at various levels between them have significantly increased in recent times. The first bilateral agreement between China and Bhutan was signed in 1998 and Bhutan has also set up honorary consulates in theSpecial Administrative Regions ofHong Kong andMacau.[107]
A map of Bhutan showing its borders with China and India as of 2015[update]
Bhutan's border with China is not mutually demarcated in some areas because China lays claims to those places. In 2021, after more than 35 years of border negotiations, China signed a memorandum of understanding with Bhutan to expedite those talks.[108] Approximately 269 square kilometres (104 sq mi) remain under discussion between China and Bhutan.[109] On 13 November 2005, Chinese soldiers crossed into the disputed territories between China and Bhutan and began building roads and bridges.[110] Bhutanese Foreign MinisterKhandu Wangchuk took up the matter with Chinese authorities after the issue was raised in the Bhutanese parliament. In response, Foreign Ministry spokesmanQin Gang of the People's Republic of China said that the border remains in dispute and that the two sides are continuing to work for a peaceful and cordial resolution of the dispute, denying that the presence of soldiers in the area was an attempt to forcibly occupy it.[111] An Indian intelligence officer said that a Chinese delegation in Bhutan told the Bhutanese they were "overreacting". The Bhutanese newspaperKuensel said that China might use the roads to further Chinese claims along the border.[110]
Bhutan has very warm relations withJapan, which provides significant development assistance. The Bhutanese royals were hosted by the Japanese imperial family during astate visit in 2011. Japan is also helping Bhutan cope with glacial floods by developing an early warning system. Bhutan enjoys strong political and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. The Bhutanese king was the guest of honour during celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.[112] A 2014 joint statement by the prime ministers of both countries announced cooperation in areas of hydropower, river management and climate change mitigation.[113] Bangladesh and Bhutan signed a preferential trade agreement in 2020 with provisions forfree trade.[114]
Bhutan has diplomatic relations with 53 countries and the European Union and has missions in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Kuwait, and Belgium. It has two UN missions, one in New York and one inGeneva. Only India, Bangladesh, and Kuwait have residential embassies in Bhutan. Other countries maintain informal diplomatic contact via their embassies inNew Delhi andDhaka. Bhutan maintains formaldiplomatic relations with several Asian and European nations, Canada, and Brazil. Other countries,such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have no formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan but maintain informal contact through their respective embassies in New Delhi and with the United States through Bhutan's permanent mission to the United Nations. The United Kingdom has an honorary consul resident in Thimphu. The latest country Bhutan has established diplomatic relations with is Israel, on12 December 2020.[115][116][117]
The standing army numbers about 16,000 and is trained by theIndian Army.[118] It has an annual budget of about US$13.7 million (1.8 per cent ofGDP). As alandlocked country, Bhutan has no navy. It also has no air force or army aviation corps. The Army relies on theEastern Air Command of theIndian Air Force for air assistance.
Bhutan is ranked as "Partly Free" byFreedom House.[119] Bhutan's parliament decriminalised homosexuality in 2020.[120]
Women in Bhutan tend to be less active in politics than men due to customs and aspects of Bhutan's culture that dictate a woman's role in the household.[121] This leads to a limitation of their voices in government. Bhutan has made steps toward gender equality by enrolling more girls in school as well as creating the "National Commission for Women and Children" (NCWC) in 2004.[122] This programme was created to promote and protect women's and children's rights. Bhutan also elected its first femaleDzongda, equivalent to a District Attorney, in 2012, and its first female minister in 2013.[122] Minister Dorji Choden, chair for the National Commission for Women and Children, believes that the aforementioned programme can be used to "promote women into more leadership roles" which can then lead women to take on more active roles in their society.[121] Overall there has also been a gradual increase in women in power with a 68% increase in women representation from 2011 to 2016.[122] Minorities have been represented in Bhutan's government since 2008, including in the cabinet, parliament, and local government.[95]
Starting in the 1980s, a part of Bhutan's minority population groups ofNepali speakers ("Lhotshampa"), in Southern Bhutan, fell victim to perceived political persecution by the Bhutanese government as part of what the Nepali-speaking population viewed as Bhutanisation (termed One Nation, One People) policy which was aimed to nationalise the country.[123][124] In 1977 followed by in 1985, Bhutan's government enacted legislations which impacted the Lhotshampa ethnic minority. The review of the national citizenship criteria and provisions for denationalisation of illegally present population in the country ensued.[125][126] The government enforced uniformity in dress, culture, tradition, language and literature to create a national identity which was aligned with the majorityDrukpa culture of the country.[123][127][128][129] The Lhotshampas started demonstrations in protest of such discriminatory laws, voicing for a change to be brought to the existing political system toward a preferred multi-party democracy and to gain political autonomy for the Nepali Ethnic minority, most probably incited by the similar political uprising against the established monarchy in the neighbouring country of Nepal.[130] These demonstrations turned into violence when some ethnic Nepalese representatives were attacked by the government officials (armed forces) when schools in the southern districts were burned by the demonstrators.[131] Consequently, Bhutanese armed forces were mobilised; the members of Bhutanese police and army forces allegedly imprisoned some Nepali descendant ethnic minority who were suspected to be politically active in these demonstrations, under a command of then kingJigme Singye Wangchuck and home minister Dago Tshering to keep peace and open a line of communication.[132] Bhutan Armed forces were alleged to have targeted the Nepali ethnic southerners by burning down the houses, livestocks, and forced hundreds and thousands to be expelled from the country with their property being confiscated where no compensation were reported to be granted to anyone, however, claims to these were neither proved nor documented.[133]
