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{| class="infobox" style="width:300px; font-size:90%;"
{{Short description|Landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas}}
|+ '''Kingdom of Bhutan'''
{{Infobox country
|-
|name=Bhutan
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[File:Flag of Bhutan.svg|250px|alt=National flag of Bhutan|Flag of Bhutan]]
|official_name=Kingdom of Bhutan
|-
|native_name=འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ།
! Native name
|flag_image=Flag of Bhutan.svg
| འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ (''Druk Gyalkhap'')<ref name="ungegn">[https://ungegn.un.org/dashboard/countries/details?id=64 Country Details – Bhutan], United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|flag_alt=National flag of Bhutan
|-
|flag_caption=National flag
! Official name
|map_image=Bhutan (orthographic projection).svg
| Kingdom of Bhutan<ref name="ungegn" />
|map_alt=Globe showing the location of Bhutan
|-
|map_caption=Location of Bhutan
! Capital
|capital=[[Thimphu]]
| [[Thimphu]]<ref name="undata">[https://data.un.org/en/iso/BT.html Bhutan], UNData. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|largest_city=[[Thimphu]]
|-
|continent=[[Asia]]
! Largest city
|region=[[South Asia]]
| Thimphu<ref name="undata" />
|official_languages=[[Dzongkha]]
|-
|demonym=Bhutanese
! Official language
|government=Democratic constitutional monarchy
| [[Dzongkha]]<ref name="constitution">[https://cms.parliament.gov.bt/uploads/Constitution_Dzongkha_n_english_1a63683445.pdf Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan], Parliament of Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|head_of_state_title=Druk Gyalpo (King)
|-
|head_of_state=[[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]
! Government
|head_of_government_title=Prime Minister
| Democratic constitutional monarchy<ref name="government">[https://parliament.gov.bt/system-of-government System of Government], Parliament of Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|head_of_government=[[Tshering Tobgay]]
|-
|legislature=[[Parliament of Bhutan]]
! Monarch
|formation=Hereditary monarchy established in 1907; democratic constitutional monarchy established in 2008
| [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]<ref name="leaders">[https://www.cia.gov/resources/world-leaders/foreign-governments/bhutan Bhutan – World Leaders], Central Intelligence Agency, updated 1 June 2026. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|area=38,394 km²
|-
|area_km2=38394
! Prime Minister
|population=790,718
| [[Tshering Tobgay]]<ref name="pmo">[https://pmo.gov.bt/about-us/ About Us – Office of the Prime Minister], Royal Government of Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|population_number=790718
|-
|population_as_of=2026 projection
! Legislature
|population_density=20.6/km²
| [[Parliament of Bhutan]]
|gdp_nominal=US$3.58 billion
|-
|gdp_nominal_year=2025
! Upper house
|currency=[[Bhutanese ngultrum]]
| [[National Council of Bhutan]]
|currency_code=BTN
|-
|timezone=Bhutan Time (UTC+6)
! Lower house
|internet_tld=.bt
| [[National Assembly of Bhutan]]<ref name="government" />
|website=https://www.gov.bt/
|-
}}
! Area
| 38,394 km²<ref name="geography">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/bhutan-at-glance/geography/ Geography], Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|-
! Population
| 796,682 (2025)<ref name="worldbankdata">[https://data.worldbank.org/country/bhutan Bhutan – Data], World Bank. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|-
! Currency
| [[Bhutanese ngultrum]] (BTN)<ref name="undata" />
|-
! UN membership
| 21 September 1971<ref name="unmembership">[https://bhutan.un.org/en/about/about-the-un About the UN in Bhutan], United Nations in Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|-
! Country code
| BT / BTN<ref name="ungegn" />
|-
! Calling code
| +975<ref>[https://www.ibiblio.org/units/codes/country.htm Country Codes], ibiblio. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
|-
! Internet TLD
| .bt
|-
! Website
| [https://www.gov.bt/ gov.bt]
|}


'''Bhutan''', officially the '''Kingdom of Bhutan''', is a landlocked country in the eastern [[Himalayas]] of [[South Asia]]. It lies between [[China]] to the north and [[India]] to the east, south and west, and covers 38,394 square kilometres.<ref name="geography" /> Its capital and largest city is [[Thimphu]].<ref name="undata" /> The United Nations estimated Bhutan's population at about 797,000 in 2025.<ref name="undata" /><ref name="worldbankdata" />
'''Bhutan''', officially the '''Kingdom of Bhutan''', is a landlocked country in the [[Eastern Himalayas]] of [[South Asia]]. It borders [[China]] to the north and [[India]] to the east, south and west, and covers 38,394 square kilometres.<ref name="geography">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/bhutan-at-glance/geography/ "Geography"]. ''Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan''. 24 November 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Its capital and largest city is [[Thimphu]].<ref>[https://www.mowhs.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Annual%20Information%20Bulletin_2019.pdf "Annual Information Bulletin 2019"]. ''Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> The National Statistics Bureau projected the country's population at 790,718 for 2026.<ref name="population">[https://nsb.gov.bt/page/240/ "National Statistics Bureau"]. ''National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Dzongkha is the national language, while English is widely used in education.<ref name="language">[https://bhutan.travel/faqs "FAQs"]. ''Bhutan Travel, Department of Tourism''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan is a [[constitutional monarchy|democratic constitutional monarchy]]. The [[Druk Gyalpo]], or Dragon King, is the head of state, while the prime minister heads the elected government.<ref name="government" /> [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]] is the fifth Druk Gyalpo, and [[Tshering Tobgay]] has served as prime minister since returning to office following the 2024 parliamentary election.<ref name="leaders" /><ref name="pmo" /> The country's constitution was adopted in 2008, completing a political transition from an absolute hereditary monarchy to a parliamentary democratic system.<ref name="constitution" /><ref name="government" />
Bhutan has been a democratic constitutional monarchy since 2008. The Druk Gyalpo, or King, is the head of state, while executive government is led by the prime minister and Council of Ministers. Legislative authority is exercised through a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Druk Gyalpo, the [[National Council of Bhutan|National Council]] and the [[National Assembly of Bhutan|National Assembly]].<ref name="government">[https://parliament.gov.bt/system-of-government "System of Government"]. ''Parliament of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> As of 2026, [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]] is the fifth Druk Gyalpo,<ref name="king">[https://nab.parliament.gov.bt/news/wu5bmdrukgtlagykg7l68kmt "Joint Press Release on Official Visit of Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Bhutan (13-15 May 2026)"]. ''National Assembly of Bhutan''. 15 May 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> and [[Tshering Tobgay]] is prime minister.<ref name="pmo">[https://pmo.gov.bt/about-us/ "About Us"]. ''Prime Minister's Office, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan is widely associated with the development philosophy of [[Gross National Happiness]] (GNH), which treats social well-being, culture, environmental protection and governance as important parts of national development alongside economic growth.<ref name="gnh2022">[https://bhutanstudies.org.bt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2022-GNH-Survey-Report_compressed-1.pdf GNH 2022], Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref> The country is also known for extensive forest cover, Himalayan biodiversity, hydropower development and a tourism policy designed to limit environmental and social pressure.<ref name="geography" /><ref name="worldbankoverview">[https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/bhutan Bhutan], World Bank. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref><ref name="tourismvisa">[https://bhutan.travel/visa Visa], Bhutan Travel. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
Bhutan is noted for its mountainous landscape, extensive forests, Buddhist cultural heritage and the development philosophy of [[Gross National Happiness]]. Hydroelectric power is a major part of its economy, and the country maintains constitutional requirements for long-term forest conservation.<ref name="constitution">[https://dlgdm.gov.bt/storage/upload-documents/2021/9/20/Constitution-of-bhutan-2008.pdf "The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan"]. ''Royal Government of Bhutan''. 2008. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
== Name ==
 
