About BHUTAN
 
															Introduction
The Kingdom of Bhutan, with its modest area of 38,394 square kilometers, is a testament to the power of resilience and independence. Situated in South Asia, this tiny nation is sandwiched between China and India, two of the world’s most populous countries, yet it has managed to maintain its sovereignty and distinct identity. Bhutan’s diverse landscape is characterized by towering mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 meters to 7,326 meters, and an impressive 70% of its land under forest cover. This mountainous country is relatively compact, measuring 150 kilometers from north to south and 300 kilometers from east to west. As the world’s last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan is steeped in rich cultural heritage and tradition. In 2008, the country took a significant step towards democracy, with its first parliamentary elections, a gift from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Today, Bhutan’s economy is driven primarily by tourism and hydropower, with a notable GDP growth rate of 5.5% in 2019. As a nation that prioritizes Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide, earning its reputation as the “last Shangri-La”.




- Capital: Thimphu Population: 750,000
- National language: Dzongkha
- Currency: Ngultrum (Nu), where 1 USD is about Nu 82.86
- Country code: +975
- National sport: Archery
- National Dress: Men (Gho) Women (kira)

NATIONAL FLAG
Divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner to the upper fly-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange, with a white dragon holding four jewels in its claws cantered along the dividing line and facing away from the hoist.

EMBLEM - ROYAL CREST
Druk Khatap or the Royal Crest of Bhutan has two dragons with a thunderbolt in the centre. It is the official seal and the National Emblem of Bhutan.

TREE - CYPRESS
The National Tree of Bhutan is locally known as 'Tsenden. It is also referred to as Bhutan Cypress or Himalayan Cypress.

FLOWER - BLUE POPPY
The National Flower of Bhutan, is known locally as Euitgel Metog Hoem: Its biological name is Meconopsis grandis.

DRESS - KIRA & GHO
The 'Gho is the National Dress for men in Bhutan. National dress for Bhutanese women is Kira.

BIRD - RAVEN
The Raven is Bhutan's National Bird. It represents one of the most powerful deities of the country, Jarog Dongchen. Raven is thus known in the local language as 'Jarog.

ANIMAL - TAKIN
The Takin has been chosen as the National Animal because it is unique, rare and native to Bhutan.It is closely associated to religious history and mythology of the country.

SPORT - ARCHERY
It is a sport played by men; but women do participate in this festival by dancing; accompanying the game and supporting their teams.
FESTIVAL DATES 2024
| Festival Name | Festival Location | Festival Date | 
| Lhamoi Dromche | Trongsa | Feb 15-17 | 
| Punakha Drupchen | Punakha | Feb 16-18 | 
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 19-21 | 
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | 
Chumi,Bumthang
 | Feb 24 | 
| Tangsibi Mani | 
Ura,Bumthang
 | Feb 24-26 | 
| Bhutan International Marathon | 
Annual Event Organised
 | Mar 5 | 
| Gomphukora | Trashigang | Mar 17-19 | 
| Talo Tshechu | Talo,Punakha | Mar 17-19 | 
| Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Mar 17-19 | 
| Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Mar 17-19 | 
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | Mar 21-25 | 
| Chhorten Kora | Trashiyangtse | Mar 25 & April 8 | 
| Rhododendron festival | Lampelri Botanical Garden,Dochula | April 19-21 | 
| Domkhar Tshechu | Chumi,Bumthang | April 18-20 | 
| Ura Yakchoe | Ura,Bumthang | April 20-24 | 
| Nimalung Tshechu | Chumi,Bumthang | June 14-16 | 
| Kurjey Tshechu | Choekor,Bumthang | June 16 | 
| Haa Summer Festival | Haa | July 14-15 | 
| Mushroom festival | Genekha, Thimphu | Aug 15-16 | 
| Masutaki Mushroom festival | Ura,Bumthang | Aug 23-24 | 
| Tour of the Dragon-Bicycle Race | Bumthang-Thimphu | Sept 5 | 
| Thimphu Drupchen | Thimphu | Sep 8 | 
| Paro Dromche | Paro | Sep 10 | 
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangduephodrang | Sep 11-13 | 
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sep 12-14 | 
| Tamshing Phala Choepa | Tamshing,Bumthang | Sep 13-15 | 
| Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley | Sep 16-18 | 
| Thangbi Mani | Choekor,Bumthang | Sep 17-19 | 
| Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochang (Jhomolhari Base Camp) | Oct 14-15 | 
| Royal Highland festival | Oct 23-24 | |
| Chukha Tshechu | Chukha | Oct 10-12 | 
| Jakar Tshechu | Choekor,Bumthang | Oct 10-12 | 
| Jambhay Lhakhang Drup | Choekor,Bumthang | Oct 17-21 | 
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Chumi,Bumthang | Oct 18-20 | 
| Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Nov 3 | 
| Black Neckedl Crane festival | Phobjikha Valley | Nov 11 | 
| Goenpi Dromche | Trongsa | Nov 6-8 | 
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 9-11 | 
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 9-11 | 
| Jambhay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Nov 15 | 
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pema Gatshel | Nov 9-11 | 
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 15-17 | 
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula | Dec 13 | 
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 8-10 | 
| Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 8-10 | 
