Fact information Where is Bhutan located
The Kingdom of Bhutan is one among the smallest countries in Asia and it is landlocked in between between Tibet Autonomous region China and India in South Asia. Total Area of this country is 38,394 Sq km, average altitude from 180 m to 7,570 meters above sea level. 50% of the people are Bhote they speak Tibetan language, 35% are Nepalese they speak Nepali language.
Druk Yul; officially the Kingdom of Bhutan’s situated 26 40? and 28 20? north latitude and 88 45? and 92 10? east longitude, It measures 110 miles from north to south and 200 miles from east to west. Over 72% of the land is covered with forest, around 25% of the land is protected as National Parks and about 3% land is used for agricultural practice or cultivation.
Accessing Bhutan is rather difficult due to the rugged terrain. While China is in the north of this nation, India is towards its east, south and west. This country was opened to the rest of the world recently only until which time it was isolated. It has population of about 700000 and the country’s capital is Thimpu. Prior to 17th century, the country was known by the name “Drukyul” – the land of the thunder Dragon.
The early history of Bhutan is not very clear. Official records reveal that many Buddhist monks from Tibet migrated to this country in the 9th century. It was invaded by Tibet about three times and in 1616, a lama from Tibet known as Nagawana Nangyal became the ruler of Bhutan. After the rule of Nangyal it passed through a period of instability and frequent civil wars.
Recent history of Bhutan
Bhutan became a stable country when Ugyen Wangchuk became the ruler in the year 1885. He united the country and established cordial relationship with the British who ruled India at that time. In the year 1907 Wangchuk was officially elected as the king of Bhutan.
As per the Treaty of Punakha that was signed by Wangchuk with the British in the year 1910, the British would not interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan so long as it maintains cordial relations with the neighboring countries. In the year 1949, India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Friendship according to which has complete control of its internal affairs and India would guide Bhutan in the matters of foreign policy.
Modern Bhutan
Bhutan is a member of the United Nations and the country has a National Assembly, High Court and Royal Bhutanese Army. In the year 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk made the country more democratic and also introduced modern education system, new systems for production and supply of electricity, decentralization of the government and programs for tourism development.
Jigme Singye Wangchuk also ensured development of the rural areas of the country. Jigme Kesar Namgyel Wangchuk became the king in the year 2006. Bhutan is now a constitutional monarchy and had the first national election in the year 2008. The administration is carried out by the cabinet that is headed by a prime minister.
Regions, ethnic groups & culture of Bhutan facts
There are three ethnic groups in Bhutan – Ngalops, Sharchops and Lhotsampas. Ngalops and Sharchops belong to Buddhism and Lhotsampas are of Hindu religion. Lhotsampas are mainly farmers and are of Nepali origin. Geographically, Bhutan divided into three regions – the Himalayan region, the central uplands region and the Duars Plain. The three regions of this nation experience different climate.
The Himalayan region has cold winter as well as summer whereas the uplands experience hot summer and cool winter. The southern part of this country experiences tropical climate. It is a deeply religious region; it is the only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom in the world. There are over 10,000 stupas or chortens and over 2,000 monasteries in the kingdom. Many of these were built centuries ago to honor the teachings of Buddhism.
Where is Bhutan & Places to see
Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan is located in the central part of the country. While it is a modern city, the ancient traditions and architecture are still maintained. Apart from Thimphu, the other places of tourist attraction in Bhutan include Paro, Tashichhodzong, Phajoding Temple, Tashigang and Tongsa. Northern part of country is dominated by the Himalayan peaks.
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in this country which is at a height of 7570 m. It is considered as the highest mountain in the world that is not climbed by man. It is one of the most isolated and sovereign nation, located towards the eastern extreme of the Himalayan range.
Spring and autumn are the best season to visit; its pristine ecology, rare flora and fauna Makes trip memorable. Popular packages listed below that introduce where is Bhutan.
Bhutan tours Snowman trek
Druk path trek Gangtey gogona trek
Chomolhari trek Nepal Tibet Bhutan tours
Nepal and Bhutan tours Laya gasa trek
Language and currency of Bhutan facts
This country well known for its linguistic diversity. Though Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan facts, more than nineteen different dialects are spoken in the country. The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum which has value equal to the Indian Rupee. Ngultrum can be interchanged with Indian Rupee but with currency of no other country.