Culture and tradition

Even though Bhutan is the smallest country in the world, we still have been able to preserve and protect the culture which was long introduced by our forefathers. Bhutan have been able to preserve culture and tradition to such an extent that even when the country have reached the age of modernization and have reached 21st century, the culture and tradition still have the same value, respect and belief. The preservation of culture and tradition is one of the pillars of GNH, and we the Bhutanese are able to respect this pillar. Just by wearing gho and kira- the national dress of the nation, does not show the cultural importance but it’s the way how we are still able to wear it, preserve it and how we still conduct ceremonies, we still conduct festivals and how we still celebrate the birth anniversaries, that shows Bhutan is, was and forever will be able to preserve the culture and tradition.

Economy

Bhutan’s economy is based on agriculture and farming. This provided livelihood to more than 60% of the population of the nation. Agriculture mainly consists of animal husbandry and of subsistence farming. Though the country is small and the economy is not so great still majority of Bhutanese are self-sufficient. With rapid modernization, Bhutan has been able to improve the living standards for instance now even the remote households have access to education, health care and road connectivity. Most production in the industrial sector is of the cottage industry type, this is mainly due to the rich biodiversity of the nation. Manufacturing sectors, hydroelectricity sectors and tourism sectors are the sectors which had been improving, is still improving and which will continue to add to the economy of the nation.

Environment

In the heap of developments and modernization and industrial growth like the culture and tradition Bhutan has been able to preserve the natural environment by more than 80%. Bhutan has more than 50% of the areas protected as natural reserves and national parks. Bhutan also has a forestation plans which again adds to the sustainability of the natural environment. The conservation of the nature is not only the responsibility of the government of it is the responsibility of every single individual. As an initiative to protect the environment people are coming forward in building community forest where the community will use only the forest for their requirements and in any case will not misuse the forest for personal gain. Well for Bhutan conservation of environment is of greater importance as it is the means of maintaining sustainability (one of the pillars in GNH).

Flora and fauna

Bhutan is home to large variety of flora and fauna. A wide variety of plants and animals are found in the kingdom since Bhutan’s geography ranges from low altitudes 200 meters to the highest of Himalayas to as high as 7,500 meters. There are more than 5000 species of plants that include vast forests of pine, spruce, silver fir, junipers, conifers deodar, and Chirpine, maples, rhododendrons, alder, and birch, oaks, among others, Blue Poppy is Bhutan’s national flower. The rare mammals like rhinoceroses, bison, and Elephants make their home in the lower tropical jungles, the foothills are inhabited by animals like red panda, brown bear, snow leopard, black bear, and monkey species, while mountains goats and yaks have ad have adapted the high Himalayan areas. Moreover more than 770 species of bird and hundreds of butterfly species have also been recorded throughout the Kingdom.

Language

Dzongkha (language of Ngalops of western Bhutan) is the national language of Bhutan; it simply means languages spoken in Dzongs and administrative centers in the nation. On addition to that Bhutan have nineteen languages. The other two major languages are the Tshanglakha and the Lhotshamkha. Tshanglakha is the native language of the Tshanglas of eastern Bhutan while Lhotshamkha is spoken by the southern Bhutanese of Nepali origin.

GNH

It’s well known that the founder of GNH was none other than our fourth Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. His Majesty believed that growth of a nation cannot be only derived from wealth and GDP, but it merely depends on the happiness of the people. GNH holds four Pillars which describes the concept more clearly and effectively, they are:

• Equitable and equal socio-economic development
• Preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage
• Conservation of environment and
• Good governance. Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck said that the rich are not always happy while the happy generally considered themselves rich.
These four pillars are again supported by nine domains..

Location

Bhutan is a landlocked country located in South Asia; it lies between the boundaries of north of India and south of China. Bhutan has an area of 47,000 square kilometers (18, 1467 square miles). Bhutan shares a 605-kilometer (376-mile) border with India and a 470-kilometer (292-mile) border with China. Bhutan is a mountainous country except for the southern foot hills with hot and humid summers.

