A Brief Description

The legendary land of Bhutan was first settled in the 9th century by wandering migrants from the Tibet region of China.

Called Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) by its people, the strikingly beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, sandwiched between China and India.

This small, landlocked country, literally surrounded by mountains, is most difficult to navigate as there are few roads and no domestic (in-country) airlines or trains. The country accommodates international travel via Druk-Air, and the only ground entry into the country is through the southern border town of Phuntsholing.

Long influenced by the culture of India and the British government, it gained its independence from India in 1949. Today its major trading partner is India, however much of its people still live in poverty, with wide-spread illiteracy a major social problem.

The capital city of Thimphu sits at an altitude of 7000 feet, on the banks of the Wong Chu river, and remains the site of royal government offices, and serves as a powerful magnet for adventure travelers from around the world.

Learn more about Bhutan here.

Facts and Figures

Name Bhutan

(long form) Kingdom of Bhutan

Population 2,232,300

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Thimphu (66,500)

Currency Ngultrum (BTN)

Currency Converter
here

Languages
Dzongkha (official), and varied Tibetan and Nepalese dialects

Flag here

National Day December 17

Religions Lamaistic Buddhist (75%), Indian and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism (25%)

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Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
27º 32' N, 89º 43' E

Relative Location Bhutan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned on the Indian subcontinent, a recognized geographical region of southern Asia. This landlocked country is bordered by China and India.

Land Statistics

Coastline 0 (landlocked)

Land Areas

(land) 18,147 sq miles (47,000 sq km)

(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)

(TOTAL) 18,147 sq miles (47,000 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms
Bhutan is a rugged land of steep mountains and deep valleys.

It is easily divided into three main geographical areas. The lowlands front its southern border with India; the lesser (or lower) Himalayas cover the central areas, and its northern border with China is dominated by the massive peaks of the Himalayas.

Many mountain peaks in northern Bhutan reach heights of over 7,000 meters.

Numerous small rivers drain the land, including the Dangme, Mangde, Sankosh and Torsa.

Highest Point Kula Kamgri - 24,783 ft. (7,554 m).

Lowest Point Drangme Chhu - 318 ft. (97 m)

Land Divisions 18 districts, including: Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa and Wangdi Phodrang.

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We make no copyright claim on any statistical data on this page, nor on any non-original graphics, and/or pictures not produced by us. Certain statistical data is gathered from the CIA World Factbook, as well as numerous public domain reference materials.

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Maps

Bhutan (large color) Map here

Bhutan Outline Map here

Bhutan CIA version here

Bhutan Maps at UT here

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Asia Continent (printable) here

Asia Outline Map here

Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here

Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here

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Indian Subcontinent Map here

Middle East Landforms here

Middle East Map here

Middle East Outline Map here

Middle East Rivers here

Tsunami Map (December 2004) here

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World Outline Maps (printable) here

World Time Zone Map here


Recommended Links

Bhutan (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here!

Kingdom of Bhutan web site here

Bhutan Adventures and Travel here

Bhutan News Online here

Bhutan People and Culture here

Bhutan Photos at TrekEarth.com here

Bhutan Travel here

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Time and Weather


Climate
The weather in Bhutan varies from tropical in the south, to more moderate conditions in the central hills and valleys. In the far north, snowy days and cold temperatures are the norm.

The summer monsoon season affects the entire country, so the spring and fall seasons are considered ideal, as they offer clear skies and low humidity.

Summer high temperatures do approach 85º f, south and central, while winter lows vary drastically by elevation.

CURRENT WEATHER in Thimphu here

Traveler Info

Attractions
Bhutan, or Druk Yul, with its scenic landscapes and historic buildings is considered the last Shangri-La by many travelers.

Thimphu, the capital city, sits on a hillside adjacent to the river by the same name. Within its boundaries, the Trashi Chhoe Dzong fortress and the Memorial Chorten monument are must visits.

Add the city of Paro to your list, where the Taktsang (or Tiger's Nest) is located, as well as some of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries. In Bumthang, there are numerous dzongs, temples and palaces.

Important points-of-interest include the Black Mountain National Park; Satkeng Wildlife Sanctuary; cascading waterfalls in East Bhutan, and the Bumthang Valley.

Bhutan has limited connections with the outside world, thus making it somewhat difficult for foreigners to travel. Only a few thousand tourists are allowed in each year and are required to book their travel in advance through a registered tour operator in Bhutan.

Country Dialing Code 975

Electricity Bhutan uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings
here

PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS


NOTE: Before making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding all passport and visa requirements. The experienced people at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!

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Afghanistan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Bhutan

British Indian
Ocean Terr.

Brunei

Burma (Myanmar)

Cambodia

China
º Hong Kong
º Macau

East Timor

India
° Andaman Is.
° Nicobar Islands

Indonesia
° Bali

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Lebanon

Malaysia

Maldives

Mongolia

Nepal

North Korea

Oman

Pakistan

Philippines

Qatar

Russian Fed.

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Syria

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Thailand

Turkey

Turkmenistan

U.A.E.

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Yemen
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