Facts about Bhutan

Travel to Bhutan to know about interesting facts about Bhutan. Bhutan lies in the Eastern Himalayas. The Bhutan history stretches back to the origin of Buddhism by Guru Rimpoche(Guru Padmasambhava). People of Bhutan still live in harmony with nature and have evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a religious and cultural heritage and the guiding development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). All about Bhutan

Please find below brief facts about Bhutan

• Area of Bhutan: 38,394 Sq Km
• Altitude: Varying from 590.55ft to 24,770.34ft above sea level.
• Population: 825,722(live streaming pollution)
• Capital: Thimphu
• Local time: six hours ahead of GMT and ½ an hour ahead of IST (Indian Standard Time)
• Forest Cover: -72% (approximately).
• Agricultural land:- 7.8% or 8%
• Protected Areas System: 51.44% (19,676.57 Sq Km)

Bhutan Emblem

Bhutan Emblem contained in a circle. The Emblem of double diamond thunderbolts placed above a lotus surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. Bhutan Emblem double diamond thunderbolts represent the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity, the jewel – sovereign power, and the two dragons – a male and female, stand for the name of the country Bhutan.

Bhutan Flag

The shape of the Bhutan Flag is rectangular in shape. It is divided into two parts. Bhutan Flag dragon – a white dragon in the middle. Bhutan Flag colours are yellow and orange. Bhutan’s Flag image is Dragon. Bhutan’s Flag meaning to the upper yellow half signifies the country’s secular authority of the King. Bhutan Flag the lower saffron orange half signifies the religious practice and spiritual power of Buddhism. The dragon symbolizes the name of the country, and the white, purity and loyalty. Please find the Bhutan Flag image.

Bhutan National Bird

Bhutan National bird is Raven. The bird Raven is in connection to the crown of King. The crown of King is Raven’s head on the top. Bhutan National bird Raven relates to the deity of Bhutan. Raven head is Mahakala, the chief and most prominent deities of Bhutan.

Bhutan National Animal

Bhutan National animal is Takin. The Animal Takin is relating the history of a divine madman “Drukpa Kinley”. Bhutan National Animal  is mix of sheep, an ox, an antelope and goat. In the year 1905, the animal was discovered by a British officer who supposes to take documentary evidence in Bhutan.

Bhutan People

A majority of the Bhutanese in Bhutan are homogeneous groups divided linguistically into

1. Sharchops from Eastern part of Bhutan

2. Ngalong from Western and Central part of Bhutan

3. Lhotshampa from the southern part of Bhutan.

There are a number of smaller groups of people like Bumthap from Buktnang, Tshanla in the east, Layapa from Gasa district in the north-west, Brokpa in the north-east and Doya in the southern-west of Bhutan.

Bhutan Dress

Bhutanese Dress Bhutanese men wear “Gho”. A longish robe tied around the waist by a cloth belt, known as “Kera”. Bhutan dress  Bhutanese women wear an ankle-length dress is known as “Kira”. The Kira is made of bright colored fine woven fabric with traditional patterns.

Bhutan Currency

Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (1 Ngultrum = 100 Cheltrum) and was introduced in 1974. The Ngultrum is pegged with the Indian Rupee. Travelers traveling to Bhutan can carry international debit cards to withdraw money in Bhutan. In Bhutan, There are five banks in Bhutan. Only Punjab Bank from India operate in Bhutan with the brand name Druk Punjab Bank. Other four banks from Bhutan. one private bank is Tashi Bank operated by Tashi Group of Companies. The other three banks are Bank of Bhutan. Bank of Bhutan is the oldest government bank in Bhutan. Bhutan National Bank is a corporate bank. BDBL Bank is a rural-based bank operated in all districts in Bhutan.

National Sport of Bhutan

The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Other traditional sports include Degkor, darts and wrestling. International sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, martial arts, cricket, tennis, and table tennis are also popular.

 Architecture of Bhutan

The castle-like Dzongs, with their gently tapering walls, classic lines, large courtyards and beautiful galleries are among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Religion has an overwhelming influence in Bhutanese architecture, be it in homes or the countless temples and Chortens all over the nation.

Economy of Bhutan

Agriculture and livestock rearing have traditionally been the mainstay of the Kingdom’s economy. They contribute to about 45% of the GNP. 70% of Bhutan’s population lives on subsistence farming, growing rice, barley, millet, buckwheat, potatoes, mustard, chili, and vegetables. Forestry adds another 15% to the GNP. Today the export of hydropower to India, and tourism are the two highest revenue earners.

Arts and Crafts of Bhutan

Zorig Chusum refers to the 13 traditional visual arts and crafts that have been practiced for generations and passed down the ages. These arts are expressed through painting, carving, sculpture, calligraphy, carpentry, gold, silver and blacksmithing, bamboo work, weaving and embroidery, pottery, masonry, paper, and incense production.

Media of Bhutan

Media was privatized in 2006. Presently there are six newspapers, two dailies and four weeklies. In broadcast, there is only one state-owned television channel, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service(BBS), and four private radio stations.