This escalated up until the early 1990s, and was followed by the forceful expulsion ofNepali ethnic minority citizens from the southern part of Bhutan. The main purpose of this was the fear that revolt mirrored images of theGorkhaland movement stirring up in the neighbouring state of West Bengal, and fueled fears of a fate similar to theKingdom of Sikkim where the immigrant Nepalis population had overwhelmed the small native population of the kingdom, leading to its demise as an independent nation.[57] The Bhutanese security forces were accused of human rights violations including torture and rape of political demonstrators, and some Lhotshampas were accused of staging a violent revolt against the state.[126] According to theUNHCR, an estimate of 107,000Bhutanese refugees living in seven camps in eastern Nepal have been documented as of 2008[update].[129] After many years in refugee camps, many inhabitants moved to other host nations such as Canada, Norway, the UK, Australia, and the US as refugees. The US admitted 60,773 refugees from fiscal years 2008 to 2012.[134]
TheNepalese government refused to assimilate the Bhutanese refugees (Lhotshampas) and did not allow a legal path to citizenship, so they were leftstateless.[135] Careful scrutiny has been used to review the status of the refugee's relatives in the country, and citizenship identity cards and voting rights for these reviewed people are restricted.[135] Bhutan does not recognise political parties associated with these refugees and see them as a threat to the well-being of the country.[135]Human rights groups' rhetoric that the government interfered with individual rights by requiring all citizens, including ethnic minority members, to wear the traditional dress of the ethnic majority in public places was used as a political tool for the demonstrations. The Bhutanese government since then enforced the law of national attire to be worn in Buddhist religious buildings, government offices, schools, official functions, and public ceremonies aimed toward preserving and promoting the national identity of Bhutan.[135]
Ethnic Nepalese ("Lhotshampa") migrants that were forcefully expelled from Bhutan, and arrived in Nepal in the early 1990s
The kingdom has been accused ofbanning religious proselytising,[136] which critics deem as a violation offreedom of religion[137] and a policy of ethnic cleansing.[138] Starting in the 1980s, Bhutan adopted a policy of "One Nation One People" to create a unified sense of national identity. This was interpreted as cultural (in language, dress and religion) and political dominance of the majorityDrukpa people by the Nepali-speaking people.[139] Inspired by theGorkhaland Movement and fuelled by a sense of injustice, some Lhotshampas began organising demonstrations against the Bhutanese state. Furthermore, the removal ofNepali language in school curriculum to adopt a more centralised language inDzongkha coupled with the denial of citizenship to those who were not able to prove officially issued land holding title prior to 1950[140] was perceived as specifically targeting Lhotshampa population estimated to be one-third of the population at the time.[141] This resulted in widespread unrest and political demonstrations.[125][142] In response to this threat, in 1988, the Bhutanese authorities carried out a special census[143] in southern Bhutan to review the status of legal residents from illegal immigrants. This region with high Lhotshampa population had to be legally verified, and the following census led to the deportation these Lhotshampas, estimated to be one-sixth of the total population at the time.[144][62][145] People who had been granted citizenship by the Bhutanese1958 Nationality Law were also stripped of their citizenship. The state intervened after violence was instigated by some Nepali-speaking citizens attacking government officials and burning public buildings.[146] Members of Bhutanese police and army were accused of burning Lhotshampa houses, land confiscation and other widespread human rights abuses including arrest, torture and rape of Lhotshampas involved in political protests and violence.[126][147] Following forcible deportation from Bhutan, Lhotshampas spent almost two decades in refugee camps inNepal and were resettled in various western countries such as the United States between 2007 and 2012.[148]
Bhutan is divided into twentyDzongkhag (districts), administered by a body called the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. In certainthromdes (urban municipalities), a further municipal administration is directly subordinate to the Dzongkhag administration. In the vast majority of constituencies, ruralgewog (village blocks) are administered by bodies called the Gewog Tshogde.[149]
A map of Bhutan showing its 20dzongkhags inDzongkha
Thromdes (municipalities) elect Thrompons to lead administration, who in turn represent the Thromde in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. Likewise,geog elect headmen calledgups, vice-headmen calledmangmis, who also sit on the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, as well as other members of the Gewog Tshogde. The basis of electoral constituencies in Bhutan is thechiwog, a subdivision of gewogs delineated by the Election Commission.[149]
The Bhutan Power Corporation headquarters inThimphu. Bhutan's principal export ishydroelectricity.
