BHUTAN AT A GLIMPSE |
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| Country Name | : |
Bhutan, locally called Druk-Yul, the Land of Thunder |
Total Area |
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46,500 square kms. 150 km. North to South and 300 km. |
Geographic Coordinates |
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Longitude – 88 45 and 92 10 East, Latitude – 26 45’ and 28 15’ North |
Terrain |
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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 |
Altitude |
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100 meters in the Southern plains to 7,500 meters in the Northern highlands |
Climate |
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Three distinct climatic zones; hot and humid in South, cool and temperate in Central and severe alpine climate in North. Significant localized variation in rainfall due to rain shadow effects. Monsoon season peaks from mid-June to September |
Land Use |
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72.5% forest, 7.8% cultivation and 4% pasture |
Population Estimate (2001) |
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698,950 (50.5% male, 49.5% female), growth estimated at 3.1% annum. |
Density of Population |
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14 persons per sq. km. |
Settlement |
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79% rural, 21% urban |
People |
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Ngalop (Tibetan-Mongoloid origin), Sharchop (Burmese-Mongoloid origin) and Lhotsam (Nepali origin) |
Languages |
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Dzongkha, Nepali, English, various local dialects |
Religion |
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Mahayana Buddhist (80%), Hindu (20%) |
Economy |
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Subsistence agriculture |
GDP (2000) |
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$713 |
Natural Resources |
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Minerals (dolomite, limestone, gypsum, slate, coal, talc, marble, zinc, lead, copper, tungsten, quartzite); Crops (rice, maize, wheat, potato, millet, buckwheat, orange, apple, cardamom); Hydro Power (potential estimated at highest of 30,000 MW) |
Currency |
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Ngultrum, at par with Indian Rupee |
Government |
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Constitutional Monarchy |
Capital |
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Thimphu (Approx. 40,000 inhabitants) |
Infrastructure |
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Health - 100% basic health coverage Education - 72% primary enrolment Motorable road - 3300kms Airport - 1 |
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HISTORYThe name, Bhutan, is believed to have derived from Sanskrit word for “the end of Tibet”, Bhotant or from Bhu-uttan meaning the high lands. Although known as Bhutan to the outside world, the Bhutanese themselves and some regional countries with historical link call it Druk Yul, meaning the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Druk means a Dragon, and that comes from the fact that the country’s religion is predominantly Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism, which has its roots in Druk Ralung monastery located in southern Tibet. Although recent archeological evidence points at Bhutan having being inhabited as early as 2000 BC, documented history of the Kingdom begins with the arrival of Guru Padma Sambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, in 747 A.D. The ailing King Sendha of Bumthang invited the master to seek his expertise in exorcism. Guru Rimpoche is attributed as the primary force behind the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Religious texts abound with accounts of his work in Bhutan. He visited several places in Bhutan where he miraculously left his body and foot imprints in rocks, which can still be seen today. One of more famous places of his visit known to outsiders is Taktshang Monastery in Paro where he is believed to have arrived on a flying tigress, hence the name Taktshang, which |
translates as
the Tiger’s Nest. In the several centuries that followed Guru
Rimpoche’s introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan, many great masters
of the Mahayana school visited and enhanced the popularity of the faith.
Prior to Buddhism the people mainly practiced Bon, an animistic religion,
believed to have arrived in the 6th century, traces of which is still
found to this day. |
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PEOPLE According to 2001 estimates, the population stands at 698,950 with a growth rate of 3.1% per annum. The country is still predominantly rural with approximately 85% still in the rural areas. A recent nationwide survey and census, not published yet, will shed a clearer insight into population and other statistics of the country. There are three prominent ethnic groups. Sharchops or Easterners: Of Burmese-Mongoloid origin, they live in the eastern part of country. They are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. Ngalops: They are descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in the 9th century. They live in the western part of the country. Lhotshampas or Southerners: They are the newest arrival in the country having immigrated to southern part of the country in the late 19th century. The Lhotshampas consists of several ethnic subdivisions such as the Brahman, Chettri, Gurung, Rai, Limbu and Sherpa. |
