OFFICIAL NAME:
Kingdom of Bhutan
Geography of Bhutan
Area: 46,500 sq. km.
Cities: Capital--Thimphu (pop. approx. 55,000) Other significant
cities--Paro, Phoentsholing, Punakha, Bumthong.
Terrain: Mountainous, from the Himalayas to lower-lying foothills and some
savannah.
Climate: Alpine to temperate to subtropical with monsoon season from June to
September.
People of Bhutan
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bhutanese.
Population: Approximately 672,425 (according to the 2005 census).
Annual growth rate: 2.12% (2006 est.). Density--14 per sq. km.
Ethnic groups: Drukpa 50% (which is also inclusive of Sharchops), as well as
ethnic Nepalese (Lhotsampas) 35%, and indigenous or migrant tribes 15%.
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75% (state religion), Indian- and
Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%.
Languages: Dzongka (official language), English (medium of instruction),
Sharchop, Nepali.
Education: Years compulsory--11. Literacy--54% (est.).
Primary school gross enrollment rate (2004)--81%. Women's literacy
(2004)--34%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2006 est.)--total: 98.41 deaths/1,000
live births; female: 100.79 deaths/1,000 live births; male: 96.14 deaths/1,000
live births. Life expectancy (2006 est.)--total population 54.78 years;
male 55.02 years; female 54.53 years.
Work force (2002): Agriculture--93%; industry--2%;
services--5%. There is a high unemployment rate.
Government of Bhutan
Type: Evolving from a monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The Royal
Government, prompted by the King, released a draft constitution in March 2005.
The King and Crown Prince conducted consultations on the constitution in all 20
dzongkhag (districts) in 2005 and 2006. Bhutan will adopt the constitution in
early 2008.
National Day: December 17 (1907).
Branches: Executive--King or Druk Gyalpo (chief of state), Prime
Minister (head of government), Council of Ministers, Royal Advisory Council
(together they make the Cabinet or Lhengye Zhungtsho). Advisory--Monastic
Order (or Monk Body-Dratshang). Legislative--National Assembly (Tshogdu).
Judicial--High Court (Thrimkhang Gogma), District Courts, and local
area arbitration.
Administrative subdivisions: 20.
Political parties: None.
Suffrage: Registered resident with legitimate citizenship, age 21 and above.
Economy of Bhutan
GDP (purchasing power parity 2003): U.S. $2.9 billion.
Real growth rate (2004): 6.5%.
Per capita GDP (2004): U.S. $929.60.
Natural resources: Hydroelectric power, construction, timber, gypsum, calcium
carbide.
Agriculture and forestry (all figs., 2001): 33.8% of GDP.
Construction: 11.8% of GDP.
Finance: 10.3% of GDP.
Transport and communication: 10% of GDP.
Electricity: 9.9% of GDP.
Government service: 9.9% of GDP.
Manufacturing: 9.8% of GDP.
Trade: Exports (2001-2002)--U.S. $97.7 million: hydroelectricity,
vegetables and fruits, processed foods, minerals, wood products, textiles,
machinery. Imports (2001-2002)--U.S. $188.4 million: machinery,
mechanical appliances and electronics, plastics and rubber products, textiles,
whiskies and prepared foodstuffs, medicines and pharmaceuticals, vegetable oils
and foodstuffs. Major trade partners--India, Bangladesh, Japan,
Singapore, Denmark.
PEOPLE of Bhutan
The people of Bhutan can be divided into three broad ethnic categories--Ngalops,
Sharchops, and Lhotsampas. The Ngalops make up the majority of the population,
living mostly in the western and central areas. The Ngalops are thought to be of
Tibetan origin, arriving in Bhutan during the 8th and 9th centuries A.D. and
bringing Buddhism with them. Most Ngalops follow the Drukpa Kagyupa discipline
of Mahayana Buddhism. In a country that is deeply rooted within the Buddhist
religion, many people's sect of religion, as opposed to their ethnic group,
characterizes them. The Ngalops predominate in the government, and the civil
service and their cultural norms have been declared by the monarchy to be the
standard for all citizens.
