2010 Edition

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 over 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. 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. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.

Area

land

38,394 sq km

total

38,394 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

about one-half the size of Indiana

Climate

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

highest point

Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

lowest point

Drangeme Chhu 97 m

Environment - current issues

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Environment - international agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

per capita

199 cu m/yr (2000)

total

0.43 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

Geographic coordinates

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Geography - note

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

Irrigated land

400 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

border countries

China 470 km, India 605 km

total

1,075 km

Land use

arable land

2.3%

other

97.27% (2005)

permanent crops

0.43%

Location

Southern Asia, between China and India

Map references

Asia

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

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

Natural resources

timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate

Terrain

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Total renewable water resources

95 cu km (1987)

Age structure

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 106,410/female 102,164) 15-64 years: 64.3% (male 235,988/female 208,484) 65 years and over: 5.5% (male 20,169/female 17,926) (2010 est.)

Birth rate

19.62 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate

7.25 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Education expenditures

5.1% of GDP (2008)

Ethnic groups

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

less than 0.1% (2007 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

fewer than 100 (2007 est.)

Infant mortality rate

female

45.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

male

47.8 deaths/1,000 live births

total

46.92 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Life expectancy at birth

female

67.57 years (2010 est.)

male

65.89 years

total population

66.71 years

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female

34% (2003 est.)

male

60%

total population

47%

Major infectious diseases

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease

leptospirosis (2009)

Median age

female

23.7 years (2010 est.)

male

25 years

total

24.3 years

Nationality

adjective

Bhutanese

noun

Bhutanese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Population

699,847 note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census (July 2010 est.)

Population growth rate

1.236% (2010 est.)

Religions

Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

female

11 years (2008)

male

12 years

total

11 years

Sex ratio

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female

total population

1.1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.29 children born/woman (2010 est.)

Urbanization

rate of urbanization

4.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

urban population

35% of total population (2008)

Administrative divisions

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

Capital

geographic coordinates

27 29 N, 89 36 E

name

Thimphu

time difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

ratified 18 July 2008

Country name

conventional long form

Kingdom of Bhutan

conventional short form

Bhutan

local long form

Druk Gyalkhap

local short form

Druk Yul

Diplomatic representation from the US

the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Daw PENJO; address: 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551

consulate(s) general

New York

Executive branch

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 are nominated by the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website )

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; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of this father

elections

the monarchy 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 occurred in March 2008; the leader of the majority party nominated as the prime minister

head of government

Prime Minister Jigme THINLEY (since 9 April 2008)

Flag description

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; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors

represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan

the orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)

International organization participation

ADB, 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)

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch); note - the draft constitution establishes a Supreme Court that will serve as chief court of appeal

Legal system

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of the non-partisan National Council (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 electoral districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members nominated by the King); and the National Assembly (47 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)

election results

National Council - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - DPT 67%, PDP 33%; seats by party - DPT 45, PDP 2

elections

National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December 2012); National Assembly elections last held on 24 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)

National anthem

lyrics/music

Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI note: adopted 1953

name

"Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)

National holiday

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)

Political parties and leaders

Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders

United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled)

other

Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs

Central bank discount rate

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate

NA% (31 December 2009 est.) NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Current account balance

$164 million (2008 est.) $116 million (2007 est.)

Debt - external

$836 million (2009) $713.3 million (2006)

Economy - 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 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. 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. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.

Electricity - consumption

184 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Exchange rates

ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 46.6 (2009), 41.487 (2007), 45.279 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004) note: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee

Exports

$513 million (2008) $350 million (2006)

Exports - commodities

electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Exports - partners

India 86.3%, Bangladesh 8.1%, Italy 1.5% (2008)

GDP - composition by sector

agriculture

17.6%

industry

45%

services

37.4% (2006)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$5,000 (2010 est.) $4,800 (2009 est.) $4,600 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

6.8% (2010 est.) 5.7% (2009 est.) 2.7% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.397 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$3.526 billion (2010 est.) $3.301 billion (2009 est.) $3.123 billion (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)

Imports

$533 million (2008) $320 million (2006)

Imports - commodities

fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice (2008)

Imports - partners

India 63%, Japan 12.3%, China 5.1% (2008)

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.3% (2008 est.) 4.9% (2007 est.)

Labor force

299,900 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture

63%

industry

6%

services

31% (2004 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Oil - consumption

1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oil - imports

1,250 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

23.2% (2008)

Public debt

57.8% of GDP (2009) 81.4% of GDP (2004)

Stock of broad money

$NA (31 December 2009) $647.6 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit

$NA (31 December 2008) $169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$335 million (31 December 2008) $381.1 million (31 December 2007)

Unemployment rate

4% (2009) 2.5% (2004)

Broadcast media

state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 1 private radio station began operations in 2006 (2007)

Internet country code

.bt

Internet hosts

9,147 (2010)

Internet users

50,000 (2009)

Telephone system

domestic

low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service available since 2003

general assessment

urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services

international

country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2009)

Telephones - main lines in use

26,300 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular

327,100 (2009)

Airports

2 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

total

1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways

total

1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways

paved

4,991 km

total

8,050 km

unpaved

3,059 km (2003)

Manpower available for military service

males age 16-49: 198,553 females age 16-49: 176,226 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 153,985 females age 16-49: 140,437 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

female

7,153 (2010 est.)

male

7,432

Military branches

Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009)

Military expenditures

1% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Disputes - international

Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the Chumbi salient page last updated on January 13, 2011 ======================================================================