Bhutan
Bhutan - Forest State
Bhutan is located to the south of the eastern Himalayas and is also
known as the Kingdom of Bhutan. It covers an area of 38 square
kilometers and has a population of 810,000, 65% of whom are of the
Bhutan family. The others are Nepalese. Bhutan's official language
is "were long," and Tibetan Buddhism is the national religion. The
currency is Nuzha Mu. The capital is Thimphu (thimbu).
National Flag
The flag consists of two triangles, while at the center is a White
Dragon. Orange symbolizes the power of the king. The "Dragon" is
both a symbol of state power and also the country's name (Dragon of
the country). White is a symbol of loyalty and purity.
History
Since the 7th century, the Tibetan dynasty has had possession,
becoming an independent tribe in the 9th century. In the 12th
century, a religious and political entity formed. The British
invaded in the late 18th century. TThe Kingdom of Bhutan was
established in 1907. In January 1910, with the signing of the United
Kingdom's "Punakha Treaty," Bhutan accepted the provisions of
British "guidance" in foreign relations. After India's independence,
in August 1949 India signed with Bhutan "a permanent peace and
friendship treaty," Bhutan accepting the provisions of Indian
"guidance" in foreign relations. After 1961, Bhutan's King has, on
many occasions, maintain his country's sovereignty and independence.
In 1971, Bhutan joined the United Nations, and became in 1975 a
member of the Non-Aligned Movement. IIn 1985, Bhutan became a member
of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Economic and Cultural Customs
Bhutan is economically backward, with main industries of agriculture
and forestry. Main crops include rice, barley, and maize. The
country ranks first in the world in forest cover, at 71%. Main tree
species are Baltic Tree, oak, pine, fir, spruce, and birch. Valley
soil and climate are suitable for growing fruit trees, and the
country is rich in a variety of temperate and subtropical fruits, as
well as the famous wooden flowers.
Bhutanese people still retain a vibrant, dramatic interpretation
of classical religious dance. Lamaism is the state religion, with
Lamas presiding over worship, weddings, and funerals. Each has a
shrine for prayer. Bhutanese men and women like to wear very
colorful clothing. Crow is the God of Bhutanand is therefore never
hurt. However, it is considered unlucky for crows to nest in the
houses of people, so there are many uninhabited houses in Bhutan.
Bhutanese stamps are produced in Singapore, Japan, France and other
countries. It has the world's first 3D stamps, made of fine silk and
printed as thin as 0.025 mm.
Punakha, Bhutan's old capital, is located in the northwest, up
the Sangke Xi River. At an altitude of 1381 meters, it was built in
1577 and is said to be the biggest case of Bhutan. Lamaism is
sacred, and there is a magnificent palace within the castle. There
are also many temples and royal tombs.
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