Bhutan

Bhutan is a small Himalayan Kingdom with a population of just over 790,000. An extended period of isolation from the global community has contributed in the emergence of a unique culture and tradition. The country’s nascent economy is offset by its rich cultural heritage in strengthening its sovereignty. Its proximity to India and Tibet and consequent use of Bhutan as a route by merchants and Buddhist practitioners from Tibet influenced the spread of Buddhism and inception of early trade with Tibet and India. The subsequent rise in the significance of Buddhism in the society shaped its culture to a great extent.

The commencement of national developmental activities ceased its self-imposed isolation and Bhutan gradually opened up to the world adopting global practices such as introducing modern education and public health services. Commemorating the coronation of the Fourth King, tourism first began in 1974.

1.Bhutan History

The founding of Bhutan is credited to a Tibetan Buddhist Lama Ngawang Namgyal who came to Bhutan in 1616 fleeing religious persecution in Tibet. Upon arrival in Bhutan, he unified the whole country into one form and he institutionalized a distinct Bhutanese culture, unique from its neighboring countries to protect the country from external invasions. In the process, he also built many indestructible Dzongs (fortresses) on the most strategic locations which some even exist to this day. A code of law known as the Tsa-Yig was also brought to existence to bring local warlords under a centralized power.  Later he was granted the honorific Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Zhabdrung translates to “at whose feet one submits” which emerged when people pledged total submission by paying tribute to his feet.

Later Zhabdrung passed away in 1651. His passing was kept a secret for 54 years fearing internal conflicts. After remaining unified for a long period, Bhutan fell back into civil wars and series of invasions from Tibet and wars with its southern neighbor which was then British India.

After many civil wars and power struggles, Ugyen Wangchuck who was then the governor of Trongsa valley defeated his rivals and unified the country as one. After which Bhutan witnessed the most significant event in its history which is forming a hereditary monarchy government. On December 17, 1907, Bhutan unanimously crowned Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as its first hereditary king.

Monarchy/Bhutan King

The dawn of monarchy in Bhutan began with the crowning of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907. After his death in 1926, his son the second Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan king Jigme Wangchuck ascended to the throne the same year on August 21^st. After a short reign of 25 years the king passed away. After which his son the 3^rd Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rose to the throne and led the country to great heights with establishments of modern schools and hospitals. The first motor road of Bhutan connecting India to Bhutan was also initiated by the 3^rd King. Reigning for 20 short years from 1952 to 1972, the king succumbed to an incurable disease and died in Nairobi, Kenya in 1972. After the unfortunate demise of the 3^rd king, the 4^th Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended to the throne at a tender age of 16 on 2^nd June in 1972. The 4^th Druk Gyalpo reigned for 34 years till he abdicated the throne in the favor of his eldest son King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in 2006. The 5^th Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan was crowned on 6^th November 2008 by his father King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Politics and Democracy

With retiring from the throne, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck also introduced democracy to Bhutan and transferred most of his administrative powers to the Council of Cabinet Ministers and allowing for impeachment of the King by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. Bhutan’s political system got changed from absolute monarchy to Democratic Constitutional Monarchy. In 2008 Bhutan had its first national parliamentary elections in December 2007 and March 2008.

2.Demographics

Bhutan Population

As of 2018, the estimated population of Bhutan is 817,054, which makes it the 164th most populous country in the world.

Ethnic groups and Religion

Most Bhutanese people belong to the Ngalops and Sharchops, or Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese. The Lhotshampa, or southerners, are a group primarily of Nepali origin. 75% of the population is Buddhist, most of which follow Vajrayana Buddhism, the state religion. 22% are Hindu, followed by 2% folk religion and 1% other religions.

Bhutan Language

Bhutanese people speak Dzongkha as their national language and official language.

3.Geography

Bhutan Location

Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalaya in continent Asia between two giants; China to the north and India to the south.

Bhutan Capital

Thimphu is the capital of the Country with most of the population inhabiting the city. It is home to almost 100,000 of the country’s population. It may be the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and an airport of its own. It is an hour drive from the Paro International Airport. It is also the trade hub of the country.

Bhutan Area

Bhutan is a small mountainous country approximately 300km long and 150km wide with an area of 38,394 square kilometers.

Bhutan Landscape

Bhutan’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan Mountains in the north, where there are peaks in excess of 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). The country is enclosed by rugged mountains and vast valleys.

Bhutan Time

Bhutan local time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

Bhutan Weather & Climate

The climatic weather of Bhutan is varied from region to region depending on the difference in the altitude and the air pressure from North Indian Monsoons.

Bhutan Climatic Zones

The southern part of Bhutan has hot and humid subtropical climate during the summers and in winter the climate remains fairly pleasant with warm air and no humid. The temperatures usually fall between 15-30 degrees Celsius. Whereas in the central part of Bhutan because of the temperate and deciduous forests, the climate changes from warm summers to cold winters with occasional snowfall.  The northern part of Bhutan is almost covered in snow all year long with favorable summers with warm sun and harsh winters.

Seasons in Bhutan

Bhutan experiences 4 different Seasons in a year; spring, summer, autumn, and winter.  The months of March, April and May are considered spring and during this period, the entire country is in full riot of the beautiful spring blossoms. The months of June, July and August are considered as summer and the monsoon season also falls during the summer. The months September, October, and November is considered as autumn and also the fall season. That is when the entire landscape turns golden and trees lose leaves.  And lastly the months of December, January and February are considered winter.  The central and the northern part of Bhutan experience snowfall.