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Land area: 38,394 square kilometers
Forest area: 72.5 %
Altitude: between 240 metres and 7541metres above sea level
Inhabitants: 734,340
Language: official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
History
Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited possibly as early as 2000
BC. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally
its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th
century. Guru Rinpoche is one of the most important figures in Bhutan's history,
regarded as the second Buddha.
Before the 16th century, numerous clans and noble families ruled in different
valleys throughout Bhutan, quarrelling among them and with Tibet. This changed
in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, a monk of the Drukpa Kagyu school
of Buddhism from Tibet. He taught throughout the region and soon established
himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rinpoche. He
repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the
southern valleys into a unified country called Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder
Dragon). While the political system he established lasted until the beginning of
the 20th century, the announcement of the Shabdrung's death in 1705 was followed
by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.
Instability lasted until 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected, by a unanimous
vote of Bhutan's chiefs and principal lamas, as hereditary ruler of Bhutan. Thus
the first king was crowned and the Wangchuck dynasty began. Over the following
four decades, he and his heir, King Jigme Wangchuck, brought the entire country
under the monarchy's direct control. Upon independence in 1947, India recognized
Bhutan as a sovereign country.
The present monarch, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has continued the policy of
controlled development with particular focus on the preservation of the
environment and Bhutan's unique culture. Among his ideals is economic
self-reliance and what has now become widely known as 'Gross National
Happiness'. His coronation on 2 June 1974 was the first time the international
media were allowed to enter the Kingdom, and marked Bhutan's debut appearance on
the world stage. The first group of paying tourists arrived later that year. In
major political reform in June 1998, the king dissolved the Council of Ministers
and announced that ministers formerly appointed by him would need to stand for
open election. A rotating chairman fronts the resultant cabinet. In 1999
television and Internet were first introduced to Bhutan.
People, Culture and
Religion
The people of Bhutan can be divided into three main ethnic groups: The “Sharchops”,
who live in the east of the country and are believed to be the original
inhabitants. The “Ngalongs”, who live mostly in western Bhutan and are the
descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century.
The “Lhotshampa”, who are of Nepalese origin and settled in the south of Bhutan
in the late 19th century. The Lhotshampa (meaning Southern Bhutanese) represent
Nepali- speaking groups.
Bhutan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with 79
percent of the people living in rural areas.
Bhutan is the only country to maintain Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric
Vajrayana form as the official religion. The main practicing schools are the
state sponsored Drukpa Kagyupa and the Nyingmapa. Whereas Buddhism is the main
religion in the northern and eastern Bhutan, Southern Bhutanese are mainly
Hindus.
Bhutanese art reflects major Tibetan influences, though it has developed many of
its own derivations. It has three main characteristics: it is anonymous,
religious, and performs no independent aesthetic function. Intricate wall
paintings and thankas (wall hangings), most historical writing and fine sculpted
images all have a religious theme.
Although both Buddhism and the monarchy are critical elements, it is the general
extensive perpetuation of tradition that is possibly the most striking aspect of
Bhutan's culture. This is most overtly reflected in the style of dress and
architecture. All Bhutanese continue to wear the traditional dress: the gho for
men and the kira for women. Generally colorful apparel, the fabrics used range
from simple cotton checks and stripes to the most intricate designs in woven
silk.
The Bhutanese architectural landscape is made up of chortens, stonewalls,
temples, monasteries, fortresses, mansions and houses. Associated with a number
of clear-cut architectural concepts and building types rooted in Tibetan
Buddhism, there is a strong association between state, religious and secular
forms. What makes it quite unique is the degree of uniformity, with all
structures corresponding to traditional designs. Thus ancient monasteries and
fortresses appear to merge with more modern popular dwellings to create a
setting that is fully internally consistent.
Geography
Bhutan is a land locked country, approximately 300km long and 150km wide, with
an overall size of 38,394 square kilometres. It is situated along the southern
slopes of the Himalayan range between the parallels 26 30’ of north latitude and
88 45’ and 92 25’ of east longitude. It is bounded by Tibet in the north, the
Indian Sikkim and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal in the west, on the south
by Assam and West Bengal and on the east by the Indian state of Arunachal
Pradesh.
Economy
Agriculture is still the main source of livelihood for 80% of people living in
the rural areas of Bhutan. The agricultural sector includes livestock rearing
and horticulture, which contributes 32.7% of GDP. About 62% of women are
involved in agriculture and their contribution is substantial. |
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