Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangri La. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul or the ‘Land of the Peaceful Dragon, the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty. (Bhutan General Information)
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development, particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in allowing traveling, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Interesting facts about Bhutan
Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since the inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to the growth and development of tourism. The Bhutanese tourism industry is based on the principle of sustainability ‘tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable.
- Full Country Name: The Kingdom of Bhutan
- Population: 716,896 (July 2012 est.)
- Capital City: Thimphu (Population: 90,000)
- Language: Dzongkha, English, Sharchop, Nepali, etc
- Religion: 70% Buddhist, 25% Hindu, 5% others
- Government: Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
- King: His Majesty the fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
- Prime Minister of Bhutan: Dr. Lotay Tshering (3rd PM after becoming democratically elected government)
- Time Zone: Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only a one-time zone throughout the country.
- National newspapers of Bhutan: Kuensel, Bhutan Observer, and The Bhutan Times are the local newspapers published in English. Kuensel is also published in the local language Dzongkha and Nepali.
Check Bhutanese Newspapers online:
- www.Kuenselonline.com
- www.theBhutanese.bt
- www.bhutantimes.com
Radio and TV in Bhutan.
Bhutan Broadcasting Service has programs in Dzongkha, English, and Nepali. Television started in the year 2000 and various channels are now available for the viewers such as BBC, CNN, Discovery, Star TV, ESPN, etc.
Language
‘Dzongkha’, one of the Tibetan family of languages is Bhutan’s national language. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the country.
Distances & Driving Time between places of Tourist Interest
All mode of transport within Bhutan is by road and there are no domestic airlines or trains. The motorable roads are well maintained and connect most of the places. However, the mountainous terrain and winding road restrict the average driving speed of vehicles to about 35 km per hour.