The Sharchops, who live in the eastern section of Bhutan, are considered to
be descendants of the earliest major group to inhabit Bhutan. Most follow the
Ningmapa discipline of Mahayana Buddhism. Sharchop is translated as "people of
the east." The Ngalops, Sharchops, and the indigenous tribal people are
collectively known as Drukpas and account for about 65% of the population. The
national language is Dzongka, but English is the language of instruction in
schools and an official working language for the government.
The Lhotsampas are people of Nepali descent, currently making up 35% of the
population. They came to Bhutan in the 19th and 20th centuries, mostly settling
in the southern foothills to work as farmers. They speak a variety of Nepali
dialects and are predominantly Hindu.
HISTORY of Bhutan
Bhutan's early history is steeped in mythology and remains obscure. It may have
been inhabited as early as 2000 B.C., but not much was known until the
introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in the 9th century A.D. when turmoil in Tibet
forced many monks to flee to Bhutan. In the 12th century A.D., the Drukpa
Kagyupa school was established and remains the dominant form of Buddhism in
Bhutan today. The country's political history is intimately tied to its
religious history and the relations among the various monastic schools and
monasteries.
The consolidation of Bhutan occurred in 1616 when Ngawana Namgyal, a lama
from Tibet, defeated three Tibetan invasions, subjugated rival religious
schools, codified an intricate and comprehensive system of law, and established
himself as ruler (shabdrung) over a system of ecclesiastical and civil
administrators. After his death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of
the shabdrung for the next 200 years when in 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck was able to
consolidate power and cultivated closer ties with the British in India.
In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the hereditary ruler of Bhutan,
crowned on December 17, 1907, and installed as the head of state Druk Gyalpo
(Dragon King). In 1910, King Ugyen and the British signed the Treaty of Punakha
which provided that British India would not interfere in the internal affairs of
Bhutan if the country accepted external advice in its external relations. When
Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1926, his son Jigme Wangchuck became the next ruler, and
when India gained independence in 1947, the new Indian Government recognized
Bhutan as an independent country. In 1949, India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of
Peace and Friendship, which provided that India would not interfere in Bhutan's
internal affairs but would be guided by India in its foreign policy. Succeeded
in 1952 by his son Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan began to slowly emerge from its
isolation and began a program of planned development. Bhutan became a member of
the United Nations in 1971, and during his tenure the National Assembly was
established and a new code of law, as well as the Royal Bhutanese Army and the
High Court.
In 1972, Jigme Singye Wanchuck ascended the throne at age 16. He emphasized
modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of
hydroelectricity and tourism and improvements in rural developments. He was
perhaps best known internationally for his overarching development philosophy of
"Gross National Happiness." It recognizes that there are many dimensions to
development and that economic goals alone are not sufficient. Satisfied that
Bhutan's democratization process was well in train, he abdicated in December
2006 rather than wait until the promulgation of the new constitution in 2008.
His son, Jigme Khesar Namgvel Wangchuck became King upon his abdication.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS of Bhutan
Traditionally a decentralized theocracy and, since 1907, a monarchy, Bhutan is
evolving into a constitutional monarchy with a representative government. In
2002, the election laws were changed so that each citizen over the age of 21
could vote by secret ballot for a representative to the National Assembly (Tshongdu);
previously, only one vote per family was allowed. The Tshongdu is composed of
about 150 members, including some appointed from the Monk Body as well as some
senior government representatives. They in turn elect the Council of Ministers.
Prior to 2003, the Council had six members and rotated the responsibility as
prime minister and head of government between each one for a period of one year,
but in 2003, the National Assembly elected four additional ministers and also
selected the prime minister.
