Fast Facts



The land of the thunder dragon kingdom is a trekker’s paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. With 72 percent of the country under forest cover, Bhutan’s pristine ecology is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna.

This spiritual land is the last bastion of the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism which provides the essence of a unique identity for the 750,000 people.

Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and new. Here is a country that is slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient traditions.

Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other.

Facts and Figures

Land Area:                                                  38,394 square kilometers, similar size to Switzerland                                                                              
Forest Area: 72.5 %
Altitude: Between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
Inhabitants: 634,982
Language: Official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
Capital: Thimphu
Life expectancy: 63
National Tree: Cypress
National Bird: Raven
National Flower: Blue Poppy
National Sport: Archery
National Animal: Takin
Local time: Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time.

Number of tourists

visiting Bhutan in 2005:
13, 600

Human Development

Index ranking:

 134 out of 177 countries

Percentage of population involved in agriculture:

  
69%

Percentage of Bhutan’s land used for agriculture:

  
7.8%



  • Tourism is the third largest provider of foreign exchange in Bhutan, earning it US$18.5 million in 2005
  • The export of hydroelectricity to India provides 32% of government revenue

Glance of Bhutan