Bhutan, Kingdom of

Bhutan, Kingdom of A small country in south Asia, lying in the Himalayas between China in the north and India in the south.

Physical

The northern part of Bhutan is entirely mountainous with spectacular peaks rising to 7300 m (nearly 24,000 feet). Deep valleys with fast-flowing rivers lead to warmer and lower land in the south, which is forested and offers soil for cultivation.

Economy

Tourism is significant in a largely agricultural economy with some light industry. Only about 9% of Bhutan's territory is cultivated; the chief crops are rice, maize, and fruit. Principal exports are electricity and wood products. Limestone and gypsum are present in large quantities. India, the major export destination, provides an annual subsidy.

History

Bhutan existed as a political unit by the end of the 17th century. The country is referred to in earlier monastic texts, but its early history is not clear. The first rulers of Bhutan were religious and political leaders, but the functions were later divided between a spiritual leader, the Dharma Raja, and an administrator, the Deb Raja. The Deb Raja was in theory elected by the regional governors, but in practice the strongest governor claimed the position. During the 19th century there were frequent wars between rival governors. The Dharma Raja was succeeded by a person traditionally regarded as a reincarnation of him. The office ceased to exist in the early 20th century when no reincarnation of the last Dharma Raja could be agreed. In 1907 a powerful regional governor was elected as the first hereditary maharaja, or king, who is called the Druk Gyalpo. His great-grandson Jigme Singye Wangchuk became king in 1972.

In 1774 Bhutan and the EAST INDIA COMPANY signed a treaty of cooperation. This was replaced in 1865 by a treaty with Britain, which allowed Britain to supervise Bhutan's external affairs. This role was transferred to British India in 1910, and to the newly independent Indian government in 1949. During the 1950s and 1960s the king liberalized Bhutanese customs, abolishing slavery and the caste system and improving the status of women. He established a National Assembly in 1953. In 1969 a more democratic constitution was adopted, but political parties remain illegal. The country has received large numbers of Tibetan refugees and Nepalese immigrants. In 1990 ethnic conflict broke out in southern Bhutan, with many Nepalese demanding greater recognition and protesting against government measures aimed at preserving Bhutanese culture and language.

Capital:	Thimphu
Area:	47,000 sq km (18,150 sq miles)
Population:	633,000 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 ngultrum = 100 chetrum (Indian rupee also legal tender)
Religions:	Buddhist 69.6%; Hindu 24.6%; Muslim 5.0%
Ethnic Groups:	Bhutia 62.5%; Gerung 15.5%; Assamese 13.2%
Languages:	Dzongkha (a Tibetan dialect) (official); Gurung; Assamese
International Organizations:	UN; Colombo Plan; Non-Aligned Movement