Political system of Bhutan

Bhutan used to follow dual system this was introduced by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1616, where temporal matters of the nations were look after by the kings and the spiritual matters were look after by the Je Khenpo. The first king of Bhutan was crowned in the year 1907 as the first hereditary king of Bhutan. Till date Bhutan is governed by the successive monarchs of the Wangchuk dynasty.

Parliamentary Democracy was introduced in the year 2008 with the signing of the constitution on July 18th 2008, which involved the fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk and the representatives of the people. The first ever election was won by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa headed by Lyounchen Jigme Y Thinley and looked after the matters for the last five years, and now the government is governed by Peoples Democratic Party headed by Lyounchen Tshering Tobgay.

National Symbol of Bhutan

National symbols of Bhutan includes the :

National Flag : The National Flag of Kingdom of Bhutan is divided diagonally into equal yellow and orange halves. The division starts from the lower corner of the flag where it is hoisted and runs along the diagonally opposite corner. The yellow portion lies on the upper part of the diagonal division and it represents the yellow scarf worn by His Majesty, which in turn represents the being of His Majesty, the King. The orange portion lies on the lower part of the flag and it represents the orange scarf worn by the Je Khenpo, the religious head of the country. The National Flag has a white dragon, which spreads equally along the diagonal division towards the upper end. The dragon holds Norbu (jewels) by its claws.

National Emblem : The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion on its Vajrayana form. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country – the thunder dragon.

The National Tree : Cypress (Cypresses corneyana).

National Flower : Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis Grandis)

National Animal : Takin locally called “Dong Gyem Tsey”

National Language : The National Language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.

National Day : The 17th December is celebrated as National Day of Bhutan.

National Sport : Archery.

The Country

Bhutan is one of the most isolated and least developed nations in the world. Nonetheless, survey data from the country suggest it is also one of the happiest. Nestled in the foreboding Himalayan Mountains, Bhutan is a landlocked Kingdom situated in South Central Asia, bordering Tibet and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, visiting Bhutan offers a truly authentic experience with a culture that has been relatively untouched by outside influence. With towering mountains, intricate architecture, welcoming people and a philosophy steeped in the Buddhism, visitors are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime.

Landscape

Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world. Its various exotic ecosystems are home to an estimated 770 species of birds and 55 species of rhododendron, along with over 300 varieties of medicinal plants. Nine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries hold some of the rarest animals in the world including the snow leopard, red panda, black-necked crane and golden langur.

People

Visitors will find that the local people have a wonderful sense of humor and are eager to share their culture and their country. Opened for tourism in 1974, the Bhutanese have maintained strong ties to their religion and customs, allowing visitors to experience the country as is has been for hundreds of years. The people of Bhutan treasure their natural environment and have lived in harmony with its elements, respecting the sanctity of life and revering the mountains, forests and rivers as abodes of gods and spirits. Bhutan is also one of the happiest nations in the world, with a strong philosophy regulated by the King, that Bhutan will measure success in terms of Gross National Happiness.

Natural Heritage

For centuries, Bhutan has been known as the valley of Medicinal Herbs, a name that still applies to this day. The country’s rich flora and fauna is the result of its unique location in the Eastern Himalayas. The annual rainfall, which is significantly higher than in the Central and Western Himalayas, and its dramatic climate changes create a region that is ideal for the cultivation of a variety of vegetation. Because of deep traditional reverence for nature, Bhutan is a leading country in environmental preservation. More than 70% of the region is blanketed by thick forests. Many parts of the country have been declared wildlife reserves and as a result are the natural habitats for rare species of both flora and fauna. Many of its towering peaks are off limits to climbers, leaving a vast swath of countryside that is pristine.

Tourism Policy

The Tourism Policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan is one of “high value and low volume”. The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. For this reason the number for tourists visiting Bhutan are kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariffs. This, in part, helps to maintain the Bhutanese culture and economy.

