Bhutan

Definition: Bhutan

Bhutan

Noun

1. A landlocked principality in the Himalayas northeast of India.

Synonym: Bhutan

Synonym: Kingdom of Bhutan (n). (additional references)

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Specialty Definition: Bhutan

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, mountainous nation of southern Asia, located in the Himalaya Mountains between India and China. The local name for the country, Druk Yul, means "land of the thunder dragon", as the thunder believed to be the sound of roaring dragonss.

Druk Yul

(In Detail)

National motto: None

Official language Dzongkha

Capital Thimphu

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Prime minister Lyonpo Jigme Thinley

Area
- Total
- % water Ranked 128th
47,000 km²
Negligible

Population
- Total (2002)
- Density Ranked 139th
2,094,176
45/km²

Independence
- Date From India
August 8, 1949

Currency Ngultrum

Time zone UTC +6

National anthem Druk tsendhen

Internet TLD .BT

Calling Code 975

History

Main article: History of Bhutan

A Buddhist theocracy was established in Bhutan in the early 17th century. The area, historically close to Tibet to the north, came under the influence of the British in India during the 19th century and a protectorate was established in 1910, with Britain assuming control of foreign affairs, but refraining from interference in internal affairs.

After India itself became independent in 1947 it in turn assumed this role and granted independence to Bhutan in 1949, though it retains a protective role. The current monarchy, originally established in 1907 adopted a policy of driving out non-native Bhutanese, which has caused approximately 100,000 Nepalese and Indians to flee to neighbouring countries.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Bhutan

Head of state is the King or Druk Gyalpo, presently Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Although his title is hereditary, he can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote from the parliament, the unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu. This body has 154 seats, and is composed of locally elected town representatives (105), religious representatives (12) and members nominated by the king (37), all of whom serve a three-year term.

In his executive work, the monarch is aided by a council of ministers or cabinet (Lhengye Shungtsog), with members appointed by the king, approved by the National Assembly, and serving fixed, five-year terms.

Districts

Main article: Districts of Bhutan

Bhutan is divided into 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural):

Bumthang
Chhukha
Chirang
Daga
Geylegphug
Ha
Lhuntshi
Mongar
Paro
Pemagatsel
Punakha
Samchi
Samdrup Jongkhar
Shemgang
Tashigang
Thimphu
Tongsa
Wangdi Phodrang

Geography

Main article: Geography of Bhutan

Bhutan is a very mountainous and landlocked nation, situated within the eastern Himalayas. Mountain peaks in the north reach up to over 7,000 m, the highest point being the Kula Kangri at 7,553 m. The southern part of the country has a lower altitude, and contains several fertile and densely forested valleys that flow down into the Brahmaputra river in India.

The majority of the population lives in the central highlands. The country's largest city, the capital Thimphu (population 27,000), is located in the western part of these highlands. The local climate varies from tropical in the south to cool winters and hot summers in the central valleys, with severe winters and cool summers occurring in the Himalayas.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bhutan

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood for more than 90% 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. 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 labour. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources.

Model education, social, and environment programmes in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development organisations, always taking Bhutan's wish for preservation of its traditions into account. The government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare, though detailed controls and uncertain policies in many areas continue to hamper foreign investment. Major hydroelectric projects will lead expansion of GDP in 2002 by an estimated 6%.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bhutan

About half of the population are indigenous Bhutanese, known as the Ngalop or Bothe, who are closely related to Tibetan tribes. Major ethnic groups are the Lhotshampa, who originate from Nepal, and the Sharchop (from Assam). While Dzongkha is the official language, many local dialects are spoken in remote mountain villages, some with only a few speakers.

The official religion of Bhutan is the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which is adhered to by about three quarters of the population. A quarter of the Bhutanese are Hindus.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most secluded nations in the world, and access for foreigners is restricted to certain areas, although these are expanding. Most of the population lives in small rural villages, and supports itself through agriculture, growing crops or breeding yaks. Buddhist religion forms an important part of life.

Archery is Bhutan's national sport, with traditional competitions being held regularly in most villages. Characteristic for the region is a type of fortress known as Dzong architecture.

See also:

Music of Bhutan

Miscellaneous topics

Communications in Bhutan
Transportation in Bhutan
Military of Bhutan

External Links

Kingdom of Bhutan - Official tourism bureau site
Journal of Bhutan Studies - Information on Bhutan
http://www.geocities.com/bhutanese_christians
http://www.geocities.com/bhutanwomen/

Countries of the world | Asia

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "Bhutan."