| GOVERNMENT Until the 20th century, Bhutan had a dual system of government called Chhoe-Si, meaning religious and secular system, established by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651. Shabdrung created the office of the Druk Desi to look after the temporal administration of the country and the Je Khenpo to manage religious matters. Today, His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk is the head of state. His Majesty formally ascended the Golden Throne on 2 June 1974 and has since then steered the country firmly towards the objective economic self-reliance, cultural promotion, regionally balanced development, environmental preservation and good governance. The National Assembly, the Royal Advisory Council, the Judiciary, the Council of Ministers and the Sectoral Ministries are organizations that play crucial roles in the governance of the Kingdom. At the district, block and village levels exist subsidiary but independent mechanisms to ensure people’s participation in all decision making process. The Tshogdu or National Assembly: Established in 1953 by His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, its main functions are to enact laws, approve senior appointments in government and advise on all matters of national importance. It meets twice a year and consists of 154 members, composed of 105 elected representatives of the people called chimis with three-year term, 10 representatives of the clergy, also with three-year term, and 39 nominated representatives of the government. Instituted by His Majesty, since 1992, the Tshogdu has legal authority to conduct vote of confidence in the Druk Gyalpo, the King of Bhutan. The Lodey Tshokdey or Royal Advisory Council: The main functions of the Royal Councilors are to advice the King and his Council of Ministers on all matters of national importance, the welfare of the people and other national interest, to develop friendly and harmonious relations between the government and the people, and to ensure that the laws and resolutions passed by the National assembly are faithfully implemented by the government. Formed in 1965, it consists of nine members, six representing the people, two from clergy and one nominated by the King, who functions as the Chairman. The Judiciary: All the laws of the country have been codified in the Thrimzhung Chhenmo or Supreme Law, enacted by the Tshogdu in 1950s. The judicial system is composed of three-tier hierarchy, the Sub-Divisional Court, the District Court and the High Court. At the lowest level village headmen also judge minor offences. All the courts have both Original and Appellate jurisdiction. The final appeal can be made to the King himself, who delegates the Royal Advisory Council to investigate and ensure that the courts have dispensed justice in keeping with the laws of the country. The Lhengyal Shungtshog or Council of Ministers: Bhutan took a major step in the direction of a modernized administrative system in 1968 when the National Assembly, at the request of the King, approved the formation of a Council of Ministers. The Ministers are responsible to the Cabinet which is an important decision making body, second only in importance to the National Assembly. The Cabinet is presided over by the King and consists of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and all Royal Advisory Councilors. Since political reforms in 1998, the Tshogdu elects lyonpos or ministers, and chairmanship of the Lhengyal Shungtshog, effectively the Prime Minister of the country, is rotated among five with the highest votes. There are currently ten ministries and ministers. |
| HEALTH & EDUCATION The Kingdom has made great efforts to improve health facilities and provide free health care to all its citizens. It has achieved child immunization rate of nearly 100%, iodine deficiency has been eliminated and 50% of the population have access to clean water. Life expectancy has increased from 47.4 years in 1984 to 66 years in 1998. Infant mortality once highest in the world, at 142 per thousand births, has halved to 70.7 per thousand births since 1998. Until the 1950s, the only education available in Bhutan was from monasteries. While monastic education still continues to play an important role, modern education as available around the world has expanded. All government schools are free although in recent years the government has encouraged shared responsibility by imposing nominal fees. Access to basic education, i.e. high school, has become an inalienable right. Literacy has increased from 28% in 1984 to 54% in 1998 and in recent years it has been further enhanced through free adult education programs. |
| CULTURAL
HERITAGE Having always been politically
independent, it has fostered a rich and distinctive culture that has
continued uninterrupted for many centuries. Knowing what history has
been passed through to this age, it is evident that the most important
factor in the molding of Bhutanese character and way of living has been
the arrival of Buddhism in the 8th century with visit of Guru Rimpoche.
Although the great Indian saint is credited for the popularity of Mahayana
Buddhism, recent researches have also shown the possibility of Buddhism
having reached some parts of Bhutan even earlier. |
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Architecture
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Dzongs |
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Chortens |
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Lhakhang |
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Goemba or monasteries/meditation centers There are two types of goembas, one, cluster type goembas, which consists of a core structure of a temple, and second, surrounded by various residential dwelling. Few excellent examples are Dzongdrakha in Paro, Phajoding in Thimphu and Tharpaling in Bumthang. The other is a dzong type, built like fortress with a central tower enclosing a temple and surrounded by exterior walls against which are built monks’ living cells and service rooms. The most impressive examples of dzong type goembas are Gangtey in Phobjikha and Tango in upper Thimphu valley. |
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Village
houses The villages often take the form of small hamlets ranging between 5 to 15 houses, arranged in such a way as to mitigate the harsher effects of the climate. They are built close together to provide mutual protection against the wind and the cold. Typical Bhutanese houses are found at altitudes of 1000 to 3000 meters. The general pattern is almost same throughout the country although in some region you will find houses built far apart in the individual agricultural plots. In the west houses are mostly built of rammed mud walls, while in the east the walls are mostly stones. There are also thatched bamboo dwellings. All houses have flying roofs and are intricately painted both within and outside. Paintings are not mere decorations but explicit expression of faith, invoking fortune and protection. Traditional houses are built of naturally available materials; even the paints used are derived from the earth or plants. |
