Geography
Bhutan is a not so big
Himalayan Kingdom which lies between China to the North and India to the South.
It is a mountainous country with clean fast flowing rivers and pristine natural
environment. More than 60% of Bhutan is under forest cover. The fast-flowing
rivers are used for generating electricity which is one of the major sources of
revenue. It has a total area of about 38,394 square kilometers with a
population of just 0.7 Million distributed across 20 districts.
System of Government
Bhutan has been under the
rule of benevolent Kings since 1907 and His Majesty the current King is the 5th
King of Bhutan. Before 1907, Bhutan had various petty rulers and was divided
into various regions ruled by different rulers. It was the Father of His
Majesty the 1st King and the 1st King himself who brought the unity among the
people under one rule. The focus then was on uniting the people of Bhutan
besides improving the livelihoods of people. Since then, Bhutan had Absolute
Monarchy form of a government; however, during the reign of His Majesty the
late 3rd Druk Gyalpo, decentralization of power to the people has
been initiated. Also, Bhutan opened to the outside world during the reign of
His Majesty the 3rd Druk Gyalpo.
Bhutan in 2008 has moved
from absolute Monarchy to Democratic Constitutional Monarchy during the reign
of His Majesty the great 4th King of Bhutan. His Majesty voluntarily enforced
the constitution to his people which was unprecedented. His Majesty also
abdicated the throne entrusting the full trust and responsibility to his son,
the Crown Prince of Bhutan then and who is now the 5th King of
Bhutan.
Bhutan today is in 3rd phase (2018-2023) of democratic form of government since
its inception in the year 2008. His Majesty is the Head of the State and His
Holiness is the Head of the religious affairs of Bhutan. And His Excellency the
Honorable Prime Minister is the Head of the Government of the
day. There are 20 districts each headed by a District
Administrator (Dzongdag) appointed by His Majesty the King.
The Districts are further divided into smaller sub-divisions headed by elected
local leaders.
Culture
Bhutan is rich in culture
and each region of Bhutan has different culture. Dzongkha is
the National Language and the Gho and Kira are
the National dresses for men and women respectively. The people respect elders
and follow certain etiquette which is passed down from generations to
generation. There are many festivals celebrated in Bhutan and there are region
wise festivals. Each District has their own annual festivals which are the main
occasions for tourist attractions, both local and international.
National Identities
Dzongkha as mentioned earlier is the National Language and Gho for
men and Kira for women are the National dresses. A vajra on
top of lotus enclosed from left and right by Dragons in circular shape is the
National Emblem. The National Flag is rectangular with two sets of color, upper
yellow and lower orange divided diagonally. Along the seam of upper yellow and
lower orange runs a white dragon with snarling mouth facing outward and
upward. Takin and Blue poppy are the National animal and
flower of Bhutan respectively. Raven is the National bird of Bhutan and 17th December
every year is celebrated as the National Day of Bhutan. A stanza consisting of
six lines which describes Bhutan and offers prayer for the long life of our
majesty and Bhutan’s sovereignty is the National Anthem of Bhutan.
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