Source: Wikipedia
Flag of Bhutan
Capital: Thimphu 27°28′N 89°38′E Official language: Dzongkha, English Government: Monarchy
King: Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Prime Minister: Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk

Formation :
- Wangchuk Dynasty December 17, 1907

Area :
- Total 47,000 km² (131st) 18,147 sq mi
- Water (%) negligible

Population :
- 2005 estimate 2,232,291 (disputed)[1] (142nd)
- 2005 census 672,425
- Density 46/km²

GDP (PPP) 2005 estimate :
- Total $3.007 billion (160th)
- Per capita $3,921 (117th)

HDI (2003): 0.536 (medium) (134th)

Currency: Ngultrum (BTN)

Time zone: BTT (UTC+ 6:00 )
- Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+ 6:00 )

Internet TLD: .bt

Calling code: +975

The Kingdom of Bhutan (also Bootan) is a landlocked South Asian nation situated between India and People's Republic of China . The entire country is mountainous except for an 8-10 mile (13-16 km) wide strip of subtropical plains in the extreme south which is intersected by valleys known as the Duars. The elevation gain from the subtropical plains to the glacier-covered Himalayan heights exceeds 23,000 feet (7,000 m). Its traditional economy is based on forestry, animal husbandry and subsistence agriculture however these account for less than 50% of a GDP now that Bhutan has become an exporter of hydroelectricity[2]. Cash crops, tourism, and development aid (the latter mostly from India ) are also significant. An extensive census done in April, 2006 resulted in a population figure of 672,425. Thimphu is the capital and largest city.

Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world; foreign influences and tourism are regulated by the government to preserve its traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Most Bhutanese follow either the Drukpa Kagyu or the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism . The official language is Dzongkha (lit. "the language of the dzong"). Bhutan is often described as the last surviving refuge of traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture.

Bhutan is linked historically and culturally with its northern neighbor Tibet . Yet politically and economically today's kingdom has drawn much closer to India .

Bhutan has been a monarchy since 1907. The different dzongkhags were united under the leadership of the Trongsa Penlop. The current king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has made some moves toward constitutional government.

Bhutan is the smallest non-Arab nation in mainland Asia .