Overview
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia situated in the Eastern Himalayas. It shares its borders with China to the north and northwest, and India to the south and southeast. Known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Bhutan occupies a territory of 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 square miles), ranking 133rd in the world by land area.
Population and Geography
Bhutan has a population of over 800,000 people (800,871), making it the 160th most populous country in the world. Its location in the Eastern Himalayas gives the country a dramatic and varied terrain, ranging from subtropical lowlands in the south to towering, snow-capped peaks in the north along the Chinese border.
Government and Political Structure
Bhutan operates as a democratic constitutional monarchy. The King serves as the head of state, while a prime minister functions as the head of government. This system reflects a blend of traditional monarchy and modern democratic governance, a structure that has evolved significantly in Bhutan's recent political history.
Religion
The state religion of Bhutan is Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Buddhism that plays a central role in the country's cultural and spiritual life. The Je Khenpo serves as the head of the state religion, holding a position of significant religious authority within Bhutanese society.
Key Facts
- Official name: Kingdom of Bhutan
- Region: South Asia, Eastern Himalayas
- Borders: China (north and northwest), India (south and southeast)
- Land area: 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi)
- Population: Over 800,000 (800,871)
- Government: Democratic constitutional monarchy
- Head of state: The King
- Head of government: Prime Minister
- State religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
- Religious leader: The Je Khenpo