What is a Bhutan?
any foreigners ask about Bhutan in a way the country doesn’t belong to the normal order of peoples and nations. And, in a way, they are right. Bhutan is amazingly different.
This tiny Buddhist kingdom located in the eastern Himalayas continues to fascinate many travellers with its unspoiled natural beauty, wonderful art and architecture, ancient culture and traditions, and out-of-the-world tales of digressive Buddhist masters.
Bhutan indeed is the last of the ancient Buddhist kingdoms on earth.
The country has 20 districts with Thimphu as the capital city. Each district has a strategically located fortress (locally called Dzong) used for local and central administration. In the past, these fortresses were also used as military outposts to avert and counter Tibetan invasions.
Bhutan continues to practice the dual system of governance. The Dzong houses both secular and the spiritual wings, headed by an administrator and a Buddhist priest respectively. For example, the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu hosts offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo (Head Priest) of the Central Monastic Body.
Buddhism is the main religion in Bhutan. Archery is Bhutan’s national game and the sport is played with much fun and gusto with men shooting bows and arrows and women singing and dancing alongside.
Bhutan has about four major languages spoken in different parts of the country. Dzongkha is the national language but English is used widely as a medium of communication in schools and offices.
