Bhutan Country Facts
Land of Gross National Happiness, mystical mountains, ancient monasteries, and untouched Himalayan beauty.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Kingdom of Bhutan |
| Capital | Thimphu |
| Continent | Asia (South Asia, Eastern Himalayas) |
| Population | ~790,000 (Rank: ~166th globally) |
| Official Language | Dzongkha |
| Currency | Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) & Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +6 |
| Calling Code | +975 |
Short Fact: Bhutan – Where Happiness Is More Than an Emotion
Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its development through Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP.
Long Fact: Bhutan – A Serene Himalayan Kingdom with Happiness at Its Core
Bhutan, known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, is a small, landlocked country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China and India. What sets Bhutan apart from the rest of the world is its philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) — a development model that prioritizes well-being over material wealth.
Despite its small size, Bhutan is rich in natural beauty, Buddhist heritage, and environmental consciousness. More than 70% of its land is covered in forests, and it’s one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world.
The capital city Thimphu is the only national capital without traffic lights, reflecting the country’s peaceful and community-driven ethos. Traditional Bhutanese architecture, colorful prayer flags, and majestic dzongs (fortress-monasteries) dominate the landscape.
Tourism in Bhutan is highly controlled and based on a high-value, low-impact model. Visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee, ensuring that tourism doesn’t compromise the country’s culture or environment.
Bhutan’s people are deeply spiritual, practicing Tibetan Buddhism, which plays a vital role in daily life. The country celebrates vibrant festivals like Paro Tsechu, where monks perform sacred masked dances.
In terms of governance, Bhutan transitioned from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in 2008 and holds democratic elections. Yet, the royal family continues to be revered by the people.
Bhutan is also known for its prohibition of tobacco sales, TV and internet introduced only in 1999, and preservation of traditional dress (Gho for men and Kira for women). From the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging to a cliff, to the pristine Haa and Bumthang valleys, Bhutan remains one of the most authentic and unspoiled countries on the planet.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan
Q1. Where is Bhutan located?
Ans: Bhutan is in South Asia, in the Eastern Himalayas, between India and China.
Q2. What is Bhutan known for?
Ans: Bhutan is famous for Gross National Happiness, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Q3. What is the capital of Bhutan?
Ans: The capital city is Thimphu.
Q4. What language is spoken in Bhutan?
Ans: The official language is Dzongkha.
Q5. What religion is practiced in Bhutan?
Ans: Most Bhutanese practice Tibetan Buddhism.
Q6. Why is Bhutan called the happiest country?
Ans: Bhutan follows a philosophy called Gross National Happiness, focusing on well-being over GDP.
Q7. Is Bhutan safe for tourists?
Ans: Yes, Bhutan is very safe, with friendly locals and strict tourism management.
Q8. What is the main currency in Bhutan?
Ans: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR).
Q9. Can tourists visit Bhutan freely?
Ans: Tourists must book through licensed agencies and pay a daily sustainability fee.
Q10. What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Ans: March to May and September to November are considered the best seasons for travel.