Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom, has a history rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and monarchy. It remained largely isolated until the mid-20th century. The country transitioned from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, environmental conservation, and unique cultural identity.
Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Covering an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers, Bhutan has a population of around 754,000 people. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. The official language is Dzongkha. Bhutan operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The country is known for its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over material growth. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and the sale of hydroelectric power to neighboring countries. Bhutan maintains a policy of strict environmental conservation, resulting in over 70% forest cover. The country is a member of the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