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Religion Bhutan is now the only Mahayana Buddhist country in the world. Others have all succumbed to greater powers. Buddhist faith and philosophy continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of the nation. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. Buddhism is the way of life for majority of the people. Its influence can be felt in almost everything from arts and crafts to the system of government, from folk dances to architectural style. |
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Tsechus
or Religious Festivals At different time of the year, annual tsechus are performed in different regions. Tsechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of Guru Rimpoche and other important Buddhist figures. Festivals are celebrated for several days ranging from three to five days. Tsechus are occasions for dances-dramas that remind people of the religious virtues and moral lessons. Dancers in brilliant silk costumes re-enact legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap against a background of mountains and sky. Most festivals end with the unfurling of huge antique thongdroel or appliqués depicting a saint or an association of Buddhist deities. It is believed that by simply seeing the thongdroel, the viewer of perfect faith can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnation, which is the ultimate aim of all Buddhist. For the Bhutanese people, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion, gain merit and at the same time take respite from the hard mountain life. It is a good time to see relatives and friends in a jovial atmosphere outside their fields (and offices). They rejoice and feast, and exhibit their best hand-woven dresses and precious jewelry. |
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Arts
& Crafts Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts draw upon a long tradition deeply imbued with spiritual significance. It continues to possess its religious and spiritual significance and retain relevance in the minds and lives of the people. Given a much different purpose from other contemporary art, it symbolizes the philosophy that the mind makes what it perceives and not the other way round. Therefore it is subjective, symbolic and impersonal. Unlike many other countries, arts, ceremonies and festivals of Bhutan are not remnants of a bygone age but a living tradition that continues to have religious and spiritual significance. The Bhutanese consider commissioning paintings and statues as pious acts, since the deliverance of the philosophy aids in other sentient beings to escape the cycle of existence. There are both religious and secular arts although religion influences both to great degree. Especially in religious art the goal is to re-produce symbolic art precisely as possible to avoid misrepresentation of its values. There fore, the excellency is judged not in innovation but the skill in reproduction following pre-defined precise rules. In all, there are thirteen categories of art termed Zorig Chusum. These are painting, carpentry, carving - on wood, slate and stone, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold and silversmithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather tailoring and paper works. |
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Archery
– the National Sport Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and every village/community has its own archery range. High-spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows (although modern compound bows are now common in cities) team of archers shoots at targets 150 yards or more. Supporters while encouraging their own side, also try to put off the opposition or distract them with songs and witty remarks. Archery competitions are fun for both the participants and spectators. Inter-village competitions are common throughout the Kingdom and their rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery tournaments. But, any free time and a willing participant is enough excuse for a game, so it is common sight any place. |
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Dress Bhutan has a very distinct national dress and imparts immediate uniqueness to the Dragon Kingdom’s character. Men wear Gho, a long robe similar to a Japanese kimono tied with a belt and women wear ankle length robe called Kira. Although machine made fabric is used, handmade textiles are most favored. Bhutanese women are weavers and spend as much as a year producing the most intricate pieces. Different regions are recognized for their own unique styles. In general, they are all masterpieces in cotton, silk, raw silk and now, synthetic fabric. Along with the dresses formal occasions require men to wear a scarf called Kabney, the color of which indicates a person’s civil service rank and position. Wearing Kabney is an essential part of Bhutanese etiquette. In the same manner women wear Rachu over their left shoulder. |
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The
Way of Life Majority of the population of Bhutan still live as they have for centuries – in small farms and hamlets, surrounded by their fields. In the higher altitudes the yak herders live most summers in yak-hair tents following their grazing herds. People are hard working, friendly, content and very close to their families. Unless provoked, they are open, hospitable and dependable people. Custom dictates that simple hospitality be extended to anyone, even to perfect strangers traveling through. |
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NATURAL HERITAGENowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage more
rich and varied than in Bhutan. In all essence Bhutan truly deserved
the historical reference as the Valleys of Medicinal Herbs, a name that
still applies to this day. 72.5 % of the land is still preserved in
forest, which in harbors countless flora and fauna. |
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FloraIn 1998, Bhutan was distinguished as one of the ten bio-diversity
hot spots in the world. Bhutan is known to have 5000 species of plants,
which include 300 species of medicinal plants, 600 species of orchids
and more than 50 species of rhododendrons. Blue Poppy, the national
flower, which was once considered a myth, also grows in the high alpine
zone. |
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FaunaDue to unexploited environment, Bhutan possesses one
of the greatest biological diversity of any country of its size in Asia.