The spiritual head of Bhutan, the Je Khempo--the only person besides the king
who wears the saffron scarf, an honor denoting his authority over all religious
institutions--is nominated by monastic leaders and appointed by the king. The
Monk Body is involved in advising the government on many levels.
Bhutan is divided into 20 districts or dzongkhags, each headed by a district
officer (dzongda) who must be elected. In addition, each district also is broken
into smaller areas known as geog (village), led by a locally elected leader
called a gup. There are 201 elected gups. In 2002, the National Assembly created
a new structure for local governance at the geog level. Each local area is
responsible for creating and implementing its own development plan, in
coordination with the district.
Principal Government Officials
Head of State--King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Prime Minister (Head of Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs)--Lyonpo
Khandu Wangchuk
Minister for Trade and Industry--Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba
Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs--Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley
Minister for Finance--Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu
Minister for Education--Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho
Minister for Health--Lyonpo (Dr.) Jigme Singay
Minister for Labor and Human Resources--Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering
Minister for Works and Human Settlements--Lyonpo (Dr.) Kizang Dorji
Minister for Information and Communications--Lyonpo Leki Dorji
Minister for Agriculture--Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup
Ambassador to the United Nations Headquarters--Lyonpo Daw Penjo
The United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan have not established formal
diplomatic relations; however, the two governments have informal and cordial
relations.
Bhutan maintains a Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The
address is 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: 212-682-2268, fax:
212-661-0551.
ECONOMY of Bhutan
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on
agriculture, forestry, and hydroelectricity. Rugged terrain makes it difficult
to develop roads and other infrastructure. Despite this constraint,
hydroelectricity and construction continue to be the two major industries of
growth for the country. As these two areas are increasing productivity, there
continues to be a positive outlook for development throughout Bhutan. The
economic program in the current 5-year-plan (2002-07) places a strong emphasis
on improving education and infrastructure with a special emphasis on increasing
activities in the sectors of information and communication technology, energy,
and tourism. After the global slowdown within the travel industry, Bhutan’s
tourist industry is beginning to show signs of recovery.
Bhutan’s economy has been on an upturn due to recent subregional economic
cooperation efforts. Already this plan has strengthened the current trade
relations with India, as well as opened an avenue of trade with Bangladesh. In
May 2003, the Bilateral Free Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan was
re-signed. Bangladesh is Bhutan’s second largest trade partner, after India. In
January 2004, as a member of the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC), Bhutan also joined the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
In February 2004 Bhutan joined the Bangladesh, Indian, Myanmar, Singapore, and
Thailand Economic Cooperation Forum (BIMSTEC). Bhutan has applied for membership
in the World Trade Organization and is in the process of developing clear legal
and regulatory systems designed to promote business development
FOREIGN RELATIONS of Bhutan
India
Relations between India and Bhutan are governed by the 1949 Treaty of Peace and
Friendship. The treaty ensures India's neutrality in Bhutan's internal affairs,
in exchange for Bhutan's agreement to be guided by India in foreign policy
matters. But in practice, Bhutan exercises sovereignty on many issues. India is
Bhutan's largest donor and supplies approximately 80% of Bhutan's foreign
assistance. In recent years, insurgents on the Indian side of the border from
the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the Bodos have used Bhutan as a
safe haven. In December 2003, Bhutan military troops expelled Indian insurgents
from Assam. Through this joint effort with India, Bhutan strengthened border
security and continued cooperation with the Indian military.
China
Bhutan and China do not have diplomatic relations, although border talks between
the two nations have occurred.
Nepal
These two countries established diplomatic relations in 1983. Nepal and
Bhutan are currently negotiating to resolve a 16-year-old refugee situation, in
which 100,000 refugees are residing in seven UNHCR camps in Nepal. Most of the
refugees claim they are Bhutanese citizens, while Bhutan alleges that most are
non-nationals or "voluntary emigrants," who forfeited their citizenship rights.
In 2003, a joint Bhutan-Nepal verification team categorized refugees from one
camp into four groups, but progress remains stalled.
