Bhutan
Discover the Enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan
Located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked nation nestled between India and China. Separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim and from Bangladesh by West Bengal, Bhutan is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Known as “Druk Yul” or “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan has transformed from one of the world’s most isolated nations to a modernized country with direct international flights, internet, and mobile networks.
Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan balances progress with preservation of its ancient culture, traditions, and environment. This approach has earned Bhutan recognition as one of the happiest countries in Asia and the world. In fact, Business Week magazine ranked Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and eighth-happiest globally in 2006.
Bhutan’s diverse landscape spans subtropical plains to Himalayan heights, with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters. Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion, and the population is predominantly Buddhist with a significant Hindu minority. The capital, Thimphu, is the largest city, and after centuries of monarchical rule, Bhutan transitioned to democracy with its first elections in 2008.
As a member of the United Nations and SAARC, Bhutan engages globally while preserving its unique identity. With a total area of 38,394 square kilometers, Bhutan continues to evolve, balancing tradition and progress.