Sandwiched between India and China, this tiny Buddhist kingdom lies in the heart of the Great Eastern Himalayas. The country, which had been under years of self-imposed isolation until the 60’s, is today one of the most exotic travel destinations in the world. With roughly the size of Switzerland and a population of about 675,000 people, Bhutan is an intensely religious and spiritual Buddhist country. It is popularly known as ‘The Land of the Peaceful Dragon’ to the outside world. Fluttering prayer flags, century-old temples and monasteries, Dzongs (fortresses) and Chortens (Stupas), monks and old people spinning prayer wheels are a common sight almost everywhere in Bhutan. Colourful religious festivals (called Tshechus) are occasions to see some of the most unique Buddhist religious dances during which the Bhutanese people come out in the finest of their traditional attires. Bhutan is also a paradise for nature lovers. Majestic snow-laden mountains, clear mountain springs, meandering rivers, mystical valleys, diverse flora and fauna and pristine environment make Bhutan an envy of the industrialized world. 72.5% of the country is forest and Bhutan’s Constitution enshrines a clause that requires that there is 60% forest coverage at all times. Subsistence farming is the main occupation for about 70% of the country’s population. Besides its richness in culture, tradition and natural resources, one of the main attractions of this tiny kingdom is its people. Bhutanese people are generally shy but they are hard working, fun loving, charming and incredibly friendly. Bhutan at a Glance:-

National Flower                    : Blue Poppy (Gyelchen Meto)
National Tree                        : Cypress (Tsenden)
National Bird                         : Raven (Jarodongchen)
National Animal                    : Takin (Drong Gyim Tsi)
National Sport                       : Archery (Datsey)
National Dress                      : Gho & Kira
National Official Language  : Dzongkha
National Currency                 : Ngultrum  
State Religion                       : Mahayana Buddhism
Country Capital                     : Thimphu
Country Code                        : 00-975-
Country area                          : 38,394 sq. km
Country’s population             : 675,000 people
Country’s Forest coverage   : 72.5%
Local time                               : GMT + 6 hours
Life expectancy                      : 66 years

Political System:-

The establishment of the monarchy in 1907 was the watershed event in the history of modern Bhutan. The country enjoyed unprecedented peace and progress under successive reformist monarchs. The third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck reformed the old pseudo-feudal systems by abolishing serfdom, re-distributing land, and reforming taxation. He also introduced many executive, legislative and judiciary reforms. He was rightly called the “Father of Modern Bhutan”. The fourth king, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, took decentralization to the people, and devolved all executive powers to a council of ministers elected by the people in 1998, besides introducing a system of voting no confidence in the king, which empowered the parliament to remove the monarch in the unlikely event that this should prove necessary. The year 2008 is a significant and historic year in Bhutan as it sees Bhutan’s transition into a Parliamentary Democracy after 100 years of absolute monarchy. It is also the year when Bhutan’s 5th hereditary King will be crowned. The first-ever parliamentary elections held in March 2008 drew the attention and appreciation of the world