The English short name of the country is ''Bhutan'', while its formal English name is the ''Kingdom of Bhutan''. In Dzongkha, the country is known as འབྲུག་ཡུལ་ (''Druk Yul'') in its short form and འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ (''Druk Gyalkhap'') as its formal name.<ref name="ungegn" /> The term ''Druk'' refers to the thunder dragon, an important symbol in Bhutanese identity that also appears on the national flag.
 
== Geography ==
 
Bhutan occupies a mountainous section of the eastern Himalayas. It shares its northern border with China and is otherwise surrounded by India.<ref name="geography" /> Elevation changes sharply over a short distance, from low-lying subtropical areas in the south to Himalayan terrain exceeding 7,000 metres in the north.<ref name="nchm">[https://www.nchm.gov.bt/home/pageMenu/134 River System of Bhutan], National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
Much of the population is concentrated in valleys and lower mountain areas. The country's rugged terrain has shaped settlement, transport, agriculture and communications. Major river systems flow generally southward from the Himalayas into the [[Brahmaputra River]] basin in India.<ref name="geography" /> Bhutan's rivers also provide the basis for its large hydropower sector.
 
The country's major river systems include the Amo Chhu, Wang Chhu, Punatsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu and their tributaries.<ref name="geography" /> Mountain valleys formed by these rivers include many of Bhutan's main settlements and agricultural areas.
 
=== Climate ===
 
Bhutan's climate varies greatly with elevation and topography. Southern areas have subtropical conditions, central valleys generally have a more temperate climate, and high northern areas experience alpine conditions.<ref name="nchmclimate">[https://www.nchm.gov.bt/home/pageMenu/781 Climate Control], National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
The southwest monsoon is a major influence on rainfall. Most of the country has a wet summer season from approximately June to September and a comparatively dry winter.<ref name="nchmclimate" /> Bhutan is exposed to hazards including flash floods, landslides, river erosion and glacial lake outburst floods, partly because settlements and infrastructure are concentrated in steep river valleys.<ref name="nchm" />
 
=== Environment and biodiversity ===
 
Forests cover a large majority of Bhutan's land area. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy describes forest cover at about 72 percent of the country's territory.<ref name="geography" /> Article 5 of the constitution requires the government to maintain at least 60 percent of Bhutan's total land area under forest cover for all time.<ref name="constitution" />
 
The country's large differences in elevation support ecosystems ranging from subtropical forests to alpine habitats. Bhutan forms part of the biologically rich eastern Himalayan region and contains protected areas, wildlife corridors and forest ecosystems supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.<ref name="geography" />
 
Bhutan has frequently described itself as carbon-negative, meaning that its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country's domestic activities emit. The World Bank also identifies environmental conservation as a central feature of Bhutan's development model.<ref name="worldbankoverview" />


== History ==
== History ==
Recorded Bhutanese history is closely connected with the spread of Buddhism into the Himalayas. According to the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, the Buddhist teacher [[Padmasambhava]], known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche, visited the region in the eighth century, and Buddhism subsequently became a major influence on Bhutanese society and culture.<ref name="history">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/bhutan-at-glance/history/ "History"]. ''Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Archaeological evidence indicates human settlement in the region that is now Bhutan long before the beginning of its recorded political history. Bhutanese official historical accounts place the introduction and spread of Buddhism among the most important early developments in the formation of the country's culture.<ref name="history">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/bhutan-at-glance/history/ History], Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
In the 17th century, [[Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal]] unified much of the territory that forms modern Bhutan and established a dual system of religious and secular administration. Political authority later became fragmented, and regional rivalries increased during the 18th and 19th centuries.<ref name="history"/>


According to the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, the Buddhist teacher [[Padmasambhava]], known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche, visited the region in the 8th century. Buddhism subsequently became a major influence on Bhutanese religious, social and political life.<ref name="history" />
In 1907, [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] was chosen as Bhutan's first hereditary Druk Gyalpo, establishing the [[Wangchuck dynasty]]. The monarchy subsequently oversaw the gradual development of modern state institutions and greater engagement with other countries.<ref name="history"/>


=== Unification and traditional government ===
Bhutan joined the [[United Nations]] on 21 September 1971 following the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2751 (XXVI).<ref name="un">[https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/655736 "Admission of Bhutan to membership in the United Nations: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly"]. ''United Nations Digital Library''. 21 September 1971. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


During the 17th century, [[Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal]], a Tibetan Buddhist leader, brought much of the territory under a unified system of authority. He established a dual system of religious and secular administration, with separate leadership for monastic and civil affairs.<ref name="history" /> Fortified monastery-administrative complexes known as [[dzong]] became important centres of both government and religious life.
Political reforms culminated in the country's first parliamentary elections in 2008. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan was adopted on 18 July 2008, formally establishing Bhutan as a democratic constitutional monarchy.<ref>[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/upr-report-final.pdf "National Report Submitted in Accordance with Paragraph 15 (A) of the Annex to Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1: Bhutan"]. ''Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who had succeeded his father as king, was formally crowned as the fifth Druk Gyalpo in 2008.<ref name="history"/>


After Ngawang Namgyal's period, regional rivalries and internal political struggles weakened central authority. By the 19th century, disputes involving regional rulers and conflicts on Bhutan's southern frontier contributed to a demand for stronger political leadership.<ref name="history" />
Bhutan graduated from the United Nations category of least developed countries on 13 December 2023 after a five-year preparatory period.<ref name="ldc">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/press-release-619/ "Press Release"]. ''Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


=== Establishment of the monarchy ===
== Geography ==
 
Bhutan lies in the eastern part of the Himalayan mountain system. Its terrain rises from lower subtropical areas near the Indian border to high Himalayan mountains in the north. The country has a land area of 38,394 square kilometres, and government geographic information describes elevations ranging from about 100 metres to approximately 7,500 metres.<ref name="geography"/>
In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was chosen as Bhutan's first hereditary king, establishing the Wangchuck dynasty.<ref name="history" /> The monarchy strengthened central administration and gradually increased Bhutan's contact with the outside world.