Bhutan's currency is thengultrum, whose value isfixed to theIndian rupee. The Indian rupee is also accepted aslegal tender in the country.Though Bhutan's economy is one of the world's smallest,[151] it has grown rapidly in recent years, by eight per cent in 2005 and 14 per cent in 2006. In 2007, Bhutan had the second-fastest-growing economy in the world, with an annual economic growth rate of 22.4 per cent. This was mainly due to the commissioning of the giganticTala Hydroelectric Power Station. As of 2012[update], Bhutan'sper capita income was US$2,420.[152]
Bhutan's economy is based on agriculture, forestry, tourism and the sale ofhydroelectric power to India. Agriculture provides the main livelihood for 55.4 per cent of the population.[153] Agrarian practices consist largely ofsubsistence farming andanimal husbandry. Handicrafts, particularly weaving and the manufacture of religious art for home altars, are a smallcottage industry. A landscape that varies from hilly to ruggedly mountainous has made the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive.
Modern and traditional bridges over a river in Panbang
This, and a lack of access to the sea, has meant that Bhutan has not been able to benefit from significant trading of its produce. Bhutan has norailways, thoughIndian Railways plans to link southern Bhutan to its vast network under an agreement signed in January 2005.[154] Bhutan and India signed a 'free trade' accord in 2008, which additionally allowed Bhutanese imports and exports from third markets to transit India without tariffs.[155] Bhutan had trade relations with theTibet Autonomous Region of China until 1960, when it closed its border with China after an influx of refugees.[156]
Access tobiocapacity in Bhutan is much higher than the world average. In 2016, Bhutan had 5.0 global hectares[157] of biocapacity per person within its territory, much more than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.[158] In 2016 Bhutan used 4.5 global hectares of biocapacity per person—theirecological footprint of consumption. This means they use less biocapacity than Bhutan contains. As a result, Bhutan is running a biocapacity reserve.[157]
The industrial sector is currently in a nascent stage. Although most production comes from cottage industry, larger industries are being encouraged and some industries such as cement, steel, andferroalloy have been set up. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely oncontract labour from neighbouring India. Agricultural produce includes rice, chilies, dairy (some yak, mostly cow) products, buckwheat, barley, root crops, apples, and citrus and maize at lower elevations. Industries include cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages andcalcium carbide.
Bhutan has seen recent growth in the technology sector, in areas such as green tech and consumer Internet/e-commerce.[159] In May 2012, "Thimphu TechPark" was launched in the capital. It incubatesstartups via the "Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre" (BITC).[160]
GDP per capita development in Bhutan, since 1990
Incomes of overNu 100,000 per year are taxed, but as Bhutan is currently one of the world's least developed countries, very few wage and salary earners qualify. Bhutan's inflation rate was estimated at three per cent in 2003. Bhutan has agross domestic product of around US$5.855 billion (adjusted topurchasing power parity), making it the 158th-largest economy in the world. Per capita income (PPP) is around $7,641,[70] ranked 144th. Government revenues total $407.1 million, though expenditures amount to $614 million. Twenty-five per cent of the budget expenditure, however, is financed by India's Ministry of External Affairs.[161]
Bhutan's exports, principally electricity,cardamom,gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones and spices, total €128 million (2000 est.). Imports, however, amount to €164 million, leading to atrade deficit. Main items imported include fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery, vehicles, fabrics and rice. Bhutan's main export partner is India, accounting for 58.6 per cent of its export goods. Hong Kong (30.1 per cent) and Bangladesh (7.3 per cent) are the other two top export partners.[70] As its border with Tibet Autonomous Region is closed, trade between Bhutan and China is now almost non-existent. Bhutan's import partners include India (74.5 per cent), Japan (7.4 per cent) and Sweden (3.2 per cent).
