Bhutan

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**Bhutan** is a small country located in South Asia, nestled in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. Bhutan is known for its unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and commitment to preserving its environment and traditional way of life.

==Geography==Bhutan has an area of 38,394 square kilometers and is primarily mountainous, with peaks ranging from 1,500 to 7,000 meters above sea level. The country's climate varies depending on altitude, with subtropical conditions in the south and cold temperatures in the north. Bhutan is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the snow leopard, the Bengal tiger, and the black-necked crane.

==History== Bhutan's history dates back to the 7th century, when the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo built a series of temples in the region. In the centuries that followed, Bhutan was ruled by a series of powerful religious leaders known as the Zhabdrung, who unified the country and established the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism as the state religion.

In 1907, Bhutan became a monarchy when the first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned. The country remained isolated from the outside world until the 1960s, when it began to open up to the rest of the world and adopt modern development practices.

==Politics== Bhutan is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the king as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The Bhutanese government has two legislative bodies: the National Council, which is the upper house, and the National Assembly, which is the lower house.

The king of Bhutan is highly respected and has significant influence in the country's political affairs. The current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, ascended to the throne in 2006 and has since played an active role in promoting national unity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

==Economy== Bhutan has a small and largely agrarian economy, with agriculture and forestry accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. The country is known for its production of high-quality organic crops such as apples, potatoes, and mushrooms. Bhutan has also made significant investments in renewable energy, including hydroelectric power, which accounts for the majority of the country's electricity generation.

Tourism is an important source of revenue for Bhutan, with the government implementing a high-value, low-impact tourism policy to ensure that the country's unique culture and environment are protected. Bhutan is also a member of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and has established economic ties with other countries in the region.

==Culture== Bhutanese culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, with the majority of the population practicing the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism. The country's traditional dress, known as the Gho for men and the Kira for women, is widely worn and is a symbol of national identity.

Bhutanese art, music, and dance are also an important part of the country's culture, with traditional dances such as the Cham dance and the Boedra being performed at festivals and other celebrations. Bhutan is also home to a number of historic monasteries and temples, including the Tiger's Nest monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley.

==Education== Bhutan has made significant strides in expanding access to education in recent years, with a focus on providing universal primary education and increasing enrollment in secondary and tertiary education. The country has established a number of universities and colleges, including the Royal University of Bhutan, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

==Healthcare== Bhutan has a national healthcare system that provides free basic healthcare to all citizens. The country has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates and improving maternal health outcomes in recent years, with the government implementing a number of initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality.

==Infrastructure== Bhutan has made significant investments in infrastructure in recent years, with a focus on improving road networks, expanding access to electricity, and increasing access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The country has also invested in telecommunications infrastructure, with mobile phone and internet access becoming increasingly widespread.

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## External links

Government of Bhutan official website

Tourism Council of Bhutan official website