Bhutan and British India had earlier fought over border territories. The political relationship that developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was later replaced by a new regional relationship after India became independent.
The country's river systems include the Amo Chhu, Wang Chhu, Punatsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu systems. These rivers flow generally southward toward the [[Brahmaputra River]] basin and provide water for irrigation as well as substantial hydroelectric potential.<ref name="geography"/>


In 1949, Bhutan and India signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The treaty became an important framework for bilateral relations and was revised in 2007.<ref name="indiabhutan">[https://www.indembthimphu.gov.in/pages/NDEy India–Bhutan Relations], Embassy of India, Thimphu. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
Climate varies considerably with elevation. Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate, central valleys experience more temperate conditions, and high northern areas have an alpine climate.<ref name="geography"/>


=== Modernisation and international relations ===
=== Environment and conservation ===
Forest conservation has a constitutional basis in Bhutan. Article 5 of the Constitution requires the government to ensure that at least 60 percent of the country's total land remains under forest cover for all time.<ref name="constitution"/> National statistics for 2025 reported forest cover of 69.71 percent.<ref>[https://www.nsb.gov.bt/download/14525/?tmstv=1773945253 "Key Facts About Bhutan - 2025"]. ''National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan began a broader process of planned economic and institutional development during the reign of the third king, [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]]. The country gradually expanded modern education, healthcare, roads and government institutions and became increasingly engaged with international organisations.<ref name="unpartnership">[https://bhutan.un.org/en/download/88045/157356 Bhutan and the United Nations], United Nations in Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
Bhutan also maintains an extensive network of protected areas. The country's REDD+ Secretariat reports 19,966.15 square kilometres of protected territory, equivalent to about 52 percent of Bhutan's total land area.<ref name="protected">[https://redd.dofps.gov.bt/ "REDD+ Secretariat"]. ''Department of Forests and Park Services, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
Bhutan joined the [[United Nations]] on 21 September 1971, becoming its 128th member.<ref name="unmembership" /> Its membership followed a gradual opening to international relations after a long period of limited foreign contact.<ref name="bhutanun">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/pmbny/bhutan-and-the-un-2/ Bhutan and the UN], Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the United Nations. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
=== Democratic transition ===
 
Political decentralisation developed gradually during the later 20th century. Under the fourth king, [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]], powers were increasingly transferred to elected and administrative institutions.
 
Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections in 2008 and adopted its constitution the same year.<ref name="government" /><ref name="history" /> The constitution defines Bhutan as a democratic constitutional monarchy and separates state authority among executive, legislative and judicial institutions.<ref name="constitution" />
 
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck became the fifth king after his father's abdication in 2006 and was formally crowned in 2008.<ref name="history" />


== Government and politics ==
== Government and politics ==
Bhutan's Constitution defines the country as a democratic constitutional monarchy. The Druk Gyalpo serves as head of state, while the Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister, exercises executive authority. The Constitution provides for separate legislative, executive and judicial branches.<ref name="government"/>


Bhutan's constitution establishes a democratic constitutional monarchy.<ref name="government" /> The Druk Gyalpo is head of state, while executive authority is exercised by the elected government through the Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister.<ref name="government" />
The national legislature is the [[Parliament of Bhutan]]. Its elected chambers are the National Assembly and National Council. The National Assembly has 47 constituencies.<ref>[https://nab.gov.bt/page/about "About"]. ''National Assembly of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
The national Parliament consists constitutionally of the Druk Gyalpo and two elected chambers: the [[National Council of Bhutan|National Council]] and the [[National Assembly of Bhutan|National Assembly]].<ref name="government" /> The National Assembly has 47 constituencies.<ref name="election2024">[https://www.ecb.bt/declaration-of-results-of-the-4th-national-assembly-elections-2023-2024-general-election/ Declaration of Results of the 4th National Assembly Elections, 2023–2024], Election Commission of Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
The 2024 National Assembly election resulted in the [[People's Democratic Party (Bhutan)|People's Democratic Party]] winning 30 of the 47 seats, while the Bhutan Tendrel Party won 17 and became the parliamentary opposition.<ref name="election2024" /> Tshering Tobgay, who had previously served as prime minister from 2013 to 2018, returned as head of government in 2024.<ref name="pmo" />
 
The constitution also protects the separation of legislative, executive and judicial functions.<ref name="government" /> Buddhism is described in the constitution as Bhutan's spiritual heritage, while freedom of thought, conscience and religion is also constitutionally recognised.<ref name="religion">[https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/bhutan/ 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Bhutan], U.S. Department of State. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
== Administrative divisions ==
 
Bhutan is divided into 20 districts known as ''[[dzongkhag]]s''.<ref name="localgov">[https://www.dlgdm.gov.bt/dlg-faq Local Government FAQ], Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref> Below the district level are local government bodies including ''gewog'' administrations and municipal bodies known as ''thromdes''.<ref name="localgov" />


The 20 dzongkhags are:
The fourth National Assembly general election was held on 9 January 2024. The [[People's Democratic Party (Bhutan)|People's Democratic Party]] won 30 of the 47 seats, while the [[Bhutan Tendrel Party]] won 17. The Election Commission consequently declared the People's Democratic Party the ruling party and the Bhutan Tendrel Party the opposition party.<ref name="election">[https://www.ecb.bt/declaration-of-results-of-the-4th-national-assembly-elections-2023-2024-general-election/ "Declaration of Results of the 4th National Assembly Elections, 2023-2024 (General Election)"]. ''Election Commission of Bhutan''. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Tshering Tobgay began his second period as prime minister in January 2024.<ref name="pmo"/>