The share of the agricultural sector in GDP declined from approximately 55% in 1985 to 33% in 2003. In 2013 the government announced the aspiration that Bhutan will become the first country in the world with 100 per centorganic farming.[162][163] A decade later however this goal has proved elusive with just 1% of agricultural land having achieved organic status.[164]
Bhutanese red rice is the country's most widely known agricultural export, enjoying a market in North America and Europe. Bangladesh is the largest market of Bhutaneseapples andoranges.[165]
A worker sorts Citrus Mandarin at the Auction Yard of Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited in Samdrup JongkharOffice of theSAARC Development Fund in Thimphu
The Thunder Dragon Kingdom became one of a handful of countries to hold over US$1 billion worth ofBitcoin as of November 15, 2024, with around 12,206 BTC. The Himalayan nation has been able to leverage its abundant hydroelectric resources tomine Bitcoin,[166] with the chief executive officer of Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Ujjwal Deep Dahal, stating, "we hold assets in the form of Bitcoin and we started mining those assets in 2019 with our green hydropower." Bhutan aims to expand its Bitcoin mining capacity to 600 megawatts by 2025 in partnership with Bitdeer, a leading Nasdaq-listed technology company. According to a World Bank report, Bhutan has invested US$539 million in cryptocurrency mining operations over the last two fiscal years, from July 2021 to June 2023.[167]
The industrial sector accounts for 22% of the economy. The key manufacturing sectors in Bhutan include production offerroalloy, cement, metal poles, iron and nonalloy steel products, processedgraphite,copper conductors, alcoholic and carbonatedbeverages, processed fruits, carpets, wood products and furniture.[168] The production of ferrosilicon was pioneered byDamchae Dem, CEO of Pelden Group.[169]
Bhutan has deposits of numerous minerals. Commercial production includescoal,dolomite,gypsum, andlimestone. The country has proven reserves ofberyl,copper, graphite,lead,mica,pyrite,tin,tungsten, andzinc. However, the country's mineral deposits remain untapped, as it prefers to conserve the environment.[170]
Bhutan's largest export is hydroelectricity. As of 2015[update], it generates about 2,000MW of hydropower from dams in Himalayan river valleys.[171] The country has a potential to generate 30,000 MW of hydropower.[171] Power is supplied to various states in India. Future projects are being planned with Bangladesh.[171] Hydropower has been the primary focus for the country'sfive-year plans. As of 2015[update], theTala Hydroelectric Power Station is its largest power plant, with an installed capacity of 1,020 MW. It has received assistance from India, Austria and theAsian Development Bank in developing hydroelectric projects.
Besides hydropower, it is also endowed with significant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and bioenergy. Technically viable solar energy generation capacity is around 12,000 MW and wind around 760 MW. More than 70% of its land is under forest cover, which is an immense source of bioenergy in the country.[172]
In 2014, Bhutan received 133,480 foreign visitors.[174] Bhutan is a high-value destination. It imposes a daily sustainable development fee of US$100 a day on all nationals except Indians, Maldivians, and Bangladeshis.[175] Indians can apply for a permit to enter Bhutan which costs 1,200 INR per day (about US$14 in 2024). The industry employs 21,000 people and accounts for 1.8% of GDP.[176]
TheLateral Road is Bhutan's primary east–west corridor, connecting the towns ofPhuentsholing in the southwest toTrashigang in the east. Notable settlements that the Lateral Road runs through directly areWangdue Phodrang andTrongsa. The Lateral Road also has spurs connecting to the capitalThimphu and otherpopulation centres such asParo andPunakha. As with other roads in Bhutan, the Lateral Road presents serious safety concerns due to pavement conditions, sheer drops, hairpin turns, weather, and landslides.[187][188][189]
Since 2014, road widening has been a priority across Bhutan, in particular for the north-east–west highway from Trashigang to Dochula. The widening project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 and will make road travel across the country substantially faster and more efficient. In addition, it is projected that the improved road conditions will encourage more tourism in the more inaccessible eastern region of Bhutan.[190][191][192] Currently, the road conditions appear to be deterring tourists from visiting Bhutan due to the increased instances of road blocks, landslides, and dust disruption caused by the widening project.[193]
Bhutan does not have a railway network primarily due to its rugged and mountainous terrain. The country is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, which are characterised by steep cliffs, deep gorges, and imposing mountains. Constructing railways in such challenging topography would be extremely difficult and costly. Although Bhutan currently has no railways, it has entered into an agreement with India to link southern Bhutan to India's vast network by constructing an 18-kilometre-long (11 mi),5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)broad gauge rail link betweenHasimara inWest Bengal andGelephu in Bhutan. The construction of the railway via Satali, Bharna Bari and Dalsingpara byIndian Railways will be funded by India.[194] Bhutan's nearest railway station is Hasimara. The planned Gelephu Green city will be linked by railway, connecting Indian state of Assam.
Bhutan had a population of 777,486 people in 2021.[5][6] Bhutan has a median age of 24.8 years.[70] There are 1,070 males to every 1,000 females. The literacy rate in Bhutan is around 66%.[196]
Bhutanese people primarily consist of theNgalops andSharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese, respectively. Although theSharchops are slightly larger in demographic size, the Ngalops dominate the political sphere, as the King and the political elite belong to this group.[197] Ngalops culture is closely related to that of Tibet. Much the same could be said of the Sharchops, the largest group, who traditionally follow theNyingmapa rather than the officialDrukpa Kagyu form ofTibetan Buddhism. In modern times, with improved transportation infrastructure, there has been much intermarriage between these groups.
