Discover Fascinating Bhutan Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Bhutan.
Bhutan
Background
๐๏ธ Bhutan has a rich history with some exciting moments! After winning the Duar War in 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed an important agreement called the Treaty of Sinchulu. This treaty meant Bhutan would get money every year in return for giving some of its land to British India. Fast forward to 1907, and Bhutan celebrated a big day when it became a unified kingdom under its very first hereditary king. ๐ But thatโs not all! In 1949, Bhutan strengthened its national identity by signing the Treaty of Friendship with India, which secured its independence! ๐ง๐นโจ
Year Bhutan became a unified kingdom
1907
Year Bhutan signed Treaty of Friendship with India
1949
Exports - commodities
๐ Bhutan is not just known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture; it also has a variety of valuable exports! Here's what Bhutan exported in 2022:
- Iron alloys
- Dolomite
- Gypsum
- Cement
- Electricity โก
These commodities contribute to the economy and help Bhutan connect with the global market! ๐
Exports - partners
๐ Bhutan is known for its exports, and the data shows that its biggest partner is India! In 2022, a whopping 88% of Bhutan's exports went to India! ๐ฎ๐ณ๐คฉ Other countries also play a role in Bhutan's trade, though they represent much smaller portions. Italy comes in second with 5% of exports, followed by Nepal and Colombia with 2% each, and last but not least, Singapore with 1%. It's fascinating to see how Bhutan connects with various parts of the world through trade! ๐ณ๏ธ๐ผ
Percentage of exports to India
88%
Percentage of exports to Italy
5%
Percentage of exports to Nepal
2%
Percentage of exports to Colombia
2%
Percentage of exports to Singapore
1%
Exports Partners of Bhutan (2022)
Capital
The capital city of Bhutan is Thimphu! ๐ This vibrant city is not just the political hub but also a place filled with rich culture and traditions. ๐ฏ Whether you are exploring the beautiful monasteries or enjoying the stunning views from the hills, Thimphu has something extraordinary to offer every visitor! ๐
Imports - commodities
๐ Bhutan imports a variety of essential commodities to meet its needs! Here are some of the key items they import as of 2022:
- Computers ๐ป
- Refined Petroleum โฝ
- Electrical Machinery โก
- Coke (used mainly in steelmaking) ๐ญ
- Wood Charcoal ๐ณ
These imports help keep the economy buzzing and ensure that the people of Bhutan have access to modern technology and energy sources!
Isn't it fascinating to see how these different commodities play a role in everyday life?
Total Commodities Imported
5
Climate
Bhutan has a diverse climate that changes depending on where you are in the country! ๐ In the southern plains, it's tropical, which means it's warm and can be humid. But if you head to the central valleys, you'll experience cool winters and hot summersโperfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery during the warmer months! Meanwhile, if you're in the Himalayas, get ready for severe winters and cool summers. ๐๏ธ This variety in climate makes Bhutan a unique place to explore all year round!
Executive branch
In Bhutan, the executive branch is led by two main figures ๐๏ธ: the King and the Prime Minister. The current Chief of State is King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who has been on the throne since December 14, 2006. The Head of Government is Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who took office recently on January 28, 2024. This shows a blend of tradition and change in Bhutan's leadership! ๐๐ณ๏ธ
King's Start Date
14 December 2006
Prime Minister's Start Date
28 January 2024
Legislative branch
๐ง๐น Bhutan has a special way of making laws! It has a bicameral Parliament, which means it has two parts. ๐ First, there's the National Council with 25 seats. Then, we have the National Assembly which has 47 seats. Together, they help shape the rules and decisions for the country! ๐๏ธ
Composition of Bhutan's Parliament
Natural resources
๐๏ธ Bhutan is blessed with a variety of natural resources that contribute significantly to its economy and environment. Among its wealth of resources, timber, hydropower, gypsum, and calcium carbonate stand out as key elements.
- Timber: Used widely in construction and woodworking, contributing to local industries.
