Bhutan

c. 8th century – Introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan, traditionally attributed to the arrival of Guru Padmasambhava

1616 – Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unifies Bhutan and establishes the dual system of government

1907 – Monarchy established with the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan (Thursday, December 17, 1907)

1949 – Treaty with India (Friday, August 8, 1949): Bhutan enters into a friendship treaty with India, which gives India responsibility for Bhutan’s defense

1972 – King Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascends the throne after the death of his father, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

2008 – Constitution adopted (Monday, July 18, 2008): Bhutan becomes a constitutional monarchy, transitioning to democratic elections

2013 – First democratic elections (Friday, May 31, 2013), resulting in the peaceful transition of power

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Bhutan successfully managed to contain the initial outbreak, with strict border controls and health measures

Continent: Asia (South Asia)
Location: Landlocked, located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west
Capital: Thimphu
Language: Dzongkha (official)
Currency: Ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR)
Population: ~780,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Bhutan Time (BTT, UTC+6)

Borders: China, India
Landscape: Mountainous, with rugged terrains and valleys
Major Rivers: Punatshangchu, Wangchu, Mo Chu
Notable Features: The Himalayas, Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Phobjikha Valley

Ethnic Groups: Ngalops, Sharchops, Lhotshampas (Nepali ethnic group)
Religion: Predominantly Vajrayana Buddhism (75%), Hinduism (25%)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Bhutan’s population is small and rural, with most people living in scattered villages in the mountainous regions

Famous For: Gross National Happiness (GNH), traditional Buddhist culture, stunning natural landscapes, architecture, and festivals
Cuisine: Ema datshi (chilies and cheese stew), momos (dumplings), red rice, buckwheat pancakes
Arts: Thangka painting, Buddhist temples and monasteries, traditional music and dance
Sports: Archery, basketball, football (soccer)

Economy Type: Developing, mixed economy with a focus on hydropower, agriculture, and tourism
GDP: Approx. $3.1 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Hydropower, agriculture (rice, maize, potatoes), tourism
Key Exports: Hydropower, agricultural products, timber
Unemployment Rate: ~2.4% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Focus on renewable energy (hydropower) and sustainable agriculture

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Lotay Tshering (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (National Council & National Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 2008

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): One of the most iconic Buddhist sites, perched on a cliffside
Thimphu: The capital, known for its monasteries, markets, and cultural landmarks
Punakha Dzong: A beautiful fortress monastery located at the confluence of two rivers
Phobjikha Valley: Famous for its beautiful landscapes and black-necked cranes
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 0 (Bhutan does not currently have a UNESCO site, but many of its cultural sites are of global significance)