TheLhotshampa, meaning "southerner Bhutanese", are a heterogeneous group of mostlyNepalese ancestry who have sought political and cultural recognition including equality in rights to abode, language, and dress. Unofficial estimates claimed that they constituted 45% of the population in the 1988 census.[198] Starting in the 1980s, Bhutan adopted a policy of "One Nation One People" in order to propagate the cultural (e.g. language, dress and religion) and political dominance of the majority Drukpa people.[139] This policy manifested with a ban on the teaching ofNepali language in schools and the denial of citizenship to those who were unable to prove officially issued land holding title prior to 1950.[140] These actions specifically targeted ethnic Nepali-speaking minority groups, representing one-third of the population at the time,[141] resulting in widespread unrest and political demonstrations.[125][142] In 1988, the Bhutanese authorities carried out a special census[143] in southern Bhutan, a region of high Lhotshampa population, resulting in mass denationalisation, followed by the forcible deportation of 107,000 Lhotshampas, approximately one-sixth of the total population at the time.[144][62][145] Deportees were stripped of their citizenship, which had been granted by the1958 Nationality Law. Members of the Bhutanese police and army were involved in the burning of homes, land confiscation and other widespread human rights abuses including the arrest, torture and rape of Lhotshampas involved in political protests.[126][147] Following their forcible deportation from Bhutan, the Lhotshampas spent almost two decades in refugee camps inNepal. Large-scale resettlement to various western countries such as the United States took place between 2007 and 2012.[148]
It is estimated that between two-thirds and three-quarters of the Bhutanese population followVajrayana Buddhism, which is also thestate religion.Hinduism accounts for 22.6% of the population.[202] The current legal framework in principle guaranteesfreedom of religion;proselytism, however, is forbidden by a royal government decision[202] and by judicial interpretation of theConstitution.[203]
The national language isDzongkha (Bhutanese), one of 53 languages in theTibetan language family. The script, locally calledChhokey (literally, "Dharma language"), is identical to classical Tibetan. In Bhutan's education system, English is the medium of instruction, while Dzongkha is taught as the national language.Ethnologue lists 24 languages currently spoken in Bhutan, all of them in theTibeto-Burman family, exceptNepali, anIndo-Aryan language.[128]
Until the 1980s, the government sponsored the teaching of Nepali in schools in southern Bhutan. With the adoption of theDriglam Namzhag (Bhutanese code of etiquette) and its expansion into the idea of strengthening the role of Dzongkha, Nepali was dropped from the curriculum. The languages of Bhutan are still not well characterised, and several have yet to be recorded in an in-depth academic grammar. Before the 1980s, theLhotshampa (Nepali-speaking community), mainly based in southern Bhutan, constituted approximately 30% of the population.[128] However, after a purge of Lhotshampas from 1990 to 1992 this number might not accurately reflect the current population.
Dzongkha is partially intelligible withSikkimese and spoken natively by 25% of the population.Tshangla, the language of the Sharchop and the principal pre-Tibetan language of Bhutan, is spoken by a greater number of people. It is not easily classified and may constitute an independent branch of Tibeto-Burman.Nepali speakers constituted some 40% of the population as of 2006[update]. The larger minority languages areDzala (11%),Limbu (10%),Kheng (8%), andRai (8%). There are no reliable sources for the ethnic or linguistic composition of Bhutan, so these numbers do not add up to 100%.
Historically, education in Bhutan wasmonastic, withsecular school education for the general population introduced in the 1960s.[207] The mountainous landscape poses barriers to integrated educational services.[207]
Today, Bhutan has two decentralised universities with eleven constituent colleges spread across the kingdom. These are theRoyal University of Bhutan and theKhesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, respectively. The firstfive-year plan provided for a central education authority—in the form of a director of education appointed in 1961—and an organised, modern school system with free and universal primary education.
Education programmes were given a boost in 1990, when theAsian Development Bank (see Glossary) granted a US$7.13 million loan for staff training and development, specialist services, equipment and furniture purchases, salaries and other recurrent costs, and facility rehabilitation and construction atRoyal Bhutan Polytechnic.
Since the beginning of modern education in Bhutan, teachers from India—especiallyKerala—have served in some of the most remote villages of Bhutan. Thus, 43 retired teachers who had served for the longest length of time were personally invited toThimphu, Bhutan during the Teachers' Day celebrations in 2018, where they were honoured and individually thanked by His MajestyJigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. To celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India, Bhutan's Education Minister,Jai Bir Rai, honoured 80 retired teachers who served in Bhutan at a special ceremony organised atKolkata, India, on 6 January 2019.[208] Currently, there are 121 teachers from India placed in schools across Bhutan.
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the mid-20th century. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country's culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage.[209][210]Hinduism is the second most dominant religion in Bhutan, being most prevalent in the southern regions.[211] The government is increasingly making efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions of the country. Because of its largely unspoiled natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has been referred to asThe LastShangri-La.[212]
While Bhutanese citizens are free to travel abroad, Bhutan is viewed as inaccessible by many foreigners. Another reason for it being an unpopular destination is the cost, which is high for tourists on tighter budgets. Entry is free for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, but all other foreigners are required to sign up with a Bhutanese tour operator and pay around US$250 per day that they stay in the country, though this fee covers most travel, lodging and meal expenses.[213] Bhutan received 37,482 visitor arrivals in 2011, of which 25% were for meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions.[214]
Bhutan was thefirst nation in the world to bantobacco. It was illegal to smoke in public or sell tobacco, according toTobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010. Violators are fined the equivalent of $232—a month's salary in Bhutan. In 2021, this was reversed with the new Tobacco Control Act 2021 to allow for the import and sale of tobacco products to stamp out cross-border smuggling of tobacco products during the pandemic, as it was found to be a leading Covid-19 vector in Bhutan.[215]
The national dress for Bhutanese men is thegho, a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as thekera. Women wear an ankle-length dress, thekira, which is clipped at the shoulders with two identical brooches called thekoma and tied at the waist with kera. An accompaniment to the kira is a long-sleeved blouse, the "wonju", which is worn underneath the kira. A long-sleeved, jacket-like garment called the "toego" is worn over the kira. The sleeves of the wonju and the tego are folded together at the cuffs, inside out. Social status and class determine the textures, colours, and decorations that embellish the garments.[216]
Jewellery is commonly worn by women, especially during religious festivals ("tsechus") and public gatherings. To strengthen Bhutan's identity as an independent country, Bhutanese law requires all Bhutanese government employees to wear the national dress at work and all citizens to wear the national dress while visiting schools and other government offices, though many citizens, particularly adults, choose to wear the customary dress as formal attire.
Varicoloured scarves, known asrachu for women andkabney for men, are important indicators of social standing, as Bhutan has traditionally been afeudal society; in particular, red is the most common colour worn by women. The "Bura Maap" (Red Scarf) is one of highest honours a Bhutanese civilian can receive. It, as well as the title ofDasho, comes from the throne in recognition of an individual's outstanding service to the nation.[217] On previous occasions, the King himself conferred Bura Maaps to outstanding individuals such as the Director General of Department Hydropower and Power System, Yeshi Wangdi, the Deputy Chairperson of National Council, Dasho Dr. Sonam Kinga, and former National Assembly Speaker, Dasho Ugyen Dorji.[218]
Bhutanese architecture remains distinctively traditional, employingrammed earth andwattle and daub construction methods, stone masonry, and intricate woodwork around windows and roofs. Traditional architecture uses no nails or iron bars in construction.[49][219][220] Characteristic of the region is a type of castle fortress known as thedzong. Since ancient times, the dzongs have served as the religious and secularadministrative centres for their respective districts.[221] TheUniversity of Texas at El Paso in the United States has adopted Bhutanese architecture for its buildings on campus, as have the nearby Hilton Garden Inn and other buildings in the city of El Paso.[222]
Bhutan hasnumerous public holidays, most of which coincide with traditional, seasonal, secular or religious festivals. They include the winter solstice (around 1 January, depending on thelunar calendar),[223] Lunar New Year (February or March),[citation needed] the King's birthday and the anniversary of his coronation, the official end ofmonsoon season (22 September),[224] National Day (17 December),[225] and variousBuddhist andHindu celebrations.
Chaam, sacred masked dances, are annually performed during religious festivals.
Dance dramas and masked dances such as theCham dance are common traditional features at festivals, usually accompanied by traditional music. At these events, dancers depict heroes, demons,dæmons, death heads, animals, gods, and caricatures of common people by wearing colourful wooden or composition face masks and stylised costumes. The dancers enjoy royal patronage, and preserve ancient folk and religious customs and perpetuate the ancient lore and art of mask-making.
Themusic of Bhutan can generally be divided into traditional and modern varieties; traditional music comprises religious and folk genres, the latter includingzhungdra andboedra.[226] The modernrigsar is played on a mix of traditional instruments and electronic keyboards, and dates back to the early 1990s; it shows the influence of Indian popular music, a hybrid form of traditional and Western popular influences.[227][228]
In Bhutanese families, inheritance generally passesmatrilineally through the female rather than the male line. Daughters will inherit their parents' house. A man is expected to make his own way in the world and often moves to his wife's home.Love marriages are more common in urban areas, but the tradition ofarranged marriages among acquainted families is still prevalent in most of the rural areas. Although uncommon,polygamy is accepted, often being a device to keep property in a contained family unit rather than dispersing it.[229] The previous king,Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who abdicated in 2006, had four queens, all of whom are sisters. The current king,Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, wedJetsun Pema, then 21, a commoner and daughter of a pilot, on 13 October 2011.