# [[Bumthang District|Bumthang]]
=== Administrative divisions ===
# [[Chhukha District|Chhukha]]
Bhutan is divided into 20 districts known as ''[[dzongkhag]]s''. Local government also includes 205 ''gewogs'' and four elected ''thromde'' local governments.<ref name="localgov">[https://dlgdm.gov.bt/dlg-faq "FAQ"]. ''Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
# [[Dagana District|Dagana]]
# [[Gasa District|Gasa]]
# [[Haa District|Haa]]
# [[Lhuentse District|Lhuentse]]
# [[Mongar District|Mongar]]
# [[Paro District|Paro]]
# [[Pemagatshel District|Pemagatshel]]
# [[Punakha District|Punakha]]
# [[Samdrup Jongkhar District|Samdrup Jongkhar]]
# [[Samtse District|Samtse]]
# [[Sarpang District|Sarpang]]
# [[Thimphu District|Thimphu]]
# [[Trashigang District|Trashigang]]
# [[Trashiyangtse District|Trashiyangtse]]
# [[Trongsa District|Trongsa]]
# [[Tsirang District|Tsirang]]
# [[Wangdue Phodrang District|Wangdue Phodrang]]
# [[Zhemgang District|Zhemgang]]
 
The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management reports 20 dzongkhags and 205 gewogs within the local government system.<ref name="localgov" />


== Foreign relations ==
== Foreign relations ==
Bhutan became a United Nations member in 1971.<ref name="un"/> It maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries while giving particular importance to its relationship with neighbouring India.


Bhutan's foreign policy has traditionally placed particular importance on maintaining sovereignty while developing relations with neighbouring states and multilateral organisations.
Formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968. Cooperation covers trade, education, development projects, culture and hydropower, and India is a major market for Bhutanese electricity and other exports.<ref name="india">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/bilateral-relations-2/ "Bilateral Relations"]. ''Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


India is Bhutan's largest economic partner and has longstanding political, development and energy ties with the country. The modern bilateral relationship is based in part on the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, revised in 2007.<ref name="indiabhutan" /> Hydropower cooperation is a central part of the relationship, with Bhutan exporting surplus electricity to India.<ref name="indiahydro">[https://www.mea.gov.in/bhutan-in.htm India and Neighbours – Bhutan], Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
Bhutan and China do not have a fully delimited boundary and have held negotiations on their shared border. The 15th Expert Group Meeting on Bhutan-China boundary issues was held in Beijing from 30 March to 1 April 2026, with both sides continuing work under their Three-Step Roadmap and related technical process.<ref name="china">[https://www.mfa.gov.bt/%F0%9D%90%8F%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%AC-%F0%9D%90%91%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%A5%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%9E-16/ "Joint Press Release of the 15th Expert Group Meeting on Bhutan-China Boundary Issues"]. ''Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan''. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971 and participates in international and regional institutions.<ref name="unmembership" /> The United Nations has maintained a presence in the country since the 1970s and works with Bhutan on development, governance, climate resilience and social programmes.<ref name="unmembership" />


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Bhutan's economy includes hydropower, services, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and tourism. Hydroelectricity is particularly important for domestic economic activity and exports. The World Bank reported that real gross domestic product grew by 8.1 percent in fiscal year 2024/25, supported by hydropower expansion and recovery in services.<ref name="worldbank">[https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/bhutan "Bhutan"]. ''World Bank''. Updated 28 April 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan's economy combines agriculture, services, construction, tourism and a large hydropower sector. Its mountainous rivers give the country significant hydroelectric potential, and electricity exports to India have become an important source of revenue.<ref name="worldbankoverview" /><ref name="indiahydro" />
World Bank data placed Bhutan's GDP at approximately US$3.58 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of about US$4,492.8.<ref name="worldbankdata">[https://data.worldbank.org/country/bhutan "Bhutan | Data"]. ''World Bank''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
According to the World Bank, Bhutan's gross domestic product was approximately US$3.58 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of about US$4,493.<ref name="worldbankdata" /> Real GDP growth was about 8 percent in 2025 according to World Bank data.<ref name="worldbankdata" />
 
Bhutan's economy has undergone substantial change from its historically agrarian base. Services now represent the largest share of gross value added in United Nations statistics, while industry includes electricity production, construction and manufacturing.<ref name="undata" />
 
=== Hydropower ===
 
Hydroelectricity is one of Bhutan's most important industries. Mountain rivers and high rainfall provide substantial generation potential, and electricity exports are closely linked with Bhutan's economic relationship with India.<ref name="worldbankoverview" /><ref name="indiahydro" />
 
In 2026, Bhutan and the World Bank signed financing agreements for the 1,125-megawatt Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project on the Kurichhu River. The World Bank said the project was expected to increase national energy production and provide surplus electricity for export to India.<ref name="dorjilung">[https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/05/05/the-royal-government-of-bhutan-and-the-world-bank-sign-financing-agreements-for-the-dorjilung-hydroelectric-power-projec The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank Sign Financing Agreements for the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project], World Bank, 5 May 2026. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
Hydropower also creates economic vulnerabilities because construction requires large investment and imported materials, while electricity generation can vary seasonally.<ref name="worldbankupdate">[https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/bhutan/publication/bhutan-development-update-bdu Bhutan Development Update – Spring 2026], World Bank. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
=== Agriculture ===
 
Agriculture remains important to rural livelihoods even as its share of national output has declined relative to services and industry. Crops, livestock and forestry are especially important outside the main urban centres.<ref name="undata" />
 
Bhutan's geography limits the amount of easily cultivable land. Farming is concentrated in river valleys, terraces and lower-altitude areas, while high mountain regions support different forms of livestock production and pastoral activity.
 
=== Tourism ===
 
Bhutan regulates international tourism through a system that includes visas and a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). As of 2026, most foreign visitors were required to obtain a visa and pay an SDF of US$100 per adult per day, in addition to a visa application fee.<ref name="tourismvisa" />
 
The official tourism authority states that revenue from the SDF supports areas including healthcare, education, infrastructure, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and tourism development.<ref name="tourismfaq">[https://bhutan.travel/faqs FAQs – Sustainable Development Fee], Bhutan Travel. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
Major destinations include [[Thimphu]], [[Paro]], [[Punakha]], [[Bumthang]] and the cliffside [[Paro Taktsang]] monastery, commonly called the Tiger's Nest.
 
