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Bhutan often revered as the ‘Land of the Peaceful dragon’ is also regarded as one of the ‘Last Shangri-La’ in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.

Country Profile:
Name: Bhutan (Druk yul)
Population: 7, 00,000(1996)
Capital: Thimpu
Location: lies between 890 and 920 E and 270 and 280 N
Time: 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time
Language: Dzongkha
People: Two main populations group in Bhutan- the Dukpa (67%) of the Tibetan and Monpa origin and Lhotsampa (30%) of the Nepalese origin. Rest 3% comprises of the indigenous group such as Toktop, Doya and Lepcha.

Geography:
Bhutan shares its boundaries with Tibet on the north, Sikkim state of India in the west and India in east and south.

Religion:
Bhutan is purely a Buddhist kingdom. Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism is the state religion however Nyingma School is also well represented in the central and eastern districts.

Festivals:
Festivals known as the Tsechu are religious festivals which are festivals in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the eight century saint commemorating his great deeds. These great deeds are all believed to have taken place on the tenth of the month, which is the meaning of the word “Tsechu”. Tsechus are celebrated for several days, between three and five days and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in religious content. For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and to gain much merits. They are also the occasion for seeing people and for being seen and social exchanges. People bring out their finest clothes and has an atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails. It is also an great opportunity for the visitor to interact with the local people and witness the mask dances, folk songs and be with the Bhutanese.

Climate:
The monsoon in Bhutan starts in mid June and last the end of September. The climate within the mountains in the north varies greatly according to precipitation and wind condition. The climate is sub-tropical with high humidity and heavy rainfall in the Duars plain and up to 1500m. The climate of mid-mountain belt varies, such that low-lying parts of the country have cool winter and hot summer, whereas the higher valleys have temperate climate with cold snowy winters and some what cooler summer.

Economy:
The per capita of Bhutan was estimated to be US$ 500 with the annual growth of 5% according to the statistic of 1995. Over 90% of the total population depends on agriculture and livestock rearing which together account for some 50% of GDP, despite the fact that only 2% of the land is arable.

Money:
The national currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu) 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1= Nu 48. Indian Rupees circulate at par.