Traditional dish with lemon glazed chicken, sauteed spinach and steamed Bhutanese red rice
Rice (red rice),buckwheat, and increasinglymaize, are the staples ofBhutanese cuisine. The local diet also includes pork, beef,yak meat, chicken, and lamb. Soups and stews of meat and dried vegetables spiced with chilies and cheese are prepared.Ema datshi, made very spicy with cheese and chilies, might be called the national dish for its ubiquity and the pride that Bhutanese have for it. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are also popular, and indeed almost all milk is turned into butter and cheese. Popular beverages includebutter tea, black tea, locally brewedara (rice wine), and beer.[49]
Bhutan's national and most popular sport isarchery.[230] Competitions are held regularly in most villages. It differs fromOlympic standards in technical details such as the placement of the targets and atmosphere. Two targets are placed over 100 metres (330 ft) apart, and teams shoot from one end of the field to the other. Each member of the team shoots two arrows per round. Traditional Bhutanese archery is a social event, and competitions are organised between villages, towns, and amateur teams. There is usually plenty of food and drink complete with singing and dancing. Attempts to distract an opponent include standing around the target and making fun of the shooter's ability.Darts (khuru) is an equally popular outdoor team sport, in which heavy wooden darts pointed with a 10 cm (3.9 in) nail are thrown at a paperback-sized target 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66 ft) away.
Another popular sport isfootball.[230] In 2002, Bhutan'snational football team playedMontserrat, in what was billed asThe Other Final; the match took place on the same day Brazil played Germany in theWorld Cup final, but at the time Bhutan and Montserrat were the world's two lowest ranked teams. The match was held in Thimphu'sChanglimithang National Stadium, and Bhutan won 4–0. A documentary of the match was made by the Dutch filmmaker Johan Kramer. In 2015, Bhutan won its first two FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches, beatingSri Lanka 1–0 in Sri Lanka and 2–1 in Bhutan.[231]Cricket has also gained popularity in Bhutan, particularly since the introduction of television channels from India. TheBhutan national cricket team is one of the most successful affiliate nations in the region.[232][233]
Women have begun to participate more in the work force and their participation is one of the highest in the region.[122] However, the unemployment rates among women are still higher than those of men and women are in more unsecure work fields, such as agriculture.[234] Most of the work that women do outside of the home is in family-based agriculture which is insecure and is one of the reasons why women are falling behind men when it comes to income.[122] Women also, in general, work lower-quality jobs than men and only earn 75% of men's earnings.[235]
Rooted deep in Bhutan culture is the idea of selflessness and the women of Bhutan take on this role in the context of the household.[236] Nearly 1/4 of all women have reported experiencing some form of violence from their husband or partner.[234] Some Bhutanese communities have what is referred to as matrilineal communities, where the eldest daughter receives the largest share of the land.[235] This is due to the belief that she will stay and take care of her parents while the son will move out and work to get his own land and for his own family.[235] Importantly, land ownership does not necessarily equate to economic benefits – despite the eldest daughter having control of the house, it is the husband that is in charge of making decisions.[235] However, the younger generation has stepped away from this belief, in splitting the land evenly between the children instead of the eldest daughter inheriting the most land.[235]
Throughout Bhutan, there has been an improvement in reproductive health services that has led to a drastic drop in maternal mortality rate, dropping from 1,000 in 1990 to 180 in 2010.[235][clarification needed] There has also been an increase in contraceptive use from less than 1/3 in 2003 to 2/3 in 2010.[235]
^"Language policy in Bhutan"(PDF).Researchgate.net. January 1994. Retrieved26 July 2022.In book:Bhutan: Aspects of Culture and Development (pp. 87–105) Publisher: Gartmore: Kiscadale Publications Editors: Michael Aris and Michael Hutt
^abHutt, M. (December 1996). "Ethnic Nationalism, Refugees and Bhutan".Journal of Refugee Studies.9 (4):397–420.doi:10.1093/jrs/9.4.397.
^abMinkow, Anna (April 2011).An Analysis of Bhutanese Refugees' Experiences in the United States: Understanding the Differences between Urban and Rural Resettlement (Thesis).hdl:2345/1956.[page needed]
^United States Department of State."BHUTAN 2019 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT"(PDF).state.gov/. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2019 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.Archived(PDF) from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved20 October 2020.
