2013 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 to Bhutan the areas annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of 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. Elections for seating the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008. The disposition of some 43,000 Bhutanese refugees - housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved.

Area

38,394 sq km 38,394 sq km 0 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

Drangeme Chhu 97 m Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

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

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection Law of the Sea

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)

0.34 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%) 458 cu m/yr (2008)

per capita

458 cu m/yr (2008)

total

0.34 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

319.1 sq km (2010)

Land boundaries

1,075 km China 470 km, India 605 km

border countries

China 470 km, India 605 km

total

1,075 km

Land use

2.49% 0.46% 97.06% (2011)

arable land

2.49%

other

97.06% (2011)

permanent crops

0.46%

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

78 cu km (2011)

Age structure

27.8% (male 102,991/female 98,730) 20.6% (male 76,202/female 73,273) 39.9% (male 155,216/female 134,363) 5.7% (male 22,295/female 19,285) 5.9% (male 22,546/female 20,395) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

27.8% (male 102,991/female 98,730)

15-24 years

20.6% (male 76,202/female 73,273)

25-54 years

39.9% (male 155,216/female 134,363)

55-64 years

5.7% (male 22,295/female 19,285)

65 years and over

5.9% (male 22,546/female 20,395) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

18.43 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

25,801 18 % (2010 est.)

percentage

18 % (2010 est.)

total number

25,801

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

12.7% (2010)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

65.6% (2010)

Death rate

6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

48.9 % 41.8 % 7.1 % 14 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

7.1 %

potential support ratio

14 (2013)

total dependency ratio

48.9 %

youth dependency ratio

41.8 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 94% of population total: 96% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 6% of population total: 4% of population (2010 est.)

rural

6% of population

total

4% of population (2010 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

4.7% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

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

Health expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

39.97 deaths/1,000 live births 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births 39.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

39.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

39.97 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26%

Life expectancy at birth

68.44 years 67.54 years 69.38 years (2013 est.)

female

69.38 years (2013 est.)

total population

68.44 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 52.8% 65% 38.7% (2005 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

38.7% (2005 est.)

male

65%

total population

52.8%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever dengue fever and malaria (2013)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever and malaria (2013)

Major urban areas - population

THIMPHU (capital) 99,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

180 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

25.7 years 26.3 years 25.1 years (2013 est.)

female

25.1 years (2013 est.)

male

26.3 years

total

25.7 years

Nationality

Bhutanese (singular and plural) Bhutanese

adjective

Bhutanese

noun

Bhutanese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

5.3% (2008)

Physicians density

0.07 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

725,296 (July 2013 est.) 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

Population growth rate

1.15% (2013 est.)

Religions

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

Sanitation facility access

urban: 73% of population rural: 29% of population total: 44% of population urban: 27% of population rural: 71% of population total: 56% of population (2010 est.)

rural

71% of population

total

56% of population (2010 est.)

urban

27% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2011)

female

12 years (2011)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.16 male(s)/female 1.16 male(s)/female 1.11 male(s)/female 1.1 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.16 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.16 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.11 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.1 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.07 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

9.4% 6.8% 10.9% (2011)

female

10.9% (2011)

total

9.4%

Urbanization

35.6% of total population (2011) 3.65% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

3.65% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

35.6% of total population (2011)

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

Thimphu 27 28 N, 89 38 E UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

27 28 N, 89 38 E

name

Thimphu

time difference

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

Constitution

previous (various royal decrees); first constitution drafted November 2001 - March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 (2011)

Country name

Kingdom of Bhutan Bhutan Druk Gyalkhap Druk Yul

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 Lhatu WANGCHUK (since January 2009); address: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551 New York

consulate(s) general

New York

none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Lhatu WANGCHUK (since January 2009); address

343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551

Executive branch

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 his father Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since July 2013) Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; the leader of the majority party is nominated as the prime minister the monarchy is hereditary, but the 2008 constitution grants the Parliament authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008

cabinet

Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; the leader of the majority party is nominated as the prime minister

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 his father

elections

the monarchy is hereditary, but the 2008 constitution grants the Parliament authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008

head of government

Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since July 2013)

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 Buddhism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty

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 Dr

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

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

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

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

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 (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice ) note - the Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in constitutional matters Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch in consultation with the National Judicial Commission; other judges appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; judge tenure NA High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice )

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch in consultation with the National Judicial Commission; other judges appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts

High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts

Legal system

civil law based on Buddhist religious law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of the non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 administrative districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members appointed by the king); and the National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members nominated by the two parties and elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms) National Council elections last held on 23 April 2013 (next to be held in 2017); National Assembly elections (first round) last held on 31 May 2013; second round held on 13 July 2013 National Council - independents 20; note - all candidates ran as independents; National Assembly - first round poll held on 31 May 2013 - percent of vote by party - DPT 44.52%; PDP 32.53%; DNT 17.04%; DCT 5.9%; second round poll held on 13 July 2013 - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.88%, DPT 45.12%; seats by party - PDP 32, DPT 15

election results

National Council - independents 20; note - all candidates ran as independents; National Assembly - first round poll held on 31 May 2013 - percent of vote by party - DPT 44.52%; PDP 32.53%; DNT 17.04%; DCT 5.9%; second round poll held on 13 July 2013 - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.88%, DPT 45.12%; seats by party - PDP 32, DPT 15

elections

National Council elections last held on 23 April 2013 (next to be held in 2017); National Assembly elections (first round) last held on 31 May 2013; second round held on 13 July 2013

National anthem

"Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom) Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI adopted 1953

lyrics/music

Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI

name

"Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)

National holiday

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

National symbol(s)

thunder dragon known as Druk

Political parties and leaders

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

Political pressure groups and leaders

United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled) Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community

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; dairy products, eggs

Budget

$615.7 million $651.2 million the government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures (2012 est.)

expenditures

$651.2 million

revenues

$615.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate

14% (31 December 2012 est.) 14.16% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-311.6 million (2012 est.) $-354.9 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$1.275 billion (2011) $836 million (2009)

Economy - overview

Bhutan's economy, small and less developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 40% 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 is dependent 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. The import of equipment and fuel to build hydropower plants is leading to large trade and current account deficits, though new hydropower projects and electricity exports to India are creating employment and will probably sustain growth in the coming years. GDP has rebounded strongly since the global recession began in 2008.

Exchange rates

ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 53.44 (2012 est.) 46.67 (2011 est.) 45.73 (2010 est.) 46.68 (2009 est.) 43.51 (2008 est.)

Exports

$721.8 million (2012 est.) $662.2 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Fiscal year

1 July - 30 June

GDP - composition, by end use

38.8% 21.5% 60.5% 0.3% 32.1% -53.2% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

32.1%

government consumption

21.5%

household consumption

38.8%

imports of goods and services

-53.2%

investment in fixed capital

60.5%

investment in inventories

0.3%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

14.7% 41.8% 39% (2012 est.)

agriculture

14.7%

industry

41.8%

services

39% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$6,600 (2012 est.) $6,100 (2011 est.) $5,700 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

9.2% (2012 est.) 8.5% (2011 est.) 11.7% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.137 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$4.88 billion (2012 est.) $4.468 billion (2011 est.) $4.117 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.3% 37.6% (2003)

highest 10%

37.6% (2003)

lowest 10%

2.3%

Imports

$1.28 billion (2012 est.) $1.185 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice

Industrial production growth rate

12.4%

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

10.9% (2012 est.) 8.9% (2011 est.)

Labor force

299,900 major shortage of skilled labor (2008)

Labor force - by occupation

43.7% 39.1% 17.2% (2004 est.)

agriculture

43.7%

industry

39.1%

services

17.2% (2004 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

23.2% (2008)

Public debt

44.1% of GDP (2012 est.) 46.8% of GDP (2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.018 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$63.5 million

Stock of domestic credit

$874.4 million (31 December 2012 est.) $747.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$191.9 million (31 December 2012 est.) $623.4 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

28.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

4% (2009) 2.5% (2004)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

335,700 Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

1.68 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

5.4 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

1.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

98.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

20 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

1.505 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

7.23 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

1,719 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

1,998 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

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; 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting (2012)

Internet country code

.bt

Internet hosts

14,590 (2012)

Internet users

50,000 (2009)

Telephone system

urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service, started in 2003, is now widely available country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2012)

domestic

low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service, started in 2003, is now widely available

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 (2012)

Telephones - main lines in use

27,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

560,000 (2012)

Airports

2 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

total

2

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2012)

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2012)

total

1

Roadways

8,050 km 4,991 km (includes 622 km of expressways) 3,059 km (2003)

total

8,050 km

unpaved

3,059 km (2003)

Manpower available for military service

202,407 180,349 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

180,349 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

202,407

Manpower fit for military service

157,664 144,861 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

144,861 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

157,664

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

7,363 7,095 (2010 est.)

female

7,095 (2010 est.)

male

7,363

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; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period (2012)

Disputes - international

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