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Bhutan Facts

Here are some interesting Bhutan Facts which were chosen and researched

Bhutan Facts for You

Population: 766,000 inhabitants (2019). The majority of people live in the capital city.
Capital: Thimphu with 115,000 inhabitants
Name: 'Kingdom of Bhutan'. The Bhutanese name is Druk Gyal Khap, which means the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'
Government: Parliamentary monarchy

Bhutan Flag

Official Language: Dzongkha (Bhutanese)
Literacy: 65% of all Bhutanese aged 15 and older can read and write
Religion: Buddhism (75%), Hinduism (24%)
Currency: 1 Ngultrum equals 100 chhertum
National day: 17 December

Listen to the anthem

National symbols: the takin (national animal) and the blue poppy (national flower), the raven (national bird)
National anthem: 'Druk Tsendhen'
History: Bhutan became a democracy in 2008 after the first democratic elections were held in the country. The King of Bhutan is the Head of State.
King of Bhutan: Bhutan's king is called Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (born 1980). The 'Dragon King' is the fifth king of Bhutan. He is married and has one son.

Where is Bhutan? - Bhutan Map

Bhutan is located on the Asian continent and a landlocked country in the Himalayan mountains.

Bhutan mapBhutan borders only two countries: India and China. The capital city is called Thimphu and is located in the country's east.

Thimphu is the capital city of BhutanThis Southern Asian country is twice the size of Maryland/USA and Bhutan is about as big as Switzerland.

Bhutan for Kids
Bhutan Geography

Bhutan is a small mountain kingdom in Southern Asia. It is nestled between India and China and is a landlocked country. Mountains and valleys dominate the landscape of Bhutan.

The mountainous country has huge variation in the climate zones ranging from subtropic climate in the south to a polar climate in the north, where there is snow all year round.

Bhutan is sparsely populated and most of the people in Bhutan live in rural areas. Bhutan is one of the least developed countries in the world.

Bhutan Superlatives

Bhutan is one of the least populous countries in the world.
The biggest city of Bhutan is the capital city Thimphu.
Bhutan's highest mountain is Gangkhar Puensum with 7,570 metres (24,836ft).
The longest river in Bhutan is the Manas River with over 376km (234miles) in length.
Bhutan does not have one single traffic light! A policeman is directing traffic in the capital city.

Bhutan Thimphu Police officer, the Human Traffic Light - image by Nutkerdphoksap/shutterstock.com

"Human traffic light" in Thimphu - image by Nutkerdphoksap

Bhutan Facts
Attractions for Kids

Bhutan's capital city Thimphu - shutterstock.com

Thimphu - the capital city of Bhutan

Thimphu: The capital city's fortress, called Tashichho Dzong, is one of the city's main attractions. This site includes the royal palace and a monastery and is also the seat of the government.

Thimphu fortress

Paro Taktsang: This famous monastery in the Himalayas is known also as the 'Tiger's Nest'. This is a sacred Buddhist temple complex. The cliffside monastery consists of four temples and eight caves.

Bhutan's Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery high in the Himalayan mountains.

Paro Taktsang in the Himalayan mountains.

Buddha Dordenma: This huge statue is 54 m/177 ft. high and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It sits on top of a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. The statue is made of bronze and gold.

Buddha Dordenma

Dochula Pass: This mountain pass to the north of Thimphu is located at 3,100 m/10,200ft. On this pass, 108 chortens (memorial temples) were built to commemorate Bhutanese soldiers who died in 2003. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple was finished in 2008. It was built to celebrate 100 years of the kingdom of Bhutan.

Dochula Pass in Bhutan with 108 memorial chortens

Memorial Chortens at Dochula Pass

Punakha Dzong: Also referred to as 'Palace of Great Happiness', this fortress in Punakha was constructed in 1637. It is known for its impressive paintings and woodcarvings. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955.

Punakha Dzong: Palace of Great Happiness

Some Bhutan Facts about Bhutanese People

Bhutan is one of the least developed and poor countries in the world, however, Bhutan is often referred to as the happiest country in the world. Well, is this so?

Happy children in Bhutan - image by gnohz/shutterstock.com

Happy Bhutanese children - image by GnohzBhutan's government includes a Ministry of Happiness. Wellbeing and happiness of the Bhutanese citizen are said to be amongst the main aims of the Bhutanese government. Regular surveys are conducted in Bhutan to measure the happiness of the people.

However, especially young people, do not want to live anymore only according to traditions, but also embrace the modern lifestyle. And youth unemployment is high in Bhutan. About 13% of all young people are without work.

Bhutanese man in archery games - image by Oksana Perkins

Bhutanese archery games - image by Oksana PerkinsArchery is considered the national sport of Bhutan. Archery, basketball and cricket are the most popular sports in Bhutan.

The Bhutanese take part in the Summer Olympics with a national archery team. Bhutan has never participated in any winter sports events in any of the Winter Olympics games.

Young man refreshes the paint in a Bhutanese temple - image by Angela Maier/shutterstock.com

Young man refreshes the paint in a Bhutanese templeBuddhism is the official religion of Bhutan. More than 75% of the people practise this religion.

Bhutanese Language

The Bhutanese language is called Dzongkha.

Numbers in DzongkhaThe term Dzongkha means 'language of the palace', as it combines the words 'palace' dzong and 'language' kha. The Bhutanese language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. There are 19 different languages and dialects spoken by the Bhutanese people. Dzongkha is learnt in all schools and the official language since 1971.

The Bhutanese writing uses the Tibetan Alphabet. The alphabet consists of 35 basic letters, including five vowels and 30 consonants.

Many people speak English and most street signs are written in English and the national language Dzongkha. Children learn English in school where English is the language of instruction.

Bhutan Food

The traditional diet in Bhutan includes rice, vegetables and dairy products as well as meats such as chicken, pork and beef.

You should know that Bhutanese dishes can be very spicy, as many dishes include green or red chilies. Sweet milk tea is very popular.

Bhutan food: Variety of Bhutanese dishes - image by Shutterstock

Food in BhutanHere are some typical Bhutanese dishes:

Ema Datshi: This is considered the national dish of Bhutan. It is very spicy as it consists cheese and lots of chilis. Rice is usually eaten with this dish.

Red rice: This nutritious rice variety looks pink when cooked and is used in many dishes.
Momos: These Bhutanese dumplings are filled with minced meat, cheese and cabbage.

Bhutanese momos

Bhutan Facts: Bhutan Animals

The national animal of Bhutan is the takin.

Takin family: The takin is the national animal of Bhutan.

Family of takinThe takin is also referred to as gnu goat. Takin have short legs, a long nose, horns and a brown shaggy coat.

Bhutan is also home to antelopes, snow leopards, blue sheep and red pandas.

Red panda elephant, water buffalos and deer can be spotted in the tropical forests in the country's south, while wild pigs, musk deer, and marmots are common in the higher-lying areas.

Bhutan Facts for Kids - Resources

Little Bhutan. "National symbols". Little Bhutan.com. Accessed 20 September 2019
Central Intelligence Agency. "South Asia: Bhutan". The World Facebook. 16 September 2019. Accessed 20 September 2019
Karen Lim. "9 Things You never knew about Thimphu" AsiaOne.16 August 2018. Accessed 20 September 2019
Tourism Council of Bhutan. "Food". Bhutan.travel Accessed 20.09.19
"Bhutan Culture". Bhutan.com. Accessed 20 September 2019
Neave Barker. "What it means to be happy in the 'happiest country'". AlJazeera. 31 October 2018. Accessed 20 September 2019

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And enjoy learning more great Bhutan Facts soon:-)

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