High in the mysterious and majestic eastern Himalayas, nestled between Tibet and India, lies the small Kingdom of Bhutan, increasingly renowned as one of the Earth’s last precious unspoiled spots. In this magical place, an intact Buddhist culture is integrated into every aspect of daily life, and spectacular mountain scenery provides a backdrop to pristine forests and picturesque valleys. The breathtaking landscape is dotted with fluttering prayer flags, colorful farmhouses amidst the terraced fields, and impressive monasteries clinging to impossible cliffs.

The inhabitants themselves call this “Druk Yul”, the land of the peaceful dragon. The Kingdom’s low population and its wise and farsighted leadership have propelled Bhutan into the 21st Century with much of its natural heritage intact and its unique culture undiluted.

Location

Longitude 88 45′ and 92 10′ East

Latitude 26 45′ and 28 15′ North

Size

Total Area: 46,000 square kms.

150km.North to South

300 km.East to West

Terrain

It can be divided into three major geographic regions from North to – South: the high Himalayas of the North, the hills and valleys of the – Central and the foothills and plains of the South

– Forest Area 72.5 per cent of the land area

– Cultivated Area 7.8 per cent of total land

– Altitude 100m. above sea level in the South to over 7,500 m. above sea level in the North

Climate

The country can be divided into three distinct climatic zones corresponding broadly to the three main geographical divisions. The southern belt has a hot, humid climate while central Bhutan has a cool temperate climate. The northern region has severe alpine climate and is perpetually under snow.Rainfall can differ within relatively short distances due to rain shadow effects.

Natural resources

Minerals : Dolomite, limestone, gypsum, slate, coal, talc, marble, zinc, lead, copper, tungsten, quartzite

Crops : Rice, maize,wheat, potato, millet, buckwheat, orange, apple, cardamom

Hydropower : According to survey reports the potential is 30,000MW (2001 Estimate)

Population (Updated data from 2005 PHCB)

Total : 634982 Males : 333595
Female : 301387
Urban population : 30.9
Rural population : 69.1 per cent
Population density : 16 persons per sq. km
GDP (2000) : US $ 712.8

Religion

Drukpa sect of Kargyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, Hinduism.

Ethnic Groups

While there are several language groups and communities, the country is composed of two broad ethnic groups. The Drukpas, who are Mongoloid and of the Buddhist faith, make up 80 per cent of the population; people of ethnic Nepalese origin, who are mainly Indo-Aryan and of Hindu faith, make up 20 percent.

Language

Bhutan’s offical language is Dzongkha, English is the medium of instruction in secular schools, and Choekey (classical Dzongkha) is used in traditional and monastic schools.

Currency

Ngultrum (Nu.) – at par with the Indian Rupee)

100 Cheltrum =1Nu

US $ 1 = Nu. 48 (approx.)