Bhutan Population: 725,296
24 VISITORS FROM HERE!«  Previous Country | Next Country  » Back to Flag Counter Overview |  |
| Background | |
| In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned to Bhutan the areas annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. Elections for seating the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008. The disposition of some 40,000 Bhutanese refugees - housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved. |
 |
| |
| Geography | |
| Landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes | |
| Location: | Southern Asia, between China and India |
| Geographic coordinates: | 27 30 N, 90 30 E |
| Area: | total: 38,394 sq km land: 38,394 sq km water: 0 sq km Size comparison: about one-half the size of Indiana |
| Land Boundaries: | total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km |
| Coastline: | 0 km (landlocked) |
| Maritime claims: | none (landlocked) |
| Climate: | varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas |
| Terrain: | mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna |
| Elevation extremes: | lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m |
| Natural resources: | timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate |
| Land use: | arable land: 2.3% permanent crops: 0.43% other: 97.27% (2005) |
| Irrigated land: | 400 sq km (2003) |
| Natural hazards: | violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season |
| Current Environment Issues: | soil erosion; limited access to potable water |
| International Environment Agreements: | party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea |
| ^Back to Top | |
| People | |
| Population: | 725,296 (July 2013 est.) note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census |
| Age structure: | 0-14 years: 27.8% (male 102,991/female 98,730) 15-24 years: 20.6% (male 76,202/female 73,273) 25-54 years: 39.9% (male 155,216/female 134,363) 55-64 years: 5.7% (male 22,295/female 19,285) 65 years and over: 5.9% (male 22,546/female 20,395) (2013 est.) population pyramid: |
| Median age: | total: 25.3 years male: 25.9 years female: 24.7 years (2012 est.) |
| Population growth rate: | 1.175% (2012 est.) |
| Birth rate: | 18.75 births/1,000 population (2012 est.) |
| Death rate: | 6.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.) |
| Net migration rate: | 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.) |
| Sex ratio: | at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2011 est.) |
| Infant mortality rate: | total: 42.17 deaths/1,000 live births male: 42.82 deaths/1,000 live births female: 41.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.) |
| Life expectancy at birth: | total population: 67.88 years male: 67.01 years female: 68.79 years (2012 est.) |
| Total fertility rate: | 2.07 children born/woman (2013 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: | 0.2% (2009 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: | fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - deaths: | fewer than 100 (2009 est.) |
| Nationality: | noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese |
| Ethnic groups: | Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% |
| Religions: | Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% |
| Languages: | Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% |
| Literacy: | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 47% male: 60% female: 34% (2003 est.) |
| ^Back to Top | |
| Government | |
| Country name: | conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan local long form: Druk Gyalkhap local short form: Druk Yul |
| Government type: | constitutional monarchy |
| Capital: | name: Thimphu geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 38 E time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Administrative divisions: | 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang |
| Independence: | 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king) |
| National holiday: | National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) |
| Constitution: | ratified 18 July 2008 |
| Legal system: | civil law based on Buddhist religious law |
| Suffrage: | 18 years of age; universal |
| Executive branch: | chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of his father head of government: Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008) cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; the leadere of the majority party is nominated as the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but the 2008 constitution grants the Parliament authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008 |
| Legislative branch: | bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 administrative districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members nominated by the two parites and elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms) elections: National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by April 2013); National Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by April 2013) election results: National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2 |
| Judicial branch: | Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court; District Court, Sub-Divisional Court; judges appointed by the monarch upon recommendation from the National Judicial Commission; High Court (judges appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal |
| Political parties and leaders: | Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY] |