- Hydropower: Bhutan harnesses its river systems to generate clean and renewable energy, making it a leading producer of hydropower in the region! โก
- Gypsum: A key ingredient in construction materials like plaster and cement. ๐๏ธ
- Calcium carbonate: An important resource used in various applications including the production of lime and in agriculture. ๐ฑ
These resources not only support Bhutan's economy but also its commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy! ๐
Natural Resources
timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate
Economic overview
๐ Bhutan's economy is unique and beautiful, much like its landscapes! Here are some exciting highlights:
- Hydropower Investments: Bhutan is harnessing its rivers to generate hydropower, which is driving economic development! โก
- Gross National Happiness Economy: Instead of just focusing on money, Bhutan values happiness as a measure of prosperity - how cool is that? ๐
- Sharp Poverty Declines: Good news! Bhutan has seen significant reductions in poverty, making life better for many citizens. ๐
- Low Inflation: Prices are staying stable, which means people can afford what they need without worrying about costs going up. ๐
- Strong Policies: The country has solid monetary and fiscal policies, helping to keep the economy steady. ๐๏ธ
- Stable Currency: Bhutan's currency remains strong, aiding in trade and investment. ๐ต
- COVID-19 Response: Bhutan has bounced back fairly well from the pandemic, keeping its citizens safe and sound. ๐ท
- Key Relations with India: India is an important partner for Bhutan, providing support and fostering growth in the region. ๐ค
- Climate Vulnerabilities: However, the country does face challenges from climate change that it's working to address. ๐
Economic Development from Hydropower Investments
significant
Focus on Gross National Happiness
true
Poverty Decline
sharp
Inflation Rate
low
Response Resilience to COVID-19
fairly resilient
Importance of India Relations
key
Government type
In Bhutan, the government operates as a constitutional monarchy. This means that while a king is the head of state, there are laws and a constitution in place that limit the powers of the monarchy, ensuring that the rights and voices of the people are also heard. How cool is that? ๐ฐ๐ Bhutan is making sure that both traditional and modern elements work together to create a unique system of governance! ๐
Ethnic groups
Ethnic Diversity in Bhutan ๐ง๐น
Bhutan is a colorful tapestry of people! ๐ Hereโs a fun breakdown of the main ethnic groups:
- Ngalop (Bhote): 50%
- Ethnic Nepali (mostly Lhotshampas): 35%
- Indigenous or Migrant Tribes: 15%
Together, these groups create a rich culture filled with traditions and histories! ๐
Let's look at how these groups compare to each other in Bhutan. ๐ง
Percentage of Ngalop
50%
Percentage of Ethnic Nepali
35%
Percentage of Indigenous or Migrant Tribes
15%
Ethnic Groups in Bhutan
Religions
In Bhutan, the landscape of faith is rich and varied! ๐ The majority of the population follows Lamaistic Buddhism, making up a whopping 75.3% of believers. Meanwhile, 22.1% practice Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism. Lastly, a small group of about 2.6% identifies with other religions. This diversity paints a colorful picture of spirituality in the country! ๐จ
Lamaistic Buddhism percentage
75.3%
Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism percentage
22.1%
Other religions percentage
2.6%
Religious Distribution in Bhutan
Languages
๐ Bhutan is a land of vibrant cultures and languages! According to estimates from 2005, the main languages spoken there showcase a colorful tapestry of communication among its people. Hereโs a fun breakdown:
- Sharchopkha: 28%
- Dzongkha (official): 24%
- Lhotshamkha: 22%
- Other languages: 26% (which includes foreign languages)
Isn't it fascinating how diverse languages make up the beautiful voice of Bhutan? ๐ Each of these languages plays an important role in the everyday lives of the Bhutanese people!