== Gross National Happiness ==
 
[[Gross National Happiness]] is one of the best-known features of Bhutan's development policy. Rather than treating economic output as the sole measure of national progress, the GNH framework examines multiple dimensions of well-being.<ref name="gnh2022" />
 
The Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies measures GNH through a national index covering nine domains. These include psychological well-being, health, education, time use, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and resilience, and living standards.<ref name="gnh2022" />


Bhutan's 2022 national GNH survey reported an index value of 0.781, compared with 0.756 in 2015 and 0.743 in 2010.<ref name="gnh2022" /> In the 2022 survey, 9.5 percent of respondents were classified as "deeply happy" and 38.6 percent as "extensively happy", while 45.5 percent were classified as "narrowly happy" and 6.4 percent as "unhappy" under the index methodology.<ref name="gnh2022" />
The national currency is the [[Bhutanese ngultrum]]. Monetary reform introduced the ngultrum in 1974, with 100 chhetrum equal to one ngultrum.<ref>[https://www.rma.org.bt/historyCurrency/ "History of Currency"]. ''Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> The Royal Monetary Authority states that the ngultrum has been maintained at parity with the [[Indian rupee]] since its introduction.<ref name="rma">[https://www.rma.org.bt/mpolicy/ "Monetary Policy"]. ''Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


The Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies announced in 2026 that a new GNH survey was being prepared for 2027, making the 2022 survey the latest completed nationwide round at that time.<ref>[https://bhutanstudies.org.bt/%F0%9F%8C%8F-%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%A5-%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%9A/ International Day of Happiness – Help Shape Bhutan's Fifth GNH Survey], Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, 20 March 2026. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
Bhutan's development policy has also been associated with the concept of [[Gross National Happiness]] (GNH). The GNH Index is used as a measurement and policy tool and encompasses nine domains covering areas including living standards, health, education, the environment, governance, culture, community vitality, time use and psychological well-being.<ref name="gnh">[https://bhutanstudies.org.bt/gross-national-happiness/ "Gross National Happiness"]. ''Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
The National Statistics Bureau's projected population for 2026 is 790,718.<ref name="population"/> Bhutan has a relatively small population in relation to its land area, with settlements concentrated primarily in valleys and lower-elevation areas.


The World Bank estimated Bhutan's population at 796,682 in 2025.<ref name="worldbankdata" /> The country's population density is low by South Asian standards, reflecting its mountainous terrain and relatively small population. UNData estimated a population density of about 20.8 people per square kilometre in 2025.<ref name="undata" />
Dzongkha is the national language. Bhutan is linguistically diverse, and the Department of Tourism states that 19 languages are spoken in the country. English is widely used in the education system.<ref name="language"/>


Bhutan has experienced rapid demographic change. Fertility has fallen below replacement level, urbanisation has increased and large numbers of younger Bhutanese have moved abroad for study or employment.<ref name="demography">[https://bhutan.un.org/en/302371-un-bhutan-annual-horizon-scan-2025 UN Bhutan: Annual Horizon Scan 2025], United Nations in Bhutan, 29 September 2025. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref> The United Nations has identified declining fertility, youth outmigration and population ageing as major long-term policy issues for the country.<ref name="demography" />
Buddhism has played an important role in Bhutanese history, institutions, architecture and cultural life. The Constitution identifies Buddhism as the country's spiritual heritage while providing for religious institutions and personalities to remain above politics.<ref name="constitution"/> Hinduism is also practiced, particularly among communities in southern Bhutan.<ref name="geography"/>


=== Ethnic and linguistic groups ===
== Culture ==
 
Bhutanese culture reflects Himalayan Buddhist traditions alongside regional and local customs. Religious monuments, monasteries and fortified administrative-monastic complexes known as ''[[dzong]]s'' are prominent features of the country's cultural landscape.
Bhutan has several major cultural and linguistic communities. They include the Ngalop of western Bhutan, the Sharchop communities of the east and Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa communities in the south, together with smaller regional groups.
 
Dzongkha is the national language under the constitution.<ref name="constitution" /> Other languages spoken in the country include Tshangla, Nepali and numerous regional Tibeto-Burman languages.
 
English is widely used in formal education and administration alongside Dzongkha.
 
=== Religion ===
 
Buddhism has a central role in Bhutanese culture and national history. Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, particularly the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma traditions, are widely practised.<ref name="culture">[https://bhutan.travel/experiences-culture Culture in Bhutan], Bhutan Travel. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>


Hinduism is also widely practised, particularly among communities in southern Bhutan. Estimates cited by the U.S. Department of State have placed Buddhists at roughly three-quarters of the population and Hindus at roughly one-quarter, although the Bhutanese government does not publish regular religious population statistics.<ref name="religion" />
Traditional clothing remains a visible element of Bhutanese public life. The men's traditional robe is known as the ''gho'', while women traditionally wear the ''kira''.<ref name="culture">[https://visitbhutan.com/page.php?id=4 "Bhutan's Cultural Heritage"]. ''VisitBhutan.com''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> [[Archery]] is Bhutan's national sport and is played in both traditional and modern forms.<ref name="culture"/>


The constitution recognises Buddhism as the country's spiritual heritage but also provides for freedom of thought, conscience and religion.<ref name="religion" />
Festivals known as ''[[tsechu]]s'' combine religious observances, social gatherings and masked dances. Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites, including [[Paro Taktsang]], are among the country's best-known cultural landmarks.


=== Refugees and citizenship disputes ===
Bhutan became a state party to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 2001. As of September 2026, it had no properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, while eight properties were included on its Tentative List.<ref name="unesco">[https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/bt "Bhutan"]. ''UNESCO World Heritage Centre''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>
 
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, political and citizenship disputes involving many Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa residents in southern Bhutan led to a large refugee population in neighbouring Nepal. UNHCR records describe more than 100,000 people as having arrived in Nepal from Bhutan during this period.<ref name="unhcr">[https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/520a3e559.pdf The State of the World's Refugees and related UNHCR analysis], United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>
 
Accounts of the events remain disputed. Bhutan maintained that many of those in the refugee camps had left voluntarily or were not Bhutanese citizens, while refugees and their representatives argued that they had been forced to leave because of government policies and discrimination.<ref name="unhcr" /> Most of the long-term refugee population was eventually resettled in third countries through an international programme.


