Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
Languages: The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is a Tibetan language spoken by the majority of the population. Dzongkha is used in government, education, and the media, and it is the language of instruction in schools. In addition to Dzongkha, many people in Bhutan also speak English, which is widely taught in schools and is often used as a second language in business and government. Finally, there are also a number of other languages spoken in Bhutan, including Nepali, Bumthangkha, and Chocangacakha, among others.
Ethnic Groups: Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
Belief Systems: Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.)
Demographics:
Population: 773646 people (World Rank: 166th) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 52.2 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 198th) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 1.58 %/yr (World Rank: 79th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 68.3 years (World Rank: 163rd) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 24.4 years (World Rank: 118th) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Bhutan
Worldatlas.com
Bhutan
World Factbook
Country Profile for Bhutan
United Nations
Bhutan
Wikipedia.org
Bhutan - Country Profile
U.S. Library of Congress
Bhutan - General Information
Encyclopedia.com
Culture and Tourism:
Traditional musical instruments from Bhutan
msicofbhutan.org
Recipes from Bhutan
Pinterest.com
Tourism Bhutan
All about Bhutan as a tourism destination
Festivals in Bhutan
List of Festivals in Bhutan
Paro Taktsang
Sacred Himalayan Bhuddist monastery
Thimphu
Visit Bhutan's Capital City
Dzongkha Language Resources:
Study in Bhutan
Study in Bhutan through the School for Field Studies
Government Related:
Bhutanese Embassy
in Washington D.C.
Bhutanese Government Websites
by Gunnar Anzinger
