Bhutan is a sought-after destination for tourists the world over. Bhutan is a country with nature at its best and its scenic beauty unspoiled. It has been declared as one of the few ecological hotspots in the world. In this world of rapid urbanization, Bhutan stands apart as a tiny overwhelming green heaven for nature lovers with its 72% of the total area covered by natural forest. Bhutan has also received “The Champions of the Earth Award 2005” from the United Nations Environment Program.

Unique Culture, Traditions and Art
Complementing the grandeur of the nature are the unique tradition, culture and arts. These are associated with religious teachings. The incomparable hand work and the skillful talents in the Bhutanese art gives Bhutan a proud identity. From the massive Dzongs to houses and bridges, the Bhutanese art and architecture is always a part of Construction.

The colorful festivals called ‘tshechus’ are celebrated with traditional dances, mask dances and music in the open courtyards of the Dzongs (fortresses). These festivals are celebrated in different Dzongkhags (districts) at different times of the year.

Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced in Bhutan, when the Tibetan King Songtsen Gembo ordered the construction of the Kichhu Lhakhang in Paro and the Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang in the 7th Century. In the 8th Century, the Great Guru Padmasambhava came to Bumthang. The great Guru was invited by the King Sindhu Raja of Bumthang to cure him from the harm caused by evil spirits. The great Guru subdued the demons and converted the King to Buddhism. Thus the Nyingmapa Buddhism started to spread in Bhutan with the construction of many Buddhist temples and monasteries around the country.

Monarchy and Democracy
In the year, 1972, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was elected the first hereditary King of Bhutan by the people and other important figures of the time, thus the monarchy was founded. In the year 1926, his son King Jigme Wangchuck succeeded him. He was succeeded by his son King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. He initiated many modern developments in Bhutan. Under his leadership Bhutan joined the United Nations and other International Organizations.

In the year 1972, at a very young age of 17, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the youngest King in the world. Under his leadership, Bhutan is now one of the fastest developing countries. On the 100th National Day (2007), King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck was enthroned as the fifth King of Bhutan. However the coronation ceremony was celebrated in November 2008.

In the year 2008 the Constitutional Monarchy Democratic form of government was established. Currently, there are two democratic parties, The People’s Democratic Party and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. The present ruling party is the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa.

Gross National Happiness
One of the most debated topics around the world, the Gross National Happiness is one of the principles of our benevolent King. It is the working towards the happiness of all the citizens rather than Gross National Product.

Flora and Fauna
Bhutan has a very rich natural heritage with its 72% of area covered in natural forest. Bhutan has over 7,000 species of plants and over 675 species of birds including the endangered black necked crane. Bhutan is one of the leading countries in environmental conservation.

People, Language and Race
Bhutanese people are friendly and fun loving people. The people in Bhutan can be broadly categorized into three groups, the Ngalongs of the central and western Bhutan, the Sarchops in the east and the Lhotshampas in the south.

A few races in Bhutan are the Monpas, people of Mongolian race who inhabited the dense forests of the southern Himalayas. The other race is the Milo, who inhabited the western part. There are also few other such races like Doyas.

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan. Literally “Dzongkha” means the language spoken in the Dzongs. Originally, dzongkha was spoken by the people of Western Bhutan and it was an oral language till 1971. Till the time, the written language was the Chhoekey, the language of religion. In 1971, Bhutanese scholars formed the Dzongkha language in written. English is also widely spoken among the younger generations and the educated older generations. Several other dialects are also spoken around the country. A few of such dialects are Bumthap kha, Kheng Kha, Sarchop Kha, etc.

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