Bhutan is located in the lap of eastern Himalayas with an area of 47,000 sq km between powerful neighbors China and India. It is a tiny, landlocked country also called Druk Yul, means "Land of the Thunder Dragon". The mysterious and enchanting names of Bhutan is also known as “The kingdom in the Sky” and “The Land of the Hidden Treasures”.
Bhutan is popular for its culture, history, legend and biodiversity. The lush valleys, Snowcapped Himalayan Peaks, remote landscape, dense forest, Himalayan flora and fauna, classical Tibetan Buddhism, unique Buddhist architecture and traditional wearing dress are the fundamental characteristics of Bhutan. The kingdom of Bhutan is a country with a strong prehistoric Buddhist culture and it was completely cut off to avoid foreign influences for centuries. The country was started to open very slowly to strangers in 1970 and the royal government of Bhutan gave permission for foreign tourists since 1991 by saying travel is not possible without pre-arranged package or guided tour. South part of Bhutan occupies tropical jungles with elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, and leopard, mountain goats, bears in mid region where as bird life, blues sheep, Mountain goat, leopards are in high temperature zones.
Bhutan practices Mayayana Buddhism which is totally influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The Buddhist schools of Bhutan are sponsored by Drukpa Kagyupa and Nyingmapa sect where they believe Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhab) as center of all respect, norms and values. Guru Rimpoche, an Indian tantric did meditation in Nepal, Tibet and finally went to Bhutan in search of enlightenment. Guru Rimpoche is not just a religious teacher or historical person who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century but also popular spiritual master who is regarded as the investor saint of Bhutan.
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, located western central part which is surrounded by beautiful valleys and hills. Thimphu is the economic, political and trade center has been dominating by agriculture, livestock that maintains balance between traditional architecture and modern buildings too. Apart from Thimpu, Punakha, Jakar, Wangdue, Phodrang, Paro are the major cities of Bhutan.
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Capital: Thimphu
Area: 38,394 km²
King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Population: 754,394 (2018) World Bank
Currency: Bhutanese (Ngultrum) ($1 = about Nu 65)
Calling Code: +975
Government: Constitutional Monarchy and democratic Parliamentary
Religion: Hinduism and Buddhism
Official Language: Dzongkha
Main revenue Source: Hydropower and Tourism
Language: Dzongkha, Nepali, Hindi and English
National Holiday: National Day, December 17