United Nations
Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. Bhutan does not have
diplomatic relations with any of the permanent members of the UN Security
Council. Bhutan was elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2003 and
served until 2006.
Other Countries
Bhutan enjoys diplomatic relations with seven European nations, which
form The "Friends of Bhutan" group, together with Japan. These countries are
Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, and Austria.
Also known as donor nations, they contribute generously to Bhutanese development
and social programs. Bhutan also has diplomatic relations with South Korea,
Canada, Australia, Kuwait, Thailand, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri
Lanka, and Pakistan.
DEFENSE of Bhutan
Bhutan has 8,000 members in five military branches: the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal
Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards. In FY 2002,
the Bhutanese Government spent 1.9% of its GDP on the military or U.S. $9.3
million. India maintains a permanent military training presence in Bhutan
through IMTRAT, the Indian Military Training Team.
U.S.-BHUTAN RELATIONS
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, has consular responsibilities for Bhutan,
but U.S. citizens also may request assistance from U.S. Embassies in Kathmandu,
Nepal, or Dhaka, Bangladesh. The United States and Bhutan do not have diplomatic
relations, and the United States does not give foreign assistance to Bhutan.
Informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy and the Bhutanese
Embassy in New Delhi. Bhutan does participate in a regional program for South
Asia sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that
helps countries develop their power infrastructure (SARI-E). A few Bhutanese
military officers have attended courses at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security
Studies. The U.S. Government annually brings several Bhutanese participants to
United States through its International Visitors Program.
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Background:
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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, but should
occur in 2008. In December 2006, the King abdicated the
throne to his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order
to give him experience as head of state before the
democratic transition. |
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Location:
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Southern
Asia, between China and India |
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Geographic coordinates:
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27 30 N, 90
30 E |
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Map references:
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Asia |
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Area:
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total:
47,000 sq km
land: 47,000 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
|
about half
the size of Indiana |
|
Land boundaries:
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total:
1,075 km
border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km |
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Coastline:
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0 km
(landlocked) |
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Maritime claims:
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none
(landlocked) |
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Climate:
|
varies;
tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in
central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in
Himalayas |
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Terrain:
|
mostly
mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest
point: Drangme Chhu 97 m
highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m |
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Natural resources:
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timber,
hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate |
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Land use:
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arable
land: 2.3%
permanent crops: 0.43%
other: 97.27% (2005) |
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Irrigated land:
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400 sq km
(2003) |
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Natural hazards:
|
violent
storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's
name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon;
frequent landslides during the rainy season |
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Environment - current issues:
|
soil erosion;
limited access to potable water |
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Environment - international agreements:
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party to:
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea |
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Geography - note:
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landlocked;
strategic location between China and India; controls several
key Himalayan mountain passes |
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Population:
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2,327,849
note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July
2007 est.) |
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Age structure:
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0-14
years: 38.6% (male 465,340/female 433,184)
15-64 years: 57.4% (male 688,428/female 647,134)
65 years and over: 4% (male 47,123/female 46,640)
(2007 est.) |
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Median age:
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total:
20.5 years
male: 20.4 years
female: 20.7 years (2007 est.) |
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Population growth rate:
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2.082% (2007
est.) |
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Birth rate:
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33.28
births/1,000 population (2007 est.) |
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Death rate:
|
12.46
deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.) |
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Net migration rate:
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0 migrant(s)/1,000
population (2007 est.) |
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Sex ratio:
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at birth:
1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.074 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.064 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female
total population: 1.066 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
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Infant mortality rate:
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total:
96.37 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 94.09 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 98.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
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Life expectancy at birth:
|
total
population: 55.17 years
male: 55.38 years
female: 54.96 years (2007 est.) |
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Total fertility rate:
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4.67 children
born/woman (2007 est.) |
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HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
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less than
0.1% (2001 est.) |
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HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
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less than 100
(1999 est.) |
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HIV/AIDS - deaths:
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NA |
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Nationality:
|
noun:
Bhutanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Bhutanese |
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Ethnic groups:
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Bhote 50%,
ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several
Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
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Religions:
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Lamaistic
Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
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Languages:
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Dzongkha
(official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese
speak various Nepalese dialects |
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Literacy:
|
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 47%
male: 60%
female: 34% (2003 est.) |
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Country name:
|
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
conventional short form: Bhutan
local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
local short form: Druk Yul |
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Government type:
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absolute
monarchy; special treaty relationship with India; note -
transition to a constitutional monarchy is expected in 2008
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Capital:
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name:
Thimphu
geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 39 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington,
DC during Standard Time) |
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Administrative divisions:
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20 districts
(dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang,
Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro,
Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang,
Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
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Independence:
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8 August 1949
(from India) |
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National holiday:
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National Day
(Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December
(1907) |
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Constitution:
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none; note -
a draft constitution was unveiled in March 2005 and is
expected to be adopted following the election of a new
National Assembly in 2008 |
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Legal system:
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based on
Indian law and English common law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
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Suffrage:
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each family
has one vote in village-level elections |
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Executive branch:
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chief of
state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14
December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated
the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately
succeeded him
head of government: Prime Minister Khandu WANGCHUK
(since 7 September 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog)
nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly;
members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a
Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by
the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but
democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly
authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote;
election of a new National Assembly is expected in 2008 |
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Legislative branch:
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unicameral
National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 members elected
from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies,
and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government
and other secular interests; to serve three-year terms)
elections: first election to be held in 2008; note -
local elections last held August 2005 (next to be held in
2008)
election results: NA |
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Judicial branch:
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Supreme Court
of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the
monarch) |
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Political parties and leaders:
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no legal
parties |
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Political pressure groups and leaders:
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Buddhist
clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant
antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United
Front for Democracy (exiled) |
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International organization participation:
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AsDB, BIMSTEC,
CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM,
OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU,
WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) |
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Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none; note -
the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular
jurisdiction in the US; address: 2 United Nations Plaza,
27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212)
826-1919; FAX [1] (212) 826-2998
consulate(s) general: New York |
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Diplomatic representation from the US:
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the US and
Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although
informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US
Embassy in New Delhi (India) |
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Flag description:
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divided
diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper
triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange;
centered along the dividing line is a large black and white
dragon facing away from the hoist side |
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Economy - overview:
