Some Interesting Facts about Bhutan You Should Know

 

Introduction

Bhutan is an incredibly fascinating and unique country located in the eastern Himalayas. There are a few things in particular that make Bhutan stand out from other countries. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Bhutan you should know.

For starters, the official language spoken in Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is derived from ancient Tibetan. It’s also one of only two countries that follow the principles of Vajrayana Buddhism and still practice it as their state religion. This has led to many traditional values being preserved over generations, such as respect for elders and appreciation of nature, among others.

The landscape of Bhutan is filled with stunningly beautiful mountains and valleys, making it a great destination for mountain biking, trekking, or even a simple hike through its rolling hills covered with lush green pastures. In addition to its natural beauty, Bhutan also places great importance on sustainability – they are part of only two nations in the world that successfully measure Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product. This unique idea was first conceived by their 4th king as a way to prioritize the environment and wellbeing of its citizens over material success.

Bhutan also maintains active trade relations with India and Nepal for both importing and exporting goods. This helps to give the country access to resources that are not available locally while also boosting foreign investment into their economy. The cultural heritage of Bhutan is an amalgamation of different influences from Tibet and India but still retains its own distinct flavor reflected mainly in their art, music, architecture, clothing styles, markets and festivals!

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Population and Demographics

Located in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India, Bhutan is an isolated, landlocked country known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. There's much more to know about this unique country than its beautiful mountains and unique culture. Here are some interesting facts about Bhutan that you should know:

Population:

With a population of 755,000 people, this small country is basically a small village compared to other countries. Since there's no census in Bhutan, the population numbers may vary from year to year.

Vital Statistics:

The Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.739 indicates that Bhutan is steadily developing. It's still classed as a third world country because of its limited infrastructure and industry but it remains one of the most progressive nations in Asia.

Largest City:

Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan with a population of around 100,000 inhabitants. It's located at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level and boasts a picturesque landscape with many Buddhist monasteries and temples scattered throughout.

Literacy Rate:

Education is highly important in Bhutan which explains why its literacy rate stands at 71.6%, one of the highest for any developing nation. This high literacy rate has helped create a well-educated workforce capable of competing in a global market.

Religion/Beliefs:

Buddhism has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries with over 75% of people practicing it regularly. The ancient Tantric form known as Drukpa Kargyupa is predominant form amongst the majority Buddhist community.

Government and Politics

Between its commitment to Gross National Happiness, environmentally friendly policies, and diverse governance systems, there is much to learn about this fascinating country. Here are some interesting facts about Bhutan you should know:

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1. Bhutan’s political system is a mix of democracy and monarchy. After victories in battles against British India in the 18th century, Bhutan was established as a monarchy until 2008 when it transitioned into a democratic government with an elected leader – King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He still holds the role of Head of State but gives power to the elected Prime Minister and his government.

2. Bhutan is known for its commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH). Rather than measure happiness through GDP growth like many countries do, GNH strives to achieve balanced and sustainable development through equitable socioeconomic progress, preservation of cultural values, and environmental conservation

3. In order to achieve balance between development and environment protection, the government has implemented environmentally friendly policies such as banning plastic bags in 2011, making 60% of the land forest or protected areas by law, ensuring free basic healthcare for all citizens; establishing national parks; reducing water consumption; and promoting renewable energy.

4. Education in Bhutan is viewed as a right rather than privilege — since 2006 all primary school education has been free for all citizens of Bhutan regardless of gender or background making literacy rates exceptionally high (98%) when compared to other countries in South Asia.

Education and Health Care System

Education and health care are two important cornerstones of prosperity, and Bhutan is an excellent example of a country that has mastered its systems around both. Here are some interesting facts about Bhutan’s education and health care system you should know.

First, free and compulsory education is provided for all citizens up to the age of 16 – this has resulted in Bhutan having one of the highest literacy rates in South Asia. Additionally, Bhutan has a universal health care system available to its citizens, which ensures basic health services are accessible to all regardless of their financial situation.

The government of Bhutan places a huge emphasis on investing in human capital, as evidenced by their innovative initiatives to improve both health care access and infant mortality rates. In terms of health care access, many people living in rural areas now have greater access to specialized centers due to various projects launched by the government over the years. Simultaneously, the focus on prevention has led to greatly reduced infant mortality rates in recent years.

Not only are there initiatives designed to improve physical wellbeing through local healthcare services, but Bhutan has also made strides towards pioneering mental health care services. Mental wellbeing is something that is often overlooked but is just as significant; such initiatives aim to reduce stigma around mental illness and promote a healthier society overall.

Economy and Natural Resources

When it comes to understanding the Bhutanese economy, one of the most interesting facts to consider is the reliance on hydroelectricity. This energy source is an essential part of the country’s economic and environmental development. What makes hydroelectricity so important is its renewable nature, meaning it doesn’t rely on depleting natural resources as other sources of energy do.

Hydroelectricity forms the backbone of Bhutan’s economy and is responsible for a significant portion of its national revenue. The country has harnessed this renewable power by building various dams and other structures that can generate electricity from waterfalls and rivers. In addition, Bhutan generates income through the sale of excess energy to neighboring countries including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Aside from hydroelectricity, Bhutan is also home to some other unique natural resources such as medicinal plants, minerals, timber and animal byproducts that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Additionally, fertile land in particular areas has enabled sustainable agriculture practices and provided employment opportunities for locals. This has allowed many rural communities to benefit economically without having to completely depend on outside sources or foreign aid.

Culture and National Customs

First of all, Bhutan is home to a vast amount of biodiversity. Nearly 74% of its land is forested and it is one of only three countries worldwide where tigers still live in the wild. This beautiful country is known for its Gross National Happiness, which measures quality-of-life rather than economic output as the main indicator of development. Not only does Bhutan boast a unique spiritual identity which sets it apart from many other countries, but also has an ancient cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Bhutan is referred to as “the Land of the Thunder Dragon” and has a number of distinctive features which make it stand out from others. One such feature is its traditional clothing which consists of a Gho for men and a Kira for women – these are worn by almost everyone in the country! Bhutan also has its own native language called Dzongkha which still undergoes regular development today.

Buddhism in Bhutan

The form of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan is known as Vajrayana Buddhism. This branch of Buddhism forms a core part of Bhutanese identity and is supported by the royal family who are deeply invested in preserving and promoting Buddhist values. There are many monasteries located throughout Bhutan where spiritual seekers can learn about Buddhist teachings or meditate in peaceful surroundings. Stupas are also popular sites of pilgrimage for Buddhists, with some locations having special religious significance due to events from long ago.

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The presence of Buddhism does not just manifest itself in spiritual pursuits it is also influential in politics and culture too. Bhutan proudly follows traditional dress code, referred to as Driglam Namzha, which requires visitors to respect local customs when travelling around the country. Learning about this etiquette will enable visitors to show proper respect for their hosts and make sure they have a pleasant experience when visiting Bhutan.