Bhutanis

Bhutanis, or Bhutanese, are the citizens and, in various contexts, the ethnic groups of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas. The population is around 850,000. The largest communities are the Ngalop (Dzongkha-speaking) in the west, the Sharchap in the east, and the Lhotshampa of Nepali descent in the south. Dzongkha is the official language; many Bhutanis are multilingual and English is taught in schools.

Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism is predominant; Hinduism is practiced by many Lhotshampa communities. Monasteries and temples are central to public life.

Government and politics: Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy. The king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, ascended the throne in 2006; a 2008 constitution established a democratically elected parliament. Thimphu is the capital, and the Ngultrum (BTN) circulates with the Indian rupee.

Culture and society: Traditional dress includes the gho for men and kira for women. Tsechu festivals feature masked dances and religious rites; archery is widely observed as a national sport. Ema datshi, a chili and cheese dish, is a national staple.

Economy and environment: Bhutan's economy centers on hydropower, agriculture, and forestry. The country pursues environmental conservation and a policy of Gross National Happiness. Tourism is regulated to protect culture and nature.