It certainly has some of the best remaining representative of habitat
types found in the Himalayas. |
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NATIONAL PARKBhutan’s history of isolation and policy of sustainable development provides decision makers with a unique opportunity to conserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage. As a first step in conserving its natural heritage, Bhutan has established a system of nine protected areas. The system sets aside approximately 26% of country’s total land area in national parks, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation areas. These are Jigme Dorji National Park (4,349 sq. kms.), Royal Manas National Park (1,023 sq. kms.), Black Mountain National Park (1,723 sq. kms.), Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (278 sq. kms.), Thrumshing La National Park (768 sq. kms.), Kulong Chhu Wildlife Sanctuary (1,300 sq. kms.), Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (650 sq. kms.), Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary (273 sq. kms.) and Toorsa Nature Reserve (644 sq. kms.). |
| ECONOMY Agriculture and livestock are still the primary form of national economy, with 85% of the population dependent on the two. All other forms of economy including tourism, airline, manufacturing industry and mining are still in developing stage but cautiously expanding. The export of hydroelectric power provides 25% of government revenue. Hydroelectric power is Bhutan’s largest resource and is sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly. Unlike other countries, the deep natural river valleys, make it unnecessary for large scale flooding for dams to build hydropower plants. Bhutan also exports calcium carbide, wood products and cement. Other major export is agricultural products such as apples, oranges, cardamom, potatoes, asparagus and mushroom. Tourism and Airline, although very important for earning foreign exchange, only constitute a small part of the GNP. |
| GEOGRAPHY Bhutan is a landlocked country, about 300 km long and 150 km wide, encompassing an area of 46,500 square kilometers. Located between longitude 88 45 and 92 10 E, latitude 26 45’ and 28 15’ N in the Eastern Himalayas. It is sandwiched between India from the South and Southwest and Tibetan Autonomous Region of China from the North and Northwest. Virtually the entire country is mountainous, rising like a giant staircase, starting from 100 meters along the Indian border to the 7,500 meters to the northern border with Tibetan. Within this frame of landscape stretches sub-tropical to arctic vegetation and climatic conditions. As such, the land can be defined in three distinct zones. The Great Himalaya Extending from Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) in the West to Mt. Kula Gangri (7,554m) close to the midpoint of the northern border, this is a region of alpine wilderness where 20% of the land is under perpetual snow. The zone is typically alpine meadows surrounded by perpetual snow bound peaks of the Great Himalayan range. The Inner Himalaya This is the largest geographic zone ranging from 1,000 meters to 3,000 meters within which lie the broad fertile valleys and rich hills. All the major settlements of Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in the west, Trongsa and Bumthang in the central and, Mongar and Trashigang in the east lie in this zone. The Southern foothills This zone of Himalayan foothill occupies most of the southern part of the country. The southern plains are part of Terai region, which extends from Kashmir, through Nepal, to Bhutan. The average annual rainfall in some parts of this region can reach as much as 200 inches resulting in luxuriant tropical and sub-tropical vegetation rich in flora and fauna. Due to the high snowcapped mountains and snowfields complemented by numerous valleys, Bhutan is blessed with abundant rivers. Also, the south face of the mountain barriers stop moisture-laden air traveling from the Bay of Bengal causing monsoon, the rainy season. Most fertile valleys in the country are as the result of the rivers and in modern days the rivers have proved to be great resource for generation of hydroelectricity. The principal rivers of the country are Am-mo Chhu, Paro Chhu, Wang Chhu, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu, Puna-Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Chamkhar Chhu, Dangme Chhu and Manas Chhu. Climate Climate varies widely depending upon elevation. The southern region has tropical climate, very hot in summer and warm in winter and gets the brunt of monsoon season. The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdue, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntshe have semi-tropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The higher valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa and Bumthang have relatively harsher climate including snowfall in winter while summers are not too hot. In the valleys where most tourist activities are concentrated, the winters, from mid-November to mid-March, are dry with daytime temperature ranging from 14 – 18 degrees centigrade while evening and early morning tend to be cold and night temperature often fall below zero degrees. Spring lasts from mid-March to the end of May, characterized by day temperatures in early 20 degrees centigrade and high as 18 degrees centigrade at night. Occasional cold spells brew until the end of April, with chance of fresh snow on the mountains surrounding the valleys. One common characteristic for both winter and spring is the afternoon wind, which starts after 2 p.m. lasting for couple of hours. As it becomes warmer in summer the monsoon rain moves in. It starts in July and ends towards early September. The height of monsoon is mid-July to mid-August. Although the whole country gets its share, the southern regions receive the heaviest of the rain. By mid-September, after the last of the big rains, autumn arrives and sky can be spotlessly clear most days. It lasts till mid-November. The climate is no different from late spring until afternoon wind starts to pick up and winter comes around once again. |
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