| Political pressure groups and leaders: | United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled) other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community |
| International organization participation: | ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) |
| Diplomatic representation in the US: | none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Lhatu WANGCHUK; address: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551 consulate(s) general: New York |
| Diplomatic representation from the US: | the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India) |
| ^Back to Top | |
| Economy | |
| The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 40% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. The import of equipment and fuel to build hydropower plants is leading to large trade and current account deficits, though new hydropower projects and electricity exports to India are creating employment and will probably sustain growth in the coming years. GDP has rebounded strongly since the global recession began in 2008. | |
| GDP (purchasing power parity): | GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.813 billion (2012 est.) $4.379 billion (2011 est.) $4.16 billion (2010 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars |
| GDP (official exchange rate): | GDP (official exchange rate): $1.214 billion (2012 est.) |
| GDP - real growth rate: | 9.9% (2012 est.) 5.3% (2011 est.) 11.8% (2010 est.) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP): | GDP - per capita (PPP): $6,500 (2012 est.) $5,900 (2011 est.) $5,700 (2010 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars |
| GDP - composition by sector: | agriculture: 15.1% industry: 34.2% services: 37.6% (2012 est.) |
| Labor force: | 299,900 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008) |
| Labor force - by occupation: | agriculture: 43.7% industry: 39.1% services: 17.2% (2004 est.) |
| Unemployment rate: | 4% (2009) 2.5% (2004) |
| Population below poverty line: | 23.2% (2008) |
| Household income or consumption by percentage share: | lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 37.6% (2003) |
| Inflation rate (consumer prices): | Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.3% (2012 est.) 8.9% (2011 est.) |
| Budget: | revenues: $581.5 million expenditures: $610.6 million note: the government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures (2012 est.) |
| Public debt: | 64% of GDP (2011 est.) 55% of GDP (2010 est.) |
| Agriculture - products: | rice, corn, root crops, citrus; dairy products, eggs |
| Industries: | cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism |
| Industrial production growth rate: | NA% |
| Electricity - production: | 6.826 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 |
| Electricity - consumption: | 1.161 billion kWh (2009 est.) |
| Electricity - exports: | 5.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) |
| Electricity - imports: | 20 million kWh (2009 est.) |
| Natural gas - production: | 0 cu m (2010 est.) |
| Natural gas - consumption: | 0 cu m (2010 est.) |
| Natural gas - exports: | 0 cu m (2010 est.) |
| Natural gas - imports: | 0 cu m (2010 est.) |
| Natural gas - proved reserves: | 0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.) |
| Current account balance: | -$312.1 million (2012 est.) -$354.9 million (2010 est.) |
| Exports: | $725.2 million (2012 est.) $665.3 million (2011 est.) |
| Exports - commodities: | electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil |
| Imports: | $1.28 billion (2012 est.) $1.185 billion (2011 est.) |
| Imports - commodities: | fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice |
| Debt - external: | $1.275 billion (2011) $836 million (2009) |
| Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: | $NA |
| Market value of publicly traded shares: | $NA |
| Exchange rates: | ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 53.28 (2012 est.) 46.67 (2011 est.) 45.73 (2010 est.) 46.68 (2009 est.) 43.51 (2008 est.) |
| Fiscal year: | 1 July - 30 June |
| ^Back to Top | |
| Communications | |
| Telephones in use: | 27,500 (2011) country comparison to the world: 181 |
| Cellular Phones in use: | 484,200 (2011) |
| Telephone system: | general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service, started in 2003, is now widely available international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2012) |
| Radio broadcast stations: | |
| Television broadcast stations: | |
| Internet country code: | .bt |
| Internet hosts: | 14,590 (2012) |
| Internet users: | 50,000 (2009) |
| ^Back to Top | |
| Transportation | |
| Airports: | 2 (2012) country comparison to the world: 198 |
| Airports (paved runways): | total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2012) |
| Airports (unpaved runways): | total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012) |
| Roadways: | total: 8,050 km paved: 4,991 km (includes 622 km of expressways) unpaved: 3,059 km (2003) |
| ^Back to Top | |
| Military | |
| Military branches: | Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009) |
| Military service age and obligation: | 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period (2011) |
| Manpower available for military service: | males age 16-49: 202,407 females age 16-49: 180,349 (2010 est.) |
| Manpower fit for military service: | males age 16-49: 157,664 females age 16-49: 144,861 (2010 est.) |
| ^Back to Top | |
«
Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter OverviewSource: CIA - The World Factbook