About Bhutan in Brief
Geography and Location of Bhutan
Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is distinguished by its dramatic mountain landscapes, lush valleys, and diverse ecosystems. The country’s geography spans from subtropical plains in the south to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the north. Bhutan’s climate varies considerably with altitude, ranging from temperate in the lower regions to alpine conditions at higher elevations. This diversity supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, offering visitors experiences that range from exploring subtropical forests to embarking on high-altitude treks. Notably, 72.3% of Bhutan is forested, underscoring the nation’s commitment to environmental preservation. Bhutan is also unique in its pledge to remain carbon neutral indefinitely, actively working to offset its carbon footprint and maintain a balance between development and ecological conservation. plains in the south to the subalpine Himalayan mountains in the north, where peaks can exceed 7,000 meters (22,966 feet).
History of Bhutan
Bhutan, a small kingdom in the eastern Himalayas, has a unique and rich history shaped by its Buddhist traditions and strategic isolation. The country was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who established Bhutan’s dual system of governance, combining spiritual and secular authority. This system laid the foundation for Bhutan’s political structure, which endured for centuries. During the British colonial expansion in South Asia, Bhutan managed to preserve its independence through careful diplomacy, maintaining a relatively isolated existence that allowed it to safeguard its cultural heritage and traditions.
In the 20th century, Bhutan began a gradual process of modernization under the leadership of its monarchy, which was established in 1907 with the crowning of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first king. He eceived his knighthood titles from the British government in 1905 by the British Empire, recognizing his role as a mediator during the British expedition to Tibet and his efforts in maintaining peace and good relations between Bhutan and British India. Despite opening up to the world, Bhutan has remained committed to preserving its unique identity. This commitment is embodied in its development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), introduced in the 1970s by His Majesty Fourth Druk Gyelpo King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. GNH prioritizes the well-being of the Bhutanese people, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance over purely economic growth. In 2008, Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with its first democratic elections, marking a new chapter in its history while continuing to balance tradition and modernity in the 21st century.