== Education ==
== Education ==
Modern public education expanded substantially after Bhutan began its planned development programmes in the early 1960s. Dzongkha and English are used as languages of instruction, and basic school education extends from pre-primary through Class X.<ref>[https://www.nsb.gov.bt/download/4931/?tmstv=1745157996 "Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan"]. ''National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Modern formal education expanded substantially during the second half of the 20th century as Bhutan developed public institutions and infrastructure. Education is an important part of the country's human-development strategy.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development reported 517 public schools and 30 private schools as of August 2026. It listed 146,201 students in public schools and 8,540 in private schools.<ref name="education">[https://education.gov.bt/ "Ministry of Education and Skills Development"]. ''Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan has made broad gains in schooling and literacy over recent decades, although geographic access, teacher distribution, youth employment and migration remain policy challenges. The World Bank identifies improved education outcomes as one of the major social gains accompanying Bhutan's economic development.<ref name="worldbankoverview" />
Higher education is provided through institutions including the [[Royal University of Bhutan]] and other tertiary and professional institutions.
 
Higher education institutions include the [[Royal University of Bhutan]] and its constituent colleges.


== Health ==
== Health ==
Bhutan's Constitution requires the state to provide free access to basic public health services in both modern and traditional medicine. The Ministry of Health identifies access, equity and quality of health services among its principal mandates.<ref name="health">[https://moh.gov.bt/pages/about-us-moh/ "About Us"]. ''Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Bhutan operates a publicly funded health system and has expanded access to primary healthcare, vaccination, maternal care and other services over recent decades. The World Bank reports significant improvements in Bhutan's health outcomes alongside wider social development.<ref name="worldbankoverview" />
Modern and traditional medicine operate within the national health system, with public facilities providing primary and higher-level medical services across the country.<ref name="health"/>
 
Life expectancy at birth reached approximately 73 years in 2024 according to World Bank data.<ref name="worldbankdata" /> Mountainous terrain and scattered settlements continue to make healthcare delivery more difficult in some remote areas.
 
== Culture ==


Bhutanese culture reflects a strong influence from Vajrayana Buddhism, regional Himalayan traditions and the country's historic system of monasteries and fortified administrative centres.
== Infrastructure and transport ==
Mountainous terrain strongly influences Bhutan's transport infrastructure. Roads provide the principal overland connections between settlements and with neighbouring India.


Traditional architecture is visible in dzongs, temples, monasteries and houses. Dzongs historically combined religious, administrative and defensive functions and remain prominent landmarks in many districts.
[[Paro International Airport]] is the country's principal international airport. It is administered by the Department of Air Transport under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.<ref name="airport">[https://www.doat.gov.bt/international-airport/ "Paro International Airport"]. ''Department of Air Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Domestic airports provide additional links to parts of eastern and central Bhutan.<ref>[https://www.doat.gov.bt/domestic-airport/ "Domestic Airport"]. ''Department of Air Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Traditional Bhutanese dress includes the ''gho'', commonly worn by men, and the ''kira'', commonly worn by women. National customs, dress and etiquette are associated with a broader cultural code known as ''Driglam Namzha''.
Bhutan uses Bhutan Time, six hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+6).<ref>[https://www.doat.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AIP-BOOK-2013.pdf "Aeronautical Information Publication"]. ''Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Government of Bhutan''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref> Its country-code top-level internet domain is ''.bt''.<ref>[https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/bt.htm "Delegation Record for .BT"]. ''Internet Assigned Numbers Authority''. Retrieved 27 September 2026.</ref>


Religious festivals known as ''tsechus'' are held in different parts of Bhutan, often featuring masked dances, ritual performances and gatherings at dzongs or monasteries.
== Did you know about Bhutan? ==
 
* Bhutan's Constitution requires a minimum of 60 percent of its total land area to remain under forest cover for all time.<ref name="constitution"/>
Archery has a major place in Bhutanese recreational and cultural life and is the country's national sport.
* Approximately 52 percent of Bhutan's territory is classified as protected area by the country's REDD+ Secretariat.<ref name="protected"/>
 
* The Bhutanese ngultrum has been pegged at parity with the Indian rupee since the ngultrum was introduced in 1974.<ref name="rma"/>
=== Architecture and religious sites ===
* Bhutan graduated from the United Nations least developed country category on 13 December 2023.<ref name="ldc"/>
 
* As of September 2026, Bhutan had eight sites on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List but no properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.<ref name="unesco"/>
Among Bhutan's best-known religious sites is [[Paro Taktsang]], a Buddhist monastery complex built into cliffs above the Paro Valley. The site is associated with traditions concerning Guru Padmasambhava and has become an important religious and cultural landmark.
* Bhutan's 2026 population projection was 790,718.<ref name="population"/>
 
Other major historic and religious structures include [[Punakha Dzong]], [[Tashichho Dzong]], [[Trongsa Dzong]] and numerous monasteries and temples throughout the country.
 
== Media and communications ==
 
Bhutan's communications sector expanded rapidly with the introduction of television, the internet and mobile telecommunications around the turn of the 21st century. Mobile services and internet access now connect much of the population, although terrain continues to affect infrastructure costs and service availability in remote regions.
 
The country has public and private media organisations operating in print, broadcasting and digital formats.
 
== Transportation ==
 
Bhutan's steep terrain makes road construction and transportation challenging. Roads provide the main form of internal transport between districts, while air links connect Bhutan with neighbouring and regional destinations.
 
[[Paro International Airport]] is the country's principal international airport. Domestic airports provide additional air access to other regions.
 
Road links through southern Bhutan connect the country with India and are important for trade and movement of goods.
 
== Development and social change ==
 
Bhutan has experienced major changes in living standards, infrastructure and public services since beginning planned national development in the 1960s. The country graduated from the United Nations category of [[least developed country|Least Developed Countries]] in December 2023.<ref name="worldbankoverview" />
 
The World Bank reported that the national poverty rate was 12.4 percent in 2022 and that extreme poverty under its international benchmark had fallen sharply.<ref name="worldbankoverview" /> At the same time, economic opportunities and poverty levels differ considerably between districts and between rural and urban areas.<ref name="worldbankoverview" />
 
Population ageing, low fertility, overseas migration, youth employment, economic diversification and climate change are among the country's major current development issues.<ref name="demography" /><ref name="worldbankupdate" />
 
Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan covers the period from 2024 to 2029 and forms part of a longer-term objective of creating a higher-income and more diversified economy while maintaining social and environmental priorities.<ref>[https://bhutan.un.org/en/about/about-the-un About the UN in Bhutan], United Nations in Bhutan. Accessed 25 September 2026.</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
 
