Independence was attained in 1949, with India subsequently guiding foreign relations and supplying aid.
Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry.
Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources.