Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by the china. Bhutan has a total land area of 38,394 square kilometers and measures approximately 150 kilometers north to South and 300 kilometers East to West. The landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and steep mountain valleys ranging from 150 meters in the sub-tropical valleys in the southern foothills, through temperate zone to heights exceeding 7000 meters in the alpine regions of the mountains.
Bhutan has over 72% of its land under forest cover, including 26% of its area designated as protected areas thereby maintaining its rich biodiversity. Rare animals like the golden langur, Takin and snow leopard are found distributed widely in Bhutan. Bhutan is also one of the wintering grounds for the rare and endangered black-necked cranes. Bhutan is also endowed with a river system that has an estimated potential to generate 30,000 MW of hydroelectricity.
Tourism in Bhutan was introduced in the 70’s with the aim to generate revenue for the social and economic development of the country with a minimal negative effect on its culture and pristine environment resources. Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other.
Facts and Figures
• Area: 38,394 square kilometer’s
• Forest area: 72.5 %
• Capital city: Thimphu (population: 150,000)
• Population : 750,000 (Appox)
• Language: official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
• Religion: 80% Buddhist, 20% Hindu,5% others
• Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
• Government: Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
• National Tree: Cypress
• National Bird: Raven
• National Flower: Blue Poppy
• National animal: Takin
• National game: Archery
• Exports electricity to India generated from Hydropower
