Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the south and China to the north. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and commitment to preserving its environment and unique way of life. The capital and largest city is Thimphu, but the cultural and religious center is the city of Paro.

Bhutan's economy is largely based on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. Major crops include rice, maize, wheat, and potatoes. The country also has a growing industry in hydropower, which provides electricity for both domestic use and export to India. Tourism is also a growing industry in Bhutan, with visitors attracted by the country's natural beauty, unique culture, and commitment to sustainable development.

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy, with a King serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister serving as the head of government. The country has a unique system of government known as "Gross National Happiness," which places a high value on spiritual, social, and cultural well-being in addition to economic development. Bhutan is a member of the United Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), among other international organizations.

Bhutan has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a Buddhist kingdom and its location between India and China. The country is home to many monasteries, temples, and sacred sites, and the traditional dress, food, and music remain an important part of everyday life. The country also has a reputation for its commitment to environmental protection, with over 70% of its land area covered by forest and a goal of remaining carbon neutral.

Despite its many strengths, Bhutan faces challenges such as poverty, limited infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare in remote areas. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including investing in infrastructure and education, promoting rural development, and strengthening its health and social welfare systems.

National holiday
National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)

Telephone Code
975

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 110; Fire: 112; Police: 113

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Currency (Code)
Ngultrum (BTN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, G

Major Languages
Sharchhopka, Dzongkha, Lhotshamkha

Major Religions
Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian-and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Rinpung Dzong; Chele La Pass; Buddha Dordenma Statue; Dochu La Pass; Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest); Phobjikha Valley

Major Sports
Archery, digor (resembles shot put and horseshoe throwing)

Cultural Practices
The Bhutanese follow a structure of etiquette called "driglam namzha." This code of conduct governs how to send and receive gifts, speak to those in authority, serve and eat food at public occasions, and dress.

Tipping Guidelines
A 10% tip is common at restaurants and bars unless a 10% service charge is already added. If hiring a taxi for the day, a tip of 300-500 ngultrums is common. It is also common to tip porters $1-2 (USD) per bag and to tip tour staff $50-80 (USD) at the end of a tour.

Souvenirs
Carved wooden masks, Thangkas art, woven woolen cloth and native garments, prayer flags, handmade paper

Traditional Cuisine
Ema datshi — hot chili peppers and cheese curd made from cow or yak's milk; often served with rice

Geography
Area
total: 38,394 sq km
land: 38,394 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Natural resources
timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

People and Society
Population
876,181 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepali 35% (predominantly Lhotshampas), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Languages
Sharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.)

Religions
Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.)

Population growth rate
0.96% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Thimphu

Economy
Economic overview
hydropower investments spurring economic development; Gross National Happiness economy; sharp poverty declines; low inflation; strong monetary and fiscal policies; stable currency; fairly resilient response to COVID-19; key economic and strategic relations with India; climate vulnerabilities

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$8.481 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$10,900 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, rice, maize, potatoes, roots/tubers, oranges, areca nuts, chillies/peppers, spices, ginger

Industries
cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

Exports
$741.602 million (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
India 94% (2019)

Exports - commodities
iron alloys, dolomite, refined iron, cement, silicon carbides (2019)

Imports
$1.027 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
India 85%, Thailand 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, iron products, delivery trucks, cars, wood charcoal (2019)