Bhutan

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas of South Asia. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. The population is around 0.8 million. The official language is Dzongkha, though English is widely used in administration. Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana, is the dominant religion, shaping culture and daily life.

Geography: The country spans rugged mountains and deep valleys, with elevations from about 1,000 to over 7,000 meters. It contains a network of rivers and numerous protected areas, and forests cover roughly two-thirds of the land. Bhutan emphasizes environmental protection and is known for its biodiversity.

History and politics: Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy. The Bhutanese throne has been held by the Wangchuck dynasty since the early 20th century. After a period of gradual reform, it adopted a new constitution in 2008 establishing a parliamentary system with a National Assembly and a National Council. The king remains the head of state; the prime minister is the head of government. Bhutan maintains close ties with India and follows a policy of cautious modernization.

Economy and society: The economy relies on hydropower exports to India, agriculture, and small industry. The Ngultrum is the currency and is pegged to the Indian rupee, which circulates in practice. The country seeks to balance development with cultural preservation and social welfare, guided by the concept of Gross National Happiness.

Culture and tourism: Bhutan preserves Dzong architecture, Buddhist festivals (Tsechu), and traditional crafts. Tourism operates under a high-value, low-impact framework, with a government-regulated minimum daily tariff to manage visitor numbers and protect cultural and environmental resources.