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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 60% 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 such as industrial
licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper
foreign investment. |
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GDP (purchasing power parity):
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$2.9 billion
(2003 est.) |
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GDP (official exchange rate):
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$840.5
million (2005 est.) |
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GDP - real growth rate:
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8.8% (2005
est.) |
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GDP - per capita (PPP):
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$1,400 (2003
est.) |
|
GDP - composition by sector:
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agriculture: 24.7%
industry: 37.2%
services: 38.1% (2005) |
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Labor force:
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NA
note: major shortage of skilled labor |
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Labor force - by occupation:
|
agriculture: 63%
industry: 6%
services: 31% (2004 est.) |
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Unemployment rate:
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2.5% (2004)
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Population below poverty line:
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31.7% (2003)
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Household income or consumption by percentage share:
|
lowest
10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA% |
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Inflation rate (consumer prices):
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5.5% (2005
est.) |
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Budget:
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revenues:
$272 million
expenditures: $350 million; including capital
expenditures of $NA
note: the government of India finances nearly
three-fifths of Bhutan's budget expenditures (2005) |
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Public debt:
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81.4% of GDP
(2004) |
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Agriculture - products:
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rice, corn,
root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs |
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Industries:
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cement, wood
products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium
carbide, tourism |
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Industrial production growth rate:
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9.3% (1996
est.) |
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Electricity - production:
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2.05 billion
kWh (2004) |
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Electricity - production by source:
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fossil
fuel: 0.1%
hydro: 99.9%
nuclear: 0%
other: 0% (2001) |
|
Electricity - consumption:
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526.5 million
kWh (2004) |
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Electricity - exports:
|
1.4 billion
kWh (2004) |
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Electricity - imports:
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20 million
kWh (2004) |
|
Oil - production:
|
0 bbl/day
(2004) |
|
Oil - consumption:
|
1,160 bbl/day
(2004 est.) |
|
Oil - exports:
|
NA bbl/day
|
|
Oil - imports:
|
NA bbl/day
|
|
Natural gas - production:
|
0 cu m (2004
est.) |
|
Natural gas - consumption:
|
0 cu m (2004
est.) |
|
Natural gas - proved reserves:
|
0 cu m (1
January 2005 est.) |
|
Exports:
|
$186 million
f.o.b. (2005) |
|
Exports - commodities:
|
electricity
(to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement,
fruit, precious stones, spices |
|
Exports - partners:
|
India 69.2%,
Japan 9.1%, Germany 3.7% (2006) |
|
Imports:
|
$410 million
c.i.f. (2005) |
|
Imports - commodities:
|
fuel and
lubricants, grain, aircraft, machinery and parts, vehicles,
fabrics, rice |
|
Imports - partners:
|
India 75.3%,
Hong Kong 16.1%, Mexico 4.9% (2006) |
|
Debt - external:
|
$593 million
(2004) |
|
Economic aid - recipient:
|
$78 million;
note - substantial aid from India (2004) |
|
Currency (code):
|
ngultrum (BTN);
Indian rupee (INR) |
|
Currency code:
|
BTN; INR |
|
Exchange rates:
|
ngultrum per
US dollar - 45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004),
46.583 (2003), 48.61 (2002)
note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee |
|
Fiscal year:
|
1 July - 30
June |
|
Telephones - main lines in use:
|
32,700 (2005)
|
|
Telephones - mobile cellular:
|
37,800 (2005)
|
|
Telephone system:
|
general
assessment: telecommunications facilities are poor
domestic: very low teledensity; domestic service is
very poor especially in rural areas; wireless service
available since 2003
international: country code - 975; international
telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave
relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 (2005) |
|
Radio broadcast stations:
|
AM 0, FM 9,
shortwave 1 (2006) |
|
Radios:
|
37,000 (1997)
|
|
Television broadcast stations:
|
1 (2006) |
|
Televisions:
|
11,000 (1997)
|
|
Internet country code:
|
.bt |
|
Internet hosts:
|
7,567 (2006)
|
|
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
|
NA |
|
Internet users:
|
25,000 (2005)
|
|
Airports:
|
2 (2006) |
|
Airports - with paved runways:
|
total:
1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2006) |
|
Airports - with unpaved runways:
|
total:
1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2006) |
|
Roadways:
|
total:
8,050 km
paved: 4,991 km
unpaved: 3,059 km (2003) |
|
Military branches:
|
Royal Bhutan
Army: Royal Bodyguard, Royal Bhutan Police (2005) |
|
Military service age and obligation:
|
18 years of
age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)
|
|
Manpower available for military service:
|
males age
18-49: 483,860
females age 18-49: 453,683 (2005 est.) |
|
Manpower fit for military service:
|
males age
18-49: 314,975
females age 18-49: 296,833 (2005 est.) |
|
Manpower reaching military service age annually:
|
males age
18-49: 23,939
females age 18-49: 21,979 (2005 est.) |
|
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
|
1% (2005
est.) |
|
Transnational Issues |
Bhutan |
|
Disputes - international:
|
over 100,000
Bhutanese Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in seven
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees camps since
1990; Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland
separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary,
Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a
boundary alignment to resolve substantial cartographic
discrepancies, the largest of which lies in Bhutan's
northwest |
Information gathered from the Central Intelligence Agency
|
|
|
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