BHUTAN

The Bhutanese refer to their country as DRUK-YUL or the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Druk meaning dragon and extending from the pre-dominant Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Bhutan's History parallels Buddhism's spread in the Himalayas and to properly understand Bhutan's history one needs to understand its religion. Bhutanese History is closely associated with its religion. Bhutanese history dates back to the 7th century. Bhutan has managed to preserve its historical sites and culture along with its environment and there are monasteries that date back from the 7th century onwards. While at the threshold of the Millennium the Bhutanese are more determined than ever to preserve its age old culture and fragile environment.

For Centuries Bhutan's isolation and its self-reliant national character kept the Kingdom outside the path of economic development. Although this seclusion prevented Bhutan from fully benefiting from many of the medical, technical and scientific advances of the day, it also shielded the country from many of the detrimental side effects of poorly planned or haphazard development. As a result, Bhutan has emerged as a role model in the preservation of its culture and environment in the "today's world".

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Located in the heart of the high Himalayan Mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country surrounded by mountains in the north and west. The population of 620,000 is made up primarily of indigenous Bhutanese. Altitudes in the south range from 1,000 to 4,500 feet. Altitudes in the more populated central regions range from 4,000 to 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude of Thimphu, the capital, is 7,700 feet. The immense beauty of the Himalayas is contained in its diverse landscape. Cascading rivers, conifers, wild rhododendron and blue poppies, long sweeping valleys, fields of maize and tall imposing white-capped peaks: these are only a few poetic references. The land also changes with the strikingly different seasons. Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Spring marked with unusual fauna, summer/monsoon, autumn brings clear skies and warm days and finally winter which is surprisingly mild with only a few snow falls each year.

Spotting unusual fauna in Bhutan is almost obligatory. Golden langur, the species of long-tailed monkey unique to Bhutan, can often be found along the central road bisecting the kingdom, Yaks are ubiquitous as are Takins on higher slopes. The Himalayan blue sheep is common in Bhutan, as are many unusual and rare butterfly species.

BHUTANESE POLITICAL SYSTEM

Ever since the notification of the country under the Drukpa banner in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel , the Chhoesi or the Dual System of Government, her system of governance has been on a progressive path of evolution. In 1907, the Bhutanese people pledged their undying loyalty and dedication to the Wangchuk dynasty and since then, Bhutan has been on the path of progress under the benevolent guidance of her farsighted rulers. In 1998, the 4th King of Bhutan, his Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk with the aim of decentralization and encouraging peoples participation decreed the setting up of the government. Accordingly, the king is the head of the state while a council of ministers duly elected by the National assembly shall take turns as the head of government. The ministers are elected for a period of five years.

The system of government, unique in its formulation and guidelines is an evidence of the vision and faith that his majesty has in the Bhutanese people.

BHUTAN - RACE OF PEOPLE

The Bhutanese people belong to the Mongoloid race. While the national language is `Dzongkha`, different regions speak separate dialects, such as Nepali among the settlers of Nepali origin in the south. However, in the government, alongside `Dzongkha` English is commonly used, and therefore, its usage is quite wide. Bhutanese dress are intricately hand-woven with many bright colors. The male dress is the robe-like `gho` worn at knee length, and the woman wear the `kira` at ankle length. As Buddhism is the state religion, almost all Bhutanese follow the Buddhist faith. The state maintains a large clergy whose residence is provided in the many `dzongs` or castle fortress which served as centers of religious and cultural activities, and the seat of civil authority. The `dzongs` and their functions have remained virtually intact to this day. Hence, the chief annual festivals or `tsechus` of every community and district are conducted in their respective dzongs. Nearly 90 percent of all Bhutanese are farmers, growing rice-the staple grain-wheat, maize, and rising livestock. Their houses built of rammed mud, stone and wood are brightly painted and generally have three floors. And like the Swiss chalet, they are shingle roofed. Their craftsmanship extends to bamboo weaving, silver work, bronze casting, carving and painting. As mountain people everywhere Bhutanese are sturdy and good natured, and always love a game of archery, the national past time.

BHUTAN - AND MODERNIZATION

Before the advent of modernization, Bhutan was a largely self contained rural economy. The Bhutanese people developed farming systems which met their substance needs and used available resources in sustainable manner. With the exceptions of salt everything was produced or available in the country. All these changed with coming of Bhutan's third monarch when he succeeded his father to the throne in 1952. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk had a vision of another Bhutan. He wished a life with better health and therefore, chose to open the doors to his hermit kingdom and lead his people on the path to modernization. The first modernization plan was launched in 1960, and since then there has been no looking back.