^Scott-Clark, Cathy; Levy, Adrian (14 June 2003)."Fast Forward into Trouble".The Guardian.Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved1 September 2011.
^Kaul, Nitasha (10 November 2008)."Bhutan Crowns a Jewel".UPI Asia. United Press International.Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved19 June 2011.
^Choudhury, A.U. (2010).The Vanishing Herds: Wild Water Buffalo. Guwahati, India: Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India.ISBN978-9380652009.
^"Parks of Bhutan".Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation online. Bhutan Trust Fund. Archived fromthe original on 2 July 2011. Retrieved26 March 2011.
^"The Organisation".Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation online. Bhutan Trust Fund. Archived fromthe original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved26 March 2011.
^abKingdom of Bhutan. Royal Government of Bhutan. National Environment Commission. Communication of INDC of the Kingdom of Bhutan. By Yeshay Dorji. Thimphu: NEC, 2015. Print.
^Xavier, Constantino (8 July 2020)."Bhutan's democratic transition and ties to India".Brookings. Washington, DC, USA: The Brookings Institution. Archived fromthe original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved7 February 2025.Two, Bhutan was never colonised. Therefore, the formation of its national identity did not take place within the context of freedom struggles or wars of independence.
^中国不丹同意平等友好协商早日解决边界问题 [China and Bhutan Agree to Equal and Amicable Talks in Order to Resolve the Border Issue Quickly] (in Chinese). News.china.com. 1 December 2005. Archived fromthe original on 25 September 2009. Retrieved23 April 2009.
^Bhattacharjee, Arun (19 December 2003)."Bhutan Army Sees Action at Last".Asia Times. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved23 April 2009.
^"Bhutan".Freedom House.Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved2 January 2021.
^Refugee Arrival DataArchived 7 December 2011 at theWayback Machine. US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement. 17 July 2012. Web. 25 December 2013.
^Frelick, Bill (1 February 2008)."Bhutan's ethnic cleansing". New Statesman. Human Rights Watch.Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved16 October 2020.
^abMishra, Vidhyapati (28 June 2013)."Bhutan Is No Shangri-La".The New York times.Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved16 October 2020.
^Siebert, Stephen F.; Belsky, Jill M. (March 2015). "Managed fuelwood harvesting for energy, income and conservation: An opportunity for Bhutan".Biomass and Bioenergy.74:220–223.Bibcode:2015BmBe...74..220S.doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.01.013.
^GROWup – Geographical Research On War, Unified Platform."Ethnicity in Bhutan". ETH Zurich.Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved24 October 2018.
^"People & Population". Bhutan News Service. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved10 June 2013.
^"Bhutan".City Population.de.Archived from the original on 5 October 2003. Retrieved23 August 2021.
^"Pastor Sentenced to Three Years in Prison".Bhutan News Service online. Bhutan News Service. 12 December 2010. Archived from the original on 16 December 2010. Retrieved25 January 2011.
^"1.1 University History".UTEP Handbook of Operations. University of Texas, El Paso. Archived fromthe original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved1 September 2011.
^"Rigsar Dranyen".RAOnline. 17 June 2011.Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved16 October 2011.
^Coelho, V.H. (1970).Sikkim and Bhutan. Vikas Publications, Indian Council for Cultural Relations. p. 82.Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved18 October 2015.
^ab"Bhutan at Play". Impress BHUTAN Travel.Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved21 November 2015.
^Dayaram, Kandy; Pick, David (22 June 2012). "Entangled between tradition and modernity: the experiences of Bhutanese working women".Society and Business Review.7 (2):134–148.doi:10.1108/17465681211237600.
Bothe, Winnie (28 January 2015). "In the name of king, country, and people on the Westminster model and Bhutan's constitutional transition".Democratization.22 (7):1338–1361.doi:10.1080/13510347.2014.959437.S2CID143529082.
Niestroy, Ingeborg; Schmidt, Armando García; Esche, Andreas (2013)."Bhutan: Paradigms Matter"(PDF). In Stiftung, Bertelsmann (ed.).Winning Strategies for a Sustainable Future. Brookings Institution Press. pp. 55–80.ISBN978-3-86793-491-6.Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved10 January 2020.
.svg)
.jpg)
%2c_on_the_sidelines_of_the_16th_SAARC_Summit%2c_in_Thimphu%2c_Bhutan.jpg)
_(4677022812).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_detail%2c_from-_Sir_Ugyen_Wangchuck%2c_with_his_bodyguards%2c_Tongsa_Dzong_in_Bhutan%2c_1905_(cropped).jpg)
%2c_of_Royal_Bhutan_Army_and_Indian_Army_Chief%2c_General_J.J._Singh_saluting_at_Amar_Jyoti_at_India_Gate%2c_in_New_Delhi_on_August_11%2c_2006.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.svg)
