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%) Travel the World through Poster Art! 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 lands of steep mountains and deep valleys. It is easily divided into three main geographical areas. The lowlands front it's 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.

Maps Bhutan (large color) Map here Bhutan Outline Map here Bhutan CIA version here Bhutan Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 News Online here Bhutan People and Culture here Bhutan Photos at TrekEarth.com here Bhutan Travel here Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +6) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here 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 Visa Information here

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This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/bhutan.html