Total number of language categories
4
Language Distribution in Bhutan (2005)
Imports - partners
๐ Did you know that Bhutan's imports are greatly influenced by its neighboring countries? In 2022, hereโs how it breaks down:
- India leads the way with a whopping 75% of Bhutan's imports! ๐ฎ๐ณ
- Following far behind is China, contributing 12%. ๐จ๐ณ
- Then comes Indonesia at 5%. ๐ฎ๐ฉ
- Thailand holds 2% of the market share. ๐น๐ญ
- Finally, Singapore represents a tiny 1%. ๐ธ๐ฌ
This shows just how important India is for Bhutanโs trade! ๐ฎ๐
Percentage of Imports from India
75%
Percentage of Imports from China
12%
Percentage of Imports from Indonesia
5%
Percentage of Imports from Thailand
2%
Percentage of Imports from Singapore
1%
Bhutan's Import Partners (2022)
Population
๐ Population of Bhutan: The total population of Bhutan is 884,546 people! That's a vibrant community living in the heart of the Himalayas, known for its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. ๐๏ธโจ
Total Population
884,546
Area
Area of Bhutan ๐ง๐น
Did you know that Bhutan covers a total area of 38,394 square kilometers? Thatโs all land! ๐
There's no water area reported, which means every bit of this beautiful place is land! ๐๏ธ
Bhutan is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, all packed into this area. It may not be the largest country, but it sure has a big heart! ๐
Total Area
38,394 sq km
Land Area
38,394 sq km
Water Area
0 sq km
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
๐ฐ Let's take a closer look at Bhutan's Real GDP (purchasing power parity) over the past three years! This is a way to measure the health of the economy, and it's expressed in billions of dollars. Hereโs how Bhutanโs economy has been doing:
- 2022: $10.981 billion
- 2021: $10.437 billion
- 2020: $9.995 billion
As we can see, Bhutan's economy has been growing steadily! ๐
Growth Trend:
- The GDP increased from $9.995 billion in 2020 to $10.437 billion in 2021, and then further to $10.981 billion in 2022. That's an interesting trend that shows progress! ๐
Real GDP in 2022
10.981 billion
Real GDP in 2021
10.437 billion
Real GDP in 2020
9.995 billion
Bhutan's Real GDP (PPP) Growth (2020-2022)
Real GDP per capita
๐ Let's take a look at how Bhutan's Real GDP per capita has been growing over the last few years! It's a key indicator of how well the economy is doing, and it shows us how much money each person would have if the country's wealth was distributed evenly. In 2020, the Real GDP per capita was $12,900. ๐ต
In 2021, it increased to $13,400, showing positive growth! ๐ Finally, in 2022, it reached $14,000, which is an even bigger step up! ๐ This upward trend is exciting and indicates that Bhutan's economy is getting stronger!
Here's a summary of the Real GDP per capita from 2020 to 2022:
- 2020: $12,900
- 2021: $13,400
- 2022: $14,000
GDP per capita in 2022
14,000
GDP per capita in 2021
13,400
GDP per capita in 2020
12,900
Bhutan's Real GDP per Capita (2020-2022)
Imports
๐ Let's take a look at Bhutan's import data over the past few years! In 2023, Bhutan imported a total of $1.754 billion. Thatโs a nice increase compared to $1.581 billion in 2022! Even further back in 2021, the amount was lower at $1.027 billion. It's exciting to see how Bhutan's imports are evolving! ๐๐ฐ
Estimated Imports in 2023
$1.754 billion
Estimated Imports in 2022
$1.581 billion
Estimated Imports in 2021
$1.027 billion
Bhutan's Imports Over Time
Exports
๐ Bhutan's export numbers have been climbing steadily! Let's take a look at the estimated export values for the last few years:
- In 2021, Bhutan exported $739.514 million.
- Then in 2022, that amount grew to $791.342 million. ๐
- And in 2023, estimates show exports are up to $815.05 million! ๐
It's clear that Bhutan's trade is on an upward trend, showcasing the growth of its economy in recent years! ๐ช
Total Export Estimate for 2023
$815.05 million
Total Export Estimate for 2022
$791.342 million
Total Export Estimate for 2021
$739.514 million
Bhutan's Export Growth Over Years
Population Growth Rate
๐๏ธ Bhutan, a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas, has a population growth rate of 0.95% for the year 2024! This means that the number of people living in Bhutan is slowly increasing. ๐ฑ Just imagine more friends and families calling this stunning land their home with each passing year! ๐
Projected Population Growth Rate for 2024
0.95%