Bhutan is a small, beautiful country. It has tall mountains, clear rivers, and kind people. It is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon because storms echo loudly in the mountains. Even though Bhutan is small, it is full of nature, culture, and peaceful traditions. Let’s explore this special country and learn what makes it unique.

Bhutan: Location and Size of

Bhutan is located in South Asia. It sits between two very big countries, India and China. It has no sea around it, so it is called a landlocked country. Bhutan covers about 38,394 square kilometers. Even though it is not very large, its land is full of steep mountains, deep valleys, and thick forests. The high mountains protect the country and keep its traditions strong. Many people love Bhutan because it feels calm and untouched.

Geography of Bhutan

Bhutan’s geography is very interesting. Most of the country is covered by the Himalayan Mountains. These mountains stretch across the northern part of Bhutan and are some of the highest in the world. The middle part of the country has green valleys where people live and farm. The southern part has warm plains and forests with many animals and birds. Because of the different heights, the weather changes quickly. Some areas are cold and snowy, while others are warm and sunny.

More than half of Bhutan is covered with forests. The government protects nature carefully, so the land stays clean and healthy. Bhutan is known for its fresh air, green hills, and peaceful villages.

Rivers and Mountains

Bhutan has many fast and strong rivers that flow from the mountains. Rivers like the Wang Chhu, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu, and Drangme Chhu are very important. They provide water for farming, fishing, and daily use. These rivers also create beautiful valleys and help generate electricity through hydropower. Hydropower energy is one of Bhutan’s biggest strengths.

The mountains in Bhutan are very tall. Some of them are covered with snow all year. The highest mountain is Gangkhar Puensum, which is more than 7,500 meters tall. It is one of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. Climbing is not allowed to protect the land and its spirits. The mountains of Bhutan create a magical view. They also protect the forests and wildlife.

Population

Bhutan has a small population of about 800,000 people. Most people live in small towns and villages in the valleys. The capital city is Thimphu. It is one of the few capital cities in the world without traffic lights. People in Bhutan live simple and peaceful lives. Families are close and help each other. Many homes are built in a traditional style with bright colors and wooden designs.

Demographics

The people of Bhutan come from different ethnic groups. The main groups include the Ngalops, who live mostly in the west, and the Sharchops, who live in the east. There is also another group called the Lhotshampas, who mainly live in the south. Even though they come from different groups, people in Bhutan live together with respect.

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. English is also used in schools and offices. Many people speak more than one language because each region has its own local languages.

Most people in Bhutan follow Buddhism. Temples, prayer flags, and monasteries can be seen everywhere. These places bring peace and teach people to be kind, honest, and calm. Religion plays a big part in daily life and festivals.

Economy

Bhutan’s economy is small but growing. The country earns money from farming, tourism, and hydropower energy. Farmers grow rice, maize, potatoes, apples, and oranges. Many families take care of yaks, cows, and sheep in the mountains.

Hydropower is one of Bhutan’s biggest sources of income. The rivers help produce clean energy, which is sold to nearby countries. Tourism is also very important. Visitors come to Bhutan to see its mountains, temples, and peaceful lifestyle. The government limits the number of tourists each year. This helps protect nature and culture.

Trade

Bhutan trades many goods with other countries. It sells electricity, fruits, handicrafts, spices, and wooden items. It buys fuel, machines, clothes, and food items that its people need. Trade helps Bhutan grow even though it is a small country.

Neighbouring Countries

Bhutan has two neighboring countries. India lies to the south, east, and west. China lies to the north. These countries are much bigger than Bhutan. Bhutan has strong ties with India and works with it for trade, energy, and transport. Bhutan and China share a long history and continue to talk about land borders. Even though Bhutan is small, it maintains its own identity proudly.

International Relations

Bhutan is known for its peaceful foreign policy. It does not interfere in other countries’ problems. It collaborates with the United Nations and other global organizations. Its goal is to promote peace, education, and health. Bhutan is known for its Gross National Happiness. This means the country values people’s joy over money. This idea has inspired many other nations.

Tourist Spot

Bhutan has many wonderful places to visit. One of the most famous is Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a temple built on a cliff. It looks like it is hanging in the sky. People hike up to see the amazing view.

Punakha Dzong is another beautiful place. It is a grand building with white walls and red roofs. It sits near the river and is popular during festivals.

Visitors enjoy Thimphu, the capital. They can explore markets, visit museums, and watch traditional dances. The valleys of Paro, Bumthang, and Haa are lush with green fields. You will find old temples and friendly villages there, too.

Interesting Facts

• Bhutan measures progress by happiness, not money.

• There are no traffic lights in the capital, Thimphu.

• Gangkhar Puensum is one of the tallest unclimbed mountains on Earth.

• The country protects nature so much that more than half of the land is forest.

• Bhutan was never colonized by any foreign country.

• People wear traditional clothes daily. Men wear gho, and women wear kira.

• Smoking is banned in public places.

Bhutan is a small country, but it shines brightly with nature, culture, and peace. It is a place where people value kindness, respect, and joy.

Watch Video on YouTube: The Geography of Bhutan

The Geography of Bhutan