The Kingdom of Bhutan of Druk Yul (the land of the Thunder Dragon) is a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. The high Himalayas to the north separate the Kingdom from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, while the rugged eastern region borders the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. About the size of Switzerland with a population of only 7,00,000, it was declared one of the ten global hotspots for environmental conservation. A land of Dzongs (Fortified Monasteries), snow peaked mountains, and the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism which influences every aspect of life here. Bhutan with its unique culture and the intriguing festivals offer breathtaking moments that will linger forever in a visitor’s lifetime.
Total area 39,000 square kms
150 km. North to South
300 km. East to West
Terrain : It can be divided into three major geographic regions from North to South.
The high Himalayas of the North, the hills and valleys of the Central and the foothills and plains of the South.
Forest Area : 72.5 per cent of the land area
Cultivated Area : 7.8 percent of total area
Altitude : 100 m. above sea level in the South to over 7,500 m. above sea level in the north
Climate : The country can be divided into three distinct climatic zones corresponding broadly to the three main geographical divisions. The southern belt has a hot humid climate while central Bhutan has a cool temperate climate. The northern region has severe alpine climate and is perpetually under snow. Rainfall can differ within relatively short distances due to rain shadow effects.