Bhutan is one of the most unique destinations in the world, a small country in the Himalayas which stubbornly protects its cultural heritage and resists outside influences. Located in a stunning setting amidst the mountains and valleys of the Himalayas, Bhutan is renowned for its numerous dzongs - historical fortress Buddhist monasteries which are magnificent architectural structures in spectacular locations. Its unique culture is best experienced in the many colourful festivals which take place thoughout the year, in particular those at Thimpu and Paro. Explore in depth highlights of Bhutan.
| Tours | Unesco WHS | Guidebooks |
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| groups tours with set departures |
0 World Heritage Sites | country, regions and cities |
| Time zone: | GMT +6 (Bhutan standard time) | Daylight savings: None |
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| Main languages: | Dzongkha |
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| Currency: |
ngultrum (BTN) €1 = Nu.74.29, $1 = Nu.66.58, £1 = Nu.88.54 (rates as of Sep 2016) |
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| Internet Domain: | .bt | International Dialling Code: 975 |
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For help planning your trip to Bhutan including visas, vaccinations, currency exchange, flights, accomodation and insurance, see our Bhutan trip planning page.
Further information on Bhutan
Discover more about Bhutan - the country's geogrpahy and natural features, an assessment of its status on freedom and rights and data on the country's population and economy.
Geography & Natural Features
Total area: 47,000 sq km (0 sq km under water)
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Neighbours (border lengths): China (470km), India (605km)
Climate: Climate varies from tropical in southern plains to cool winters and hot summers in central valleys and severe winters and cool summers in the Himalayas.
Highest mountain: Kula Kangri (7,553m)
Freedom & Rights
Summary status and rankings for Bhutan from classifications of different organisations measuring political and economic freedom, democracy and civil rights. See more details of these rankings.
| Index | Status | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Freedom in the World | Partly Free | - |
 | Democracy Index | Hybrid regime | 102/167 |
 | Economic Freedom | Mostly Unfree | 115/179 |
 | Press Freedom | Noticeable problems | 102/179 |
 | ILGA LGBT rights | No rights | - |
 | Corruption Perceptions | Low corruption | 30/174 |
| Overall Ranking: | 106/195 | ||
Other Data & Links
Full name: Kingdom of Bhutan Status: Independent Country
Population: 733,643 (rank: 161/196) Density: 15.6 people/sq km (rank: 169/196)
Ethnic groups: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
GDP (PPP): $5.24 billion GDP per capita: $7,000 (rank: 114/195)
Information derived from the CIA World Factbook. Other country profiles: BBC News.