About Bhutan

Bhutan Map

Population (2004)
Population: 752,700 : Male: 380,090 : Female: 372,610

Age Composition (%)
0-14: 42.1
15-49: 44.0
50-59: 6.8
60+: 7.2
Urban Population(%): 21.0
Rural population(%): 79.0
Population Density (person/sq.km): 19.6
Median Age(years): 19.4
Index of Aging: 10.1

Land
Area (sq.km): 38,394
Dzongkhags (districts): 20
Geogs(Blocks): 201

Time Zone:
Bhutan has only one time zone, Bhutan Standard Time (BST). It is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 30 minutes ahead of India.

National Bird: Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus)
The tutelary god Mahakala took the form of a raven to guide the country’s unifier, Zhabdrung to Bhutan. Raven (local name Jarog) lent its name and features to the crown of the king of Bhutan.

National Tree:Cypress (Cupressess Corneyana)

Cypress has distinctive characteristic of slightly conical with a broad base and tapering top. When old, it is a tall impressive tree. It has green leaves all the year round. Compared to other trees, its leaves do not resemble needles. Its leaves are narrow, thick and leathery. Drooping leaves make tree look graceful. Trunk erect and ridge with grayish brown bark which flake of in short, thin strips. Life span of centuries. It grows naturally in Bhutan between 2500 – 3000 m but it is also planted at lower altitudes. It grows well on steep limestone areas and is occasionally found in our forests ( Pho Chhu valley north east of Punakha and on the west slopes of Pelela ) Plantations of Cyprus can also be seen between Dochula and wendeygang and at Taba.

National Emblem:

The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion on its Vajrayana form. The Lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country-the thunder.

National Dress:

Bhutanese men wear gho, which are longish robes tied around the waist by a cloth belt, know as kira. The womens ankle-length dress is known as kira, which is made of bright colored fine woven textile with traditional patterns.

National Currency: Bhutan’s currency is Ngultrum (Nu) equivalent to Indian Rupee.

National Animal: Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)
Locally called Don Gyem Tsey is chosen as national animal because of its uniqueness and its strong association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is a clumsy heavy animal similar to gnu and musk ox, it lives in flocks in places 4000m high and eats bamboo. Weighs as much as 250 kgs.

National Flower: Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandsis)
Locally called Euitpel metog hoem, is a delicate blue or purple tinged bloom with a white filament. It grows at high altitude.

National Language: Dzongkha

National Game: Archery The national sport of Bhutan is Archery. Other traditional sports include digor - a kind of shotput, darts and wrestling. In Bhutan a game of archery has always been a serious business. Traditionaly if two villages or districts were to compete in a game of archery, elaborate preparations preceded the actual duel. Astrologers consulted the stars and their books of wisdom to divine the most auspicious day to play the game, including even the most favorable sequence of shooting for their players.

National Flag :

National Flag of Kingdom of Bhutan

The National Flag of Kingdom of Bhutan is divided diagonally into equal yellow and orange halves. The division starts from the lower corner of the flag where it is hoisted and runs along the diagonally opposite corner. The yellow portion lies on the upper part of the diagonal division and it represents the yellow scarf worn by His Majesty, which in turn represents the being of His Majesty, the King. The orange portion lies on the lower part of the flag and it represents the orange scarf worn by the Je Khenpo, the religious head of the country.The National Flag has a white Dragon which spreads equally along the diagonal division towards the upper end. The dragon holds norbu(jewel) by its claws.