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Crosswords: Bhutan

English words defined with "Bhutan": Bhutanese, Bhutanese monetary unit, Bhutani ♦ Himalayish ♦ Kingdom of Bhutan ♦ ngultrum ♦ Sikkim. (references)

Specialty definitions using "Bhutan": bt. (references)

Non-English Usage: "Bhutan" is also a word in the following languages with English translations in parentheses.

German (Bhutan, Bhutan (bt)), Swedish (Bhutan).

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Commercial Usage: Bhutan

Domain	Title
References	A Strategic Profile of Bhutan,1999 edition (reference) The 2001 Bhutan Economic and Product Market Databook (reference) The 2002 Import Potential of Bhutan (reference) The 2002 Export Competitiveness of Bhutan (reference) The 2003 Import Potential of Bhutan (reference) (more reference examples)

Books	A Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives (reference) Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan (reference) Bhutan (reference) Fodor's Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan (Fodor's Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan) (reference) In His Majesty's Civil Service: And Other Contemporary Tales of the Kingdom of Bhutan (reference) (more book examples)

Theater & Movies	Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon (reference) Bhutan, Land Of The Thunder Dragon (reference) (more DVD examples; more video examples)

Music	Tibetan Buddhist Rites From The Monasteries Of Bhutan [BOX SET] (reference) (more classical music examples; more popular music examples)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

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Image Slideshow: Bhutan

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Non-Fiction Usage: Bhutan

Subject	Topic	Quote
Civil Liberties	Nepal	There are approximately 101,000 ethnic Nepali refugees from Bhutan in UNHCR-administered camps in the eastern region of the country. (references)
	Nepal	In 1993 the Government and the Government of Bhutan formed a joint committee and began bilateral talks to resolve the refugee problem. (references)
	Bhutan	So invariable was this policy that Tibetan leaders advised refugees not to use routes of escape through Bhutan, and refugees have not done so for several years. (references)
Economic History	India	Its members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. (references)
	Bangladesh	Supplies come from India (the dominant and cheapest source due to its proximity), Bhutan, and Pakistan. (references)
	Bangladesh	Bangladesh maintains friendly relations with Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and strongly opposed the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. (references)
Human Rights	Nepal	On September 9, B.K. Budhathoki, the exiled ethnic-Nepali leader of the Bhutan People's Party, was stabbed to death in Damak in the east. (references)
	Bhutan	There were no peaceful protest marches from India to Bhutan during the year, perhaps due to fear of arrests and deportation, as occurred in previous years after such marches. (references)
	Bhutan	Pulami reportedly was a member of the Youth Organization of Bhutan (the youth wing of the banned Bhutan People's Party) and had gone to the country to check on the internal resettlement of non-Nepalese to the south. (references)
Minorities	Bhutan	Since 1994 there has been a series of negotiations between Nepal and Bhutan to resolve the Bhutanese refugee problem. (references)
	Bhutan	In 1996, 1998, and 1999, refugees held a series of "peace marches" from Nepal to Bhutan to assert their right to return to Bhutan. (references)
	Bhutan	The protests were led by the Bhutan Peoples' Party (BPP), which advocated full citizenship rights for ethnic Nepalese and for democratic reforms. (references)
Political Economy	Bhutan	In recent years, Bhutan has adopted some measures to increase the power of the National Assembly. (references)
	Bhutan	Bhutan is ruled by a hereditary monarch, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who governs with the support of a National Assembly and a Council of Ministers. (references)
	Bhutan	The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), assisted by the Royal Bhutan Army (including those assigned to the Royal Body Guard), and a national militia maintain internal security. (references)
Political Rights	Bhutan	The procedures for the nomination and election of National Assembly members state that in order to be eligible for nomination as a candidate, a person must be a citizen of Bhutan; be at least 25 years of age; not be married to a foreign national; not have been terminated or compulsorily retired for misconduct from government service; not have committed any act of treason against the King, the populace, and country; have no criminal record or any criminal case pending against him; have respect for the nation's laws; and be able to read and write in Dzongkha (the language, in several dialects, spoken by Bhutanese Buddhists). (references)
Trade	Pakistan	The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is comprised of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. (references)
	Nepal	Under its terms, the seven SAARC nations (Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) have pledged to cut tariff rates on a product-by-product basis. (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from ICON Group International, Inc.; see credits.