* [[Bhutanese architecture]]
* [[Thimphu]]
* [[Drukpa Kagyu]]
* [[Himalayas]]
* [[Districts of Bhutan]]
* [[Himalayan states]]
* [[Gross National Happiness]]
* [[Gross National Happiness]]
* [[Paro Taktsang]]
* [[Politics of Bhutan]]
* [[Economy of Bhutan]]
* [[Culture of Bhutan]]
* [[Geography of Bhutan]]
* [[History of Bhutan]]
* [[South Asia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 316: Line 149:


== External links ==
== External links ==
 
* [https://www.gov.bt/ Royal Government of Bhutan portal]
* [https://www.gov.bt/ Royal Government of Bhutan]
* [https://pmo.gov.bt/ Prime Minister's Office]
* [https://parliament.gov.bt/ Parliament of Bhutan]
* [https://www.mfa.gov.bt/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade]
* [https://www.mfa.gov.bt/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade]
* [https://www.nsb.gov.bt/ National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan]
* [https://nsb.gov.bt/ National Statistics Bureau]
* [https://parliament.gov.bt/ Parliament of Bhutan]
* [https://bhutan.travel/ Official Bhutan tourism website]
* [https://bhutan.travel/ Official Bhutan tourism website]
* [https://www.instagram.com/nab_bhutan National Assembly of Bhutan on Instagram]
* [https://www.facebook.com/NABhutan/ National Assembly of Bhutan on Facebook]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@nationalassembly9689 National Assembly of Bhutan on YouTube]


[[Category:Bhutan]]
[[Category:Countries in Asia]]
[[Category:Countries in South Asia]]
[[Category:Countries in South Asia]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Himalayan countries]]
[[Category:Himalayan countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Kingdoms]]
[[Category:Constitutional monarchies]]
[[Category:Constitutional monarchies]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]

Revision as of 09:32, 27 September 2026

Bhutan
Country

National flag of Bhutan

National flag
Official name
Kingdom of Bhutan
Native name
འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ།




Capital
Thimphu
Largest city
Thimphu
Continent
Asia
Region
South Asia
Official languages
Dzongkha


Demonym
Bhutanese
Government
Democratic constitutional monarchy
Druk Gyalpo (King)
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Prime Minister
Tshering Tobgay
Legislature
Parliament of Bhutan
Formation
Hereditary monarchy established in 1907; democratic constitutional monarchy established in 2008
Area
38,394 km²


Population
790,718(2026 projection)
Population density
20.6/km²


GDP (nominal)
US$3.58 billion(2025)
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrum(BTN)
Time zone
Bhutan Time (UTC+6)



Internet TLD
.bt





Website
Official website

Globe showing the location of Bhutan

Location of Bhutan

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia. It borders China to the north and India to the east, south and west, and covers 38,394 square kilometres.[1] Its capital and largest city is Thimphu.[2] The National Statistics Bureau projected the country's population at 790,718 for 2026.[3] Dzongkha is the national language, while English is widely used in education.[4]

Bhutan has been a democratic constitutional monarchy since 2008. The Druk Gyalpo, or King, is the head of state, while executive government is led by the prime minister and Council of Ministers. Legislative authority is exercised through a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Druk Gyalpo, the National Council and the National Assembly.[5] As of 2026, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the fifth Druk Gyalpo,[6] and Tshering Tobgay is prime minister.[7]

Bhutan is noted for its mountainous landscape, extensive forests, Buddhist cultural heritage and the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Hydroelectric power is a major part of its economy, and the country maintains constitutional requirements for long-term forest conservation.[8]

History

Recorded Bhutanese history is closely connected with the spread of Buddhism into the Himalayas. According to the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, the Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava, known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche, visited the region in the eighth century, and Buddhism subsequently became a major influence on Bhutanese society and culture.[9]

In the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified much of the territory that forms modern Bhutan and established a dual system of religious and secular administration. Political authority later became fragmented, and regional rivalries increased during the 18th and 19th centuries.[9]

In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was chosen as Bhutan's first hereditary Druk Gyalpo, establishing the Wangchuck dynasty. The monarchy subsequently oversaw the gradual development of modern state institutions and greater engagement with other countries.[9]

Bhutan joined the United Nations on 21 September 1971 following the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2751 (XXVI).[10]

Political reforms culminated in the country's first parliamentary elections in 2008. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan was adopted on 18 July 2008, formally establishing Bhutan as a democratic constitutional monarchy.[11] Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who had succeeded his father as king, was formally crowned as the fifth Druk Gyalpo in 2008.[9]

Bhutan graduated from the United Nations category of least developed countries on 13 December 2023 after a five-year preparatory period.[12]

Geography

Bhutan lies in the eastern part of the Himalayan mountain system. Its terrain rises from lower subtropical areas near the Indian border to high Himalayan mountains in the north. The country has a land area of 38,394 square kilometres, and government geographic information describes elevations ranging from about 100 metres to approximately 7,500 metres.[1]

The country's river systems include the Amo Chhu, Wang Chhu, Punatsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu systems. These rivers flow generally southward toward the Brahmaputra River basin and provide water for irrigation as well as substantial hydroelectric potential.[1]

Climate varies considerably with elevation. Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate, central valleys experience more temperate conditions, and high northern areas have an alpine climate.[1]

Environment and conservation

Forest conservation has a constitutional basis in Bhutan. Article 5 of the Constitution requires the government to ensure that at least 60 percent of the country's total land remains under forest cover for all time.[8] National statistics for 2025 reported forest cover of 69.71 percent.[13]

Bhutan also maintains an extensive network of protected areas. The country's REDD+ Secretariat reports 19,966.15 square kilometres of protected territory, equivalent to about 52 percent of Bhutan's total land area.[14]

Government and politics

Bhutan's Constitution defines the country as a democratic constitutional monarchy. The Druk Gyalpo serves as head of state, while the Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister, exercises executive authority. The Constitution provides for separate legislative, executive and judicial branches.[5]

The national legislature is the Parliament of Bhutan. Its elected chambers are the National Assembly and National Council. The National Assembly has 47 constituencies.[15]

The fourth National Assembly general election was held on 9 January 2024. The People's Democratic Party won 30 of the 47 seats, while the Bhutan Tendrel Party won 17. The Election Commission consequently declared the People's Democratic Party the ruling party and the Bhutan Tendrel Party the opposition party.[16] Tshering Tobgay began his second period as prime minister in January 2024.[7]

Administrative divisions

Bhutan is divided into 20 districts known as dzongkhags. Local government also includes 205 gewogs and four elected thromde local governments.[17]

Foreign relations

Bhutan became a United Nations member in 1971.[10] It maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries while giving particular importance to its relationship with neighbouring India.

Formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968. Cooperation covers trade, education, development projects, culture and hydropower, and India is a major market for Bhutanese electricity and other exports.[18]

Bhutan and China do not have a fully delimited boundary and have held negotiations on their shared border. The 15th Expert Group Meeting on Bhutan-China boundary issues was held in Beijing from 30 March to 1 April 2026, with both sides continuing work under their Three-Step Roadmap and related technical process.[19]

Economy

Bhutan's economy includes hydropower, services, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and tourism. Hydroelectricity is particularly important for domestic economic activity and exports. The World Bank reported that real gross domestic product grew by 8.1 percent in fiscal year 2024/25, supported by hydropower expansion and recovery in services.[20]

World Bank data placed Bhutan's GDP at approximately US$3.58 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of about US$4,492.8.[21]

The national currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum. Monetary reform introduced the ngultrum in 1974, with 100 chhetrum equal to one ngultrum.[22] The Royal Monetary Authority states that the ngultrum has been maintained at parity with the Indian rupee since its introduction.[23]

Bhutan's development policy has also been associated with the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The GNH Index is used as a measurement and policy tool and encompasses nine domains covering areas including living standards, health, education, the environment, governance, culture, community vitality, time use and psychological well-being.[24]

Demographics

The National Statistics Bureau's projected population for 2026 is 790,718.[3] Bhutan has a relatively small population in relation to its land area, with settlements concentrated primarily in valleys and lower-elevation areas.

Dzongkha is the national language. Bhutan is linguistically diverse, and the Department of Tourism states that 19 languages are spoken in the country. English is widely used in the education system.[4]

Buddhism has played an important role in Bhutanese history, institutions, architecture and cultural life. The Constitution identifies Buddhism as the country's spiritual heritage while providing for religious institutions and personalities to remain above politics.[8] Hinduism is also practiced, particularly among communities in southern Bhutan.[1]

Culture

Bhutanese culture reflects Himalayan Buddhist traditions alongside regional and local customs. Religious monuments, monasteries and fortified administrative-monastic complexes known as dzongs are prominent features of the country's cultural landscape.

Traditional clothing remains a visible element of Bhutanese public life. The men's traditional robe is known as the gho, while women traditionally wear the kira.[25] Archery is Bhutan's national sport and is played in both traditional and modern forms.[25]

Festivals known as tsechus combine religious observances, social gatherings and masked dances. Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites, including Paro Taktsang, are among the country's best-known cultural landmarks.

Bhutan became a state party to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 2001. As of September 2026, it had no properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, while eight properties were included on its Tentative List.[26]

Education

Modern public education expanded substantially after Bhutan began its planned development programmes in the early 1960s. Dzongkha and English are used as languages of instruction, and basic school education extends from pre-primary through Class X.[27]

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development reported 517 public schools and 30 private schools as of August 2026. It listed 146,201 students in public schools and 8,540 in private schools.[28]

Higher education is provided through institutions including the Royal University of Bhutan and other tertiary and professional institutions.

Health

Bhutan's Constitution requires the state to provide free access to basic public health services in both modern and traditional medicine. The Ministry of Health identifies access, equity and quality of health services among its principal mandates.[29]

Modern and traditional medicine operate within the national health system, with public facilities providing primary and higher-level medical services across the country.[29]

Infrastructure and transport

Mountainous terrain strongly influences Bhutan's transport infrastructure. Roads provide the principal overland connections between settlements and with neighbouring India.

Paro International Airport is the country's principal international airport. It is administered by the Department of Air Transport under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.[30] Domestic airports provide additional links to parts of eastern and central Bhutan.[31]

Bhutan uses Bhutan Time, six hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+6).[32] Its country-code top-level internet domain is .bt.[33]

Did you know about Bhutan?

  • Bhutan's Constitution requires a minimum of 60 percent of its total land area to remain under forest cover for all time.[8]
  • Approximately 52 percent of Bhutan's territory is classified as protected area by the country's REDD+ Secretariat.[14]
  • The Bhutanese ngultrum has been pegged at parity with the Indian rupee since the ngultrum was introduced in 1974.[23]
  • Bhutan graduated from the United Nations least developed country category on 13 December 2023.[12]
  • As of September 2026, Bhutan had eight sites on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List but no properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.[26]
  • Bhutan's 2026 population projection was 790,718.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Geography". Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. 24 November 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  2. ↑ "Annual Information Bulletin 2019". Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "National Statistics Bureau". National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "FAQs". Bhutan Travel, Department of Tourism. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "System of Government". Parliament of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Joint Press Release on Official Visit of Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Bhutan (13-15 May 2026)". National Assembly of Bhutan. 15 May 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "About Us". Prime Minister's Office, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan". Royal Government of Bhutan. 2008. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "History". Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Admission of Bhutan to membership in the United Nations: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly". United Nations Digital Library. 21 September 1971. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  11. ↑ "National Report Submitted in Accordance with Paragraph 15 (A) of the Annex to Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1: Bhutan". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Press Release". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  13. ↑ "Key Facts About Bhutan - 2025". National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "REDD+ Secretariat". Department of Forests and Park Services, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  15. ↑ "About". National Assembly of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  16. ↑ "Declaration of Results of the 4th National Assembly Elections, 2023-2024 (General Election)". Election Commission of Bhutan. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  17. ↑ "FAQ". Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  18. ↑ "Bilateral Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  19. ↑ "Joint Press Release of the 15th Expert Group Meeting on Bhutan-China Boundary Issues". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  20. ↑ "Bhutan". World Bank. Updated 28 April 2026. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  21. ↑ "Bhutan | Data". World Bank. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  22. ↑ "History of Currency". Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Monetary Policy". Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  24. ↑ "Gross National Happiness". Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Bhutan's Cultural Heritage". VisitBhutan.com. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Bhutan". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  27. ↑ "Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan". National Statistics Bureau, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  28. ↑ "Ministry of Education and Skills Development". Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "About Us". Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  30. ↑ "Paro International Airport". Department of Air Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  31. ↑ "Domestic Airport". Department of Air Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  32. ↑ "Aeronautical Information Publication". Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
  33. ↑ "Delegation Record for .BT". Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
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