Chief
of State: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24
July 1972)
Head of Government: Chairman
of the Council of Ministers Sangay NGEDUP (since 5 September
2005)
Government Type: monarchy; special
treaty relationship with India |
Population:
2,279,723
note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2006
est.)
Languages: Dzongkha (official),
Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak
various Nepalese dialects
Religion: Lamaistic Buddhist
75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
Life Expectancy: 54.78 |
Currency:
ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)
GDP(per capita): $1,400 (2003
est.)
Overview: 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 90% 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 dependence 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. Bhutan's hydropower potential
and its attraction for tourists are key resources. 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. Detailed
controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial
licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper
foreign investment.
Exports: electricity (to India),
cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit,
precious stones, spices
Import: fuel and lubricants,
grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice
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Location:
Southern Asia, between China and India
Area: total: 47,000 sq km
land: 47,000 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
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
the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized
the annual subsidies the country received, and defined
India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations.
A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains
unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK
unveiled the government's draft constitution - which
would introduce major democratic reforms - and pledged
to hold a national referendum for its approval. A referendum
date has yet to be named.
Independence Day: 8 August
1949 (from India)
Capital City: Thimphu
Administrative divisions: 18
districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang,
Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi,
Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar,
Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
note: there may be two new districts
named Gasa and Yangtse |
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