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Usage Frequency: Bhutan

"Bhutan" is generally used as a noun (proper) -- approximately 100.00% of the time. "Bhutan" is used about 55 times out of a sample of 100 million words spoken or written in English. Its rank is based on over 700,000 words used in the English language. Some parts-of-speech are not covered due to the samples used by the British National Corpus. (note: percents less than one-hundredth of one percent have been omitted)

Parts of Speech	Percent	Usage per 100 Million Words	Rank in English
Noun (proper)	100%	55	45,713

Source: compiled by the editor from several corpora; see credits.

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Expression: Bhutan

Expression using "Bhutan": kingdom of Bhutan. Additional references.
Hypenated Usage
	Ending with "Bhutan": anti-bhutan.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

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Frequency of Internet Keywords: Bhutan

The following statistics estimate the number of searches per day across the major English-language search engines as identified by various trade publications. Hyperlinks lead to commercial use of the expression at Amazon.com.

Expression	Frequency per Day	Expression	Frequency per Day
bhutan	559	traveling to bhutan in april	6
bhutan thimphu	56	bhutan flag	6
bhutan paro	30	bhutan key	6
bhutan hotel	30	tour company in bhutan	6
bhutan capital	23	government bhutan	5
travel to bhutan	23	bhutan economy	5
tour company bhutan	21	trekking in bhutan	5
bhutan map	15	bhutan services travel	4
bhutan stamp	12	bhutan and himalayas	4
bhutan tour	12	bhutan religion	4
bhutan trekking	12	jumolhari trek in bhutan	4
tour bhutan and himalayas	10	bhutan king	3
bhutan picture	9	bhutan guide tour	3
bhutan travel information	7	kingdom of bhutan	3
touring and trekking in bhutan	7	bhutan family royal	3
tour rate for bhutan	7	bhutan butterfly glory	3
traveling to bhutan in summer	7	bhutan photo	3
bhutan news	6	bhutan tour trek	3
bhutan tourism	6	bhutan culture	3
bhutan history	6	bhutan missions	3
		bhutan partnerships strategic	3
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

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Modern Translations: Bhutan

Language		Translations for "Bhutan"; alternative meanings/domain in parentheses.
Chinese		不丹 . (various references)

Danish		Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan), kongeriget Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Dutch		Bhoetan (The Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Esperanto		Butano. (various references)

Finnish		Bhutanin kuningaskunta (Kingdom of Bhutan), Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

French		Bhoutan (The Kingdom of Bhutan), Le Royaume du Bhoutan (Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan), le Bhoutan (Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

German		Bhutan (Bhutan (bt), Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Greek		Μπουτάν (Kingdom of Bhutan), �'ασίλειο του Μπουτάν (Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Italian		Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan), Regno del Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Korean		부탄 (Butane). (various references)

Manx		Yn Vootaan. (various references)

Pig Latin		utanbhay

Portuguese		Butão (button, Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Russian		Бутан. (various references)

Spanish		Bután (Kingdom of Bhutan), Reino de Bután (Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)

Swedish		Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan). (various references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various translation references.

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Misspellings: Bhutan

Misspellings
	"Bhutan" is suggested in spellcheckers for the following: Bahktin, Behistun, Bhakthan, bhatain, Bhatia, Bhavan, Bhawan, Bhishma, Bhiwani, Bhoodan, Bhowani, Bhuban, Bhuchar, Bhusan, Bhuvan, Blu-tak, Bukan, Bustan, Buthal, Dhuqan, Ghuta, Hutin. (additional references)
Source: compiled by the editor, based on several corpora (additional references).

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Anagrams: Bhutan

Scrabble® Enable2K-Verified Anagrams
	Words within the letters "a-b-h-n-t-u"
	-1 letter: haunt, tabun, unhat.
	-2 letters: abut, aunt, baht, bath, bhut, bunt, habu, hant, haut, hunt, tabu, than, tuba, tuna.
	-3 letters: ant, bah, ban, bat, bun, but, hat, hub, hun, hut, nab, nah, nth, nub, nut, tab, tan, tau, tub, tun, uta.
	-4 letters: ab, ah, an, at, ba, ha, na, nu, ta, uh, un, ut.
	Words containing the letters "a-b-h-n-t-u"
	+1 letter: sunbath.
	+2 letters: autobahn, huntable, sunbathe, sunbaths, unbathed.
	+3 letters: autobahns, heartburn, sunbathed, sunbather, sunbathes, thumbnail.
	+4 letters: ambushment, autobahnen, earthbound, heartburns, paintbrush, subtrahend, sunbathers, sunbathing, thumbnails.
	+5 letters: ambushments, badmouthing, bequeathing, habituating, habituation, subtrahends, uncatchable, uninhabited, unmatchable, unteachable, unthinkable, unthinkably, untouchable, unwatchable.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro.