| Local name: Druk Yul
- The Kingdom of Bhutan |
| Surface : 46,500
sq km (17,954 sq miles) - The Kingdom of Bhutan lies in
the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north the Indian
territories of Assam and West Bengal, to the south and east, and
Sikkim to the west. |
| Population : 1,951,965
(July 1999 est.) note: other estimates range as low as 600,000 |
| Electricity: 220
volts AC, 50Hz. |
| Climate: There
are four distinct seasons similiar in their divisions to those of
Western Europe. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the
temperature is normally between 8°-21°C (46°-70°F). Temperatures
drop dramatically with increases in altitude. Days are usually very
pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F) with clear skies and sunshine.
Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in
winter. Generally October, November and April to mid-June are the best
times to visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are
conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very
pleasant during the winter. |
| Visas: Visitors to Bhutan must
either be guests of the government or tourists. All tourists must
travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour. Independent
travel is not permitted. All visitors to Bhutan must have a visa
approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Those who have not had a
visa approved will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight to
Bhutan. A two-week visa costs US$20 and is stamped in your passport at
Paro Airport during the immigration process. Visas are approved and
issued prior to entry, with the prepayment of your travel itinerary.
Therefore visitors to Bhutan need to finalize their travel plans well
in advance. |
| Capital : Thimphu.
Population: 27,000 (1990) |
| System :
The form of government
in Bhutan is as unique as the country. It is the only Democratic
Theocracy in the world. |
| Languages : Dzongkha, Bhotes speak various Tibetan
dialects; Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects |
| Religions :
Bhutan is the only country in the world to retain the Tantric form of
Mahayana Buddhism (Drukpa Kagyu) as its official religion. |
| Money : ngultrum (Nu) - 1
Ngultrum (NU) = 100 chetrum (Ch). |
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| Country |
| Tour
Operators |
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+ 6 |
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