Climate

Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Spring is arguably the most beautiful time of the year in the Kingdom. In March, at the height of spring, the whole Kingdom comes to life with a stunning display of pink and white Rhododendron blossoms. The annual rain from the Bay of Bengal affects the South and Central regions during the summer months of June, July and August. The end of the rainy season, also a popular time to visit, marks the closing months of summer. The days are filled with pristine skies and warm weather. The autumn months of September to November bring shorter days and cooler evenings. The days remain very comfortable with clear skies. Views over the high Himalayas are usually only possible from September to March. Towards the end of November the weather turns colder. Winter brings fierce cold that tends to subside towards the end of February around the Bhutanese New Year. The Southern low-lying areas have a more temperate climate and considerably warmer winters. Clear skies in the winter months bring colder weather but it’s also the best time of the year to view the snow-capped peaks of the high Himalayan Mountains.

Festivals or Tshechus

One of the main attractions in the Kingdom are its annual festivals, also known as Tshechus, celebrated to honor Guru Pama Sambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche. For local people, Tshechus are an occasion for blessing, feasting and socializing. Two of the most popular Tshechus are held in Paro in the spring and Thimphu in the autumn, but there are various others all year long at temples, Dzong and monasteries throughout Bhutan. The highlight of any festival is the costumed dancers, who act out stories with colorful masks and thundering instruments. Townspeople dress in their best clothes and join together to rejoice.

Architecture

The characteristic style and colors of every building is one of the most striking physical features of Bhutan. The Dzong, which house the monastic and government bodies are built on a grand scale without the help of any drawing and are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Carved patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors blanket every inch of these magnificent buildings.

General Facts

Area : 38,000sq km.

Location : South Central Asia.

Population : 0.7 million approximately.

Capital : Thimphu.

Politics : Democracy/Constitutional Monarchy.

Official Religion : Tantric Mahayana Buddhism in Drukpa Kagyupa sect.

Language : Dzongkha, Lhoshamkha and English.

Currency : Ngultrum or Nu (at par with Indian rupee).

Exchange Rate : US $1 = Nu. 44.50 (subject to change).

Electricity : 220 volts.

Time Change : +6 hours GMT.

Highest Elevation : +24,000 ft.

National Bird : Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus).

National Flower : Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandsis).

National Tree : Cypress (Cupressess Corneyana).

National Animal : Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)

National Day : December 17th (1st King enthroned 1907).

National Dress : Gho for men and Kira for women.

National Game : Archery.

National Flag

The National Flag of Kingdom of Bhutan is divided diagonally into equal yellow and orange halves. The division starts from the lower corner of the flag where it is hoisted and runs along the diagonally opposite corner. The yellow portion lies on the upper part of the diagonal division and it represents the yellow scarf worn by His Majesty, which in turn represents the being of His Majesty, the King. The orange portion lies on the lower part of the flag and it represents the orange scarf worn by the Je Khenpo, the religious head of the country. The National Flag has a white dragon, which spreads equally along the diagonal division towards the upper end. The dragon holds Norbu (jewels) by its claws.

National Emblem

The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Bhuddist religion on its Vajrayana form. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country – the thunder dragon.

Life Expectancy

Male (years): 66.0 : Female (years): 66.2 : Total Fertility Rate: 4.7.

Land

Area (sq.km): 38,394

Dzongkhags (districts): 20

Geogs(blocks): 201

Agriculture

Forest: 72.5%

Pasture: 3.9%

Agriculture: 7.8%

Horticulture: 0.1%

Settlement: 0.1%

Others: 15.6%

Health

Doctors: 140

Hospitals: 29

BHUs: 172

Indigenous Hospitals: 1

Safe Drinking Water: 78%

Health Coverage: 90%

Education

Day Care Centre: 25

Community Primary School: 267 (Public/Government 266 & Private: 1)

Pry School: 95 (Government: 95 & Private 10)

Lower Secondary School: 100 (Government: 88 & Private 10)

Middle Secondary School: 56 (Government: 55 & Private: 1)

Higher Secondary School: 43 (Government. 30 & Private 13)

Extended Classroom: 56

Special Institutes: 8

Tertiary Institutes under RUB: 11 (10 Government & 1 Private College)

Vocational Institutes: 8