About Bhutan

Introduction:

Bhutan has been shaped to its current state through four main events in its history. First, with the visit of Guru Rimpoche and the advent of Buddhism in the 8th century A.D. ,Second, the establishment of Drukpa Kargyue sect by Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century A.D(by which Bhutanese were called "Drukpas"), Third, the unification of Bhutan under one central authority (for the first time) by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century A.D. and the fourth, the establishment of hereditary monarchy by King Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907.The country enjoyed continued peace and progress under four successive reformist monarch. After a hundred years (1907-2007) of glorious monarchical system the country is undergoing a historical change as a constitutional democracy in 2008 with a new king as the head of the state.

All our religious, social, economic and political progress as a nation is closely linked with the dynamic forces released by these four momentous events in our history. The spiritual land is the last bastion of Vajrayana of Mahayana Buddhism which provides the unique essence to the people. Located in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, the country stretches from the subtropics in the south to the perennially frozen regions of the Himalayas in the north, with the population of about 650,000 people constituting one of the most rugged surfaces of the earth. This gift of geography combined with the determination of the inhabitants allowed the Bhutanese race to be itself with unique cultural heritage regardless of the world and the changing ways beyond its mountains and gorges. Every small place in Bhutan is a place of interest with touching stories and myths surrounding it.

Location:

Bhutan is a landlocked country situated between Tibet (China) to the north and India to the south. The country is still intact with its age old living culture and tradition which plays an important role in their lives. Bhutan is situated along the southern slopes of Himalayas between the parallels 26degree 30' of north latitude, and 88degrees 45' and 92 degree 25' of east longitude.

Language:

The official language of Bhutan is 'Dzongkha'. 'Tsangla' or 'Sharchopkha' is another major dialect spoken by the people of eastern Bhutan. 'Lhoshamkha' is a language spoken by the people in southern Bhutan.

Currency:

Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum (Nu.) which is pegged with the Indian Rupee (1USD is equivalent to about Nu. 40 which fluctuates a bit more or less)

Environment:

Bhutan has rich vegetation. With almost 72% of the country under forest cover, is a home to Bhutan's diverse flora and fauna comprising of 770 spices of birds (15 globally threatened), 165 sp. of mammals( 24 internationally protected wild animals sp) and not less than 5,500 species of vascular plants ( 152 medicinal plants).

Climate:

Climate in Bhutan varies widely depending upon the elevation. It's tropical in the south, at the northern extreme there is perpetual snow. Very little rain falls in autumn from October through December making it ideal for trekking. Monsoon season falls in June to August with almost continue rain fall. Bhutan's climate is very unpredictable, not only varying among the various regions, but also varying enormously from day to day or even on the same day.

Time Zone:

Bhutan has only one time zone, Bhutan Standard Time (BST). It is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 30 minutes ahead of India.