Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia with a total area of 47,000 sq. km. The Kingdom of Bhutan is located between China and India. Bhutan is divided into 20 Dzongkhags (Districts). There are about 205 Gewogs (village blocks), which are further divided into numerous Thromdes (municipalities). Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and also a famous tourist destination. The population of Bhutan is around one million. Bhutan is a diverse country in terms of its formation and geography. The highest point in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum, which is located at a height of 7570m above sea level; the lowest point is recorded at Drangme Chu, which is 97m above sea level. Bhutan is derived from a Sanskrit word, ‘Bhu’ and ‘Uttan,’ where ‘Bhu’ means high and ‘Uttan’ means land.
Bhutan is a country with a constitutional monarchy, and the King is the head of state. The incumbent King of Bhutan is Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk. The monarchy in Bhutan was established in 1907. The first democratic election was held in 2008. The tourists were not allowed to visit Bhutan until 1974. Citizens of other countries (except Bangladesh, the Maldives, and India) are required to obtain a VISA while traveling to Bhutan. There are two ways to enter Bhutan: one is by road, and the other is by air. Paro International Airport is the only international airport in the country. Druk Air serves as a national airline for Bhutan and has direct flights to and from Kathmandu, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Singapore. The currency of Bhutan is called the Ngultrum, and its currency sign is Nu. The people of Bhutan are called Drukpas. There are three main ethnic groups in the country, known as Ngalops, Sarchops, and Lhotshampas. Bhutan is imbued with a rich and unique culture and tradition.
The county has designated and protected a remarkable 26 percent of its entire area as national parks and sanctuaries. The northern region of the country is home to the highly endangered black-necked crane. Anyone found guilty of killing or injuring the sacred bird could be sentenced to life in prison. The national animal of Bhutan is the ‘Takin ’; a goat-antelope, and the national bird is the raven. The Himalayan blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan. Agriculture is the main occupation of people living in Bhutan. Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan, and the national dress code is known as Driglam Namzha. The national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts. Gangkhar Puensum is the highest peak of Bhutan, which is at an elevation of 24,540 feet.
The constitution serves equal rights for people of any religion residing in the country. Buddhism is the official religion of Bhutan, as the majority of the people living in Bhutan follow it. It is the only Mahayana (tantric) Buddhist Kingdom in the world. Approximately 70 percent of the population of Bhutan practices Drukpa Kagyupa or Nyingma Buddhism; both are the disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism. There is a substantial number of people who practice Hinduism in the country. Approximately 28 percent of the population practices Hinduism as their religion. Likewise, five percent of people practice Islam, and a very minor population practices Christianity.
Some of the important and major places of Bhutan are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bhumthang, Gasa, Gangtey, Haa Valley, Samdrup, etc. Bhutan is gradually growing as a tourist destination, attracting numerous tourists in recent years.