Bhutan - Overview
Bhutan, a small landlocked country in South Asia, is nestled between China to the North and India to the South. Its diverse climate ranges from tropical in the southern plains to cool winters and hot summers in the central valleys, and severe winters and cool summers in the Himalayas. The history of Bhutan stretches back to around 2000 BC, although it gained recognition among historians after the ascension of its First Hereditary King, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907. Notably, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck was honored with the KCIE insignia by British India.
The destiny of Bhutan as a ruled nation was entrusted to the Wangchuck dynasty, starting with the enthronement of the First Hereditary King. The subsequent reigns of the Second King, Jigme Wangchuck, and the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, ushered in modern advancements in education, healthcare, and other transformative changes that paved the way for an independent Bhutan—a true homeland reminiscent of Shangri-La.
However, it was the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who took the throne in 1972 at the tender age of 17, and earned the moniker "visionary king." His reign was marked by remarkable achievements in the realms of national progress, well-being, peace, and tranquility. He decentralized the government, adopting a policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) that prioritized the holistic development and happiness of the Bhutanese people. In a significant moment in Bhutan's history, in 2007, the Fourth King relinquished absolute monarchy and bestowed power upon the people, transitioning Bhutan to a democratic system—a democratic gift that the people themselves had presented to his great-grandfather in 1907.
Therefore, Bhutan is a small landlocked country with a distinctive identity and rich traditions that resonate deeply with its aspirations to excel in the 21st century. The Bhutanese people, guided by the law of Karma, are motivated to act with compassion and kindness.
Gross National Happiness (GNH), a renowned philosophy, serves as a guiding principle for Bhutan's development endeavors. It embodies a philosophy of coexistence and harmony, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various forms of capital, including ecological, economic, social, human, and cultural resources. While some political philosophies touch upon these aspects, GNH recognizes their comprehensive importance, extending beyond mere rights and freedoms.
Coined by the Fourth King, GNH remains a paramount belief held by the Present King, who advocates for "Development with Values." It represents Bhutan's commitment to maintaining unity, harmony, and the nation's distinct character. GNH asserts that happiness should be collective and interdependent, blossoming through meaningful relationships with the external world. It acknowledges that external circumstances and the happiness of others contribute to personal fulfillment. Central to GNH is the principle of equality, as well as the recognition and valuation of intangible factors that cannot be substituted solely by income and material possessions.
National Symbols of Bhutan
National Flag of Bhutan
Bhutan facts at a glance.
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Area: 38394 Sq.Km
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Population: 733,003 (2013 estimate)
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Location: Between India and China (27°28.0′N 89°38.5′E)
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Official Language: Dzongkha
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Capital: Thimphu
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Government: Constitutional Democratic Monarchy
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Religion: Predominantly Vajrayana Buddhism
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Local Time: + 6:00 GMT
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Currency: Nu (At par with the Indian INR)
Religion in Bhutan
Bhutan, a country deeply rooted in Buddhism, holds it as the state religion. The majority of the population in the western, central, and eastern regions are followers of Buddhism. However, in the southern districts, there is a significant presence of both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The constitution of Bhutan ensures freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their faith freely. Religious personalities and institutions have a responsibility to uphold the country's spiritual heritage. The constitution also maintains the separation of religion and politics by prohibiting monks from participating in elections.
In the western regions of Bhutan, the followers of the Drukpa Kagyu sect of Buddhism predominate, while the eastern Bhutanese are more inclined towards the Nyingmapa sect. Although the state religion is Drukpa Kagyu, the government supports and emphasizes the preservation of the spiritual heritages of both sects. It is worth noting that there are no conflicts between the two sects, and it is common for people to practice both, which is known as "Kanyin-Zungdrel" (the union of Kagyu and Nyingma).
Bhutan has made significant strides in preserving its spiritual heritage, which is deeply ingrained in its culture and traditions. Buddhist values form the foundation of Bhutanese society, and these values have influenced the country's ethos. Throughout Bhutan, you will encounter prayer flags fluttering in the wind and religious monuments dotting the landscape. It is rare to find a village without a religious monument perched on a hill or standing at the heart of the community, symbolizing the importance of spirituality in the lives of the Bhutanese people.
Bhutan - Environment
The Constitution of Bhutan places a profound responsibility on every Bhutanese citizen as a trustee of the Kingdom's natural resources and environment. This responsibility extends to both the present and future generations. It is considered a fundamental duty of every citizen to actively contribute to the protection of the natural environment, the conservation of Bhutan's rich biodiversity, and the prevention of all forms of ecological degradation. This includes addressing issues such as noise pollution, visual pollution, and physical pollution by embracing and supporting environmentally friendly practices and policies. This commitment is outlined in Article 5.1 of the Constitution of Bhutan. With approximately 72% of its land covered in forests, Bhutan is renowned for its abundant natural resources. The Constitution further stipulates that the country should maintain at least 60% of its land under forest cover, highlighting the significance of preserving Bhutan's forested areas. The environmental diversity of Bhutan encompasses a wide range, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains in the north. This varied landscape contributes to Bhutan's distinction as one of the biodiversity hotspots recognized by Conservation International within the Eastern Himalaya region. Bhutan takes great pride in its remarkable flora and fauna, which contribute to the country's ecological richness. The commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability is deeply ingrained in Bhutanese culture and national values. This dedication to protecting and nurturing the environment reflects the country's holistic approach to development, where the well-being of